MPAC GREETS BIN LADEN'S DEATH WITH SENSE OF RELIEF

(Washington, DC - 5/1/11) -- The Muslim Public Affairs Council tonight greeted the news of the death of Osama bin Laden with an immense sense of relief. This is a time when our country must  stand together, and turn the page on a decade of terror led by bin Laden and Al-Qaeda. MPAC also commends the service of  President Obama and his national security team, who have  made  bringing  bin Laden to justice a top priority.

SEE: President Barack Obama’s Speech: “Osama Bin Laden Is Dead”

"We hope this is a turning point away from the dark period of the last decade, in which bin Laden symbolized the evil face of global terrorism,” said MPAC President Salam Al-Marayati. “His actions and those of Al-Qaeda have violated the sacred Islamic teachings upholding the sanctity of all human life. His acts of senseless terror have been met with moral outrage by Muslims worldwide at every turn in the past decade."

The mastermind of the 9/11 terror attacks and the founder of Al-Qaeda, bin Laden represented the global menacing face of violent extremism and his death represents a defining moment in the fight against terrorism.

"We support President Obama’s statement that bin Laden was 'not a Muslim leader, he was a mass murderer of Muslims,'" said MPAC Senior Adviser Dr. Maher Hathout. "We stand together with all Americans and all peace-loving people around the world in remaining vigilant against any and all threats against our country."

In light of the widespread democratic protests sweeping the Middle East which have demonstrated the power and effectiveness of peaceful protests to enact political change and realize the aspirations of the people, bin Laden and Al-Qaeda's pro-violence messages have been exposed as bankrupt and misguided.

Founded in 1988, MPAC is an American institution which informs and shapes public opinion and policy by serving as a trusted resource to decision makers in government, media and policy institutions. MPAC is also committed to developing leaders with the purpose of enhancing the political and civic participation of American Muslims.

[CONTACT: Marium Mohiuddin,             323-258-6722 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            323-258-6722      end_of_the_skype_highlighting      , marium@mpac.org]

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