Latest news with #Muslim-American
Daily News Egypt
04-08-2025
- Politics
- Daily News Egypt
More US Democrats urge Trump administration to recognise Palestinian state
More than a dozen Democratic members of the US House of Representatives have signed a letter urging the Trump administration to recognise a Palestinian state, while at least one member plans to introduce a resolution supporting the move, Axios has reported. Representatives Chellie Pingree, Nydia Velázquez and Jim McGovern were the latest to sign the letter, which is being led by Representative Ro Khanna. They join nine previous signatories: Greg Casar, Lloyd Doggett, Veronica Escobar, Maxwell Frost, Al Green, Jared Huffman, Mark Pocan and Bonnie Watson Coleman. Representative André Carson, one of three Muslim-American members of Congress, has also signed the letter. According to Axios, the number of Democrats who have now signed is almost triple the number who co-sponsored a 2023 resolution from Rep. Green which affirmed 'the right of the state of Palestine to exist'. Al Green stated that he intends to re-introduce a resolution in Congress affirming Palestine's right to exist, but still needs to consult with staff on its specific wording. In their letter, the lawmakers pointed to French President Emmanuel Macron's recent pledge to recognise a Palestinian state at the United Nations meeting scheduled for September, a move that was heavily criticised by senior Republicans. 'We encourage the governments of other countries that have not yet recognised the state of Palestine, including the United States, to follow suit,' they wrote in the letter. Pro-Palestinian initiatives Khanna said he 'just started public outreach last week on the letter and the response has been overwhelming,' noting that more than 147 countries have recognised a Palestinian state. 'We cannot be in isolation from the rest of the free world,' he said. In a statement, Watson Coleman said: 'If we are to see an end to the war and famine in Gaza and the return of the hostages, the recognition of a Palestinian state, conditioned on the disarmament of Hamas and security guarantees for both Israel and Palestine, must be part of this process.' Lawmakers told Axios they expect similar pro-Palestinian initiatives in the coming weeks and months in response to the deteriorating conditions in Gaza. 'As you know, there will be initiatives,' one House Democrat said, noting that the situation in the region is 'so horrific you just can't ignore it.' Trump's plan The letter comes amid growing international recognition of a Palestinian state, notably from France, Britain and Canada. Even some staunchly pro-Israel Republicans and Democrats in the House have escalated their criticism of Israeli leadership in recent weeks in response to mounting evidence of famine in Gaza. The humanitarian crisis has highlighted the long-standing need to recognise the Palestinian right to self-determination. However, the United States is unlikely to follow suit, as the Trump administration has positioned the US as a close ally of Israel and its Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. Even so, Trump has appeared to shift his tone in recent days, saying in press remarks that he is working on a plan to 'provide food' in Gaza, after questioning claims by Netanyahu that there was no famine there. 'We want to help people. We want to help them live; we want to feed them. It's something that should have happened a long time ago,' Trump said. The US President said he had spoken to his Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, who on Friday visited a US-backed aid distribution site in the Gaza Strip run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), CNN reported. Operations at GHF sites have seen violence and chaos, including incidents where Israeli forces have opened fire on Palestinians. Israel has killed more than 1,383 Palestinians awaiting aid near food distribution points guarded by its troops. The United Nations and other humanitarian organisations have refused to work with the GHF, questioning its neutrality and criticising its new distribution system, saying it militarises the delivery of aid and forces Palestinians to be displaced.
Memri
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Memri
Political Strategist Mohamed Gula on Emgage's Endorsement of Rep. Gerry Connolly: 'After He Started to Talk in a Way We Wanted Him to Talk,' We Endorsed Him; He Asked Us to Frame His Response to Octob
Muslim-American political strategist Mohamed Gula, National Organizing Director of Emgage and co-founder of the Virginia Muslim Chamber of Commerce, was interviewed in the June 18, 2025 episode of the Ansari Podcast, hosted by Mahmoud Ansari. In the interview, Gula discussed how his organization developed a relationship with the late Congressman Gerry Connolly (VA-D) and influenced his political positions. 'He started to talk in a way we wanted him to talk – 2022 came and we endorsed him,' Gula said. Gula also revealed that Connolly approached Emgage for assistance in framing his public statements following the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led massacres in southern Israel. According to Gula, Emgage's condition for endorsing Connolly was that he reject any endorsement or funding from AIPAC and have no affiliation with the Democratic Majority for Israel advocacy group. Emgage is a U.S.-based Muslim civic engagement organization focused on voter mobilization, political advocacy, and leadership development.
News18
21-06-2025
- Business
- News18
Who Is Sajid Tarar, Pakistani-American Businessman Who Brokered Trump–Asim Munir White House Lunch?
Last Updated: A vocal supporter of Donald Trump since 2016, Tarar founded The American Muslims for Trump, and is known for advocating conservative values within the Muslim-American community A rare private lunch between US President Donald Trump and Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir, in the prestigious White House Cabinet Room dominated global headlines this week. According to Firstpost, this was only the second time in over two decades that a Pakistani military chief was hosted at such a level in Washington—the first being General Pervez Musharraf after the 9/11 attacks. As Trump discussed regional politics, the Isarel-Iran conflict and defence technology with Munir, there was buzz over who had been able to broker the high-level luncheon. Reports now suggest that it was Sajid Tarar, a Pakistani-American businessman, who orchestrated Munir's invitation during the latter's five-day US visit to strengthen bilateral ties. WHO IS SAJID TARAR? The businessman is a lawyer, activist, and Republican political figure based in Baltimore. Born in Mandi Bahauddin, Punjab, Pakistan, Tarar immigrated to the US in the 1980s–90s, studied law at the University of Baltimore, and became a US citizen. He runs multiple business interests and serves as President of Maximus Investment Group, dealing in finance and real estate. He's also the CEO of the Center for Social Change, a Baltimore-based non-profit focused on community programmes and social services. A vocal supporter of Donald Trump since 2016, he founded The American Muslims for Trump, and has spoken at Republican National Conventions and is known for advocating conservative values within the Muslim American community. He served as an advisor to Trump on Muslim‑American engagement and frequently appeared in conservative media defending the administration's policies. According to Times of India and Firstpost, Tarar's influence in Republican circles extends beyond political rhetoric. His son reportedly worked at the US State Department during Trump's first term, further signaling his integration into Washington's conservative establishment. He also advocates for improved India–Pakistan relations and has, in the past, praised PM Narendra Modi and encouraged regional peace initiatives. While the meeting made headlines for its setting, it also stirred controversy in Pakistan. As Moneycontrol and Economic Times point out, there was no official representation from Pakistan's civilian government. This raises concerns about the military conducting parallel diplomacy—a long-standing criticism in Pakistan's power structure. The fact that a private individual like Tarar could facilitate such a high-level engagement without the Foreign Office being involved has unsettled parts of Islamabad's civilian leadership. WHAT HAPPENED IN THE MEETING? According to top diplomatic sources in Washington, Trump laid out a series of sweeping demands and bold offers aimed at reshaping the regional power balance during the lunch meeting. Trump has reportedly asked Pakistan for unconditional military and strategic support, including access to air bases, ground logistics, and potentially sea routes—making Pakistan a critical player in any upcoming military theatre. In return, Trump has promised Pakistan unprecedented access to American defence technology—including 5th-generation stealth jets and advanced missile systems—along with significant financial aid. Trump reportedly urged Munir to 'distance Pakistan from Eastern blocs," including BRICS, and instead re-join the US-led security framework. The Trump–Munir meeting comes amid shifting global alliances, ongoing unrest in West Asia, and a changing power dynamic in South Asia. As reported by Moneycontrol, this private diplomacy could signal a future alignment where military figures bypass diplomats. With his increasing involvement in geopolitical dialogues, Sajid Tarar may be shaping a new model of diaspora-driven diplomacy—one that sidesteps traditional gatekeepers in both Washington and Islamabad. First Published:
Axios
18-06-2025
- Politics
- Axios
Ghazala Hashmi set to face John Reid for Virginia lieutenant governor
Former Richmond mayor Levar Stoney conceded the lieutenant governor race to State Sen. Ghazala Hashmi Wednesday morning. Why it matters: Both the GOP and Democratic ballots in November are now set to be among the most historically diverse tickets in Virginia history. The latest: The AP called the race for Hashmi Wednesday morning after Stoney's concession. "I'm incredibly proud of the campaign we ran and the many Virginians who supported our efforts to fight for a fair shot for all Virginians," Stoney said in a statement. "Unfortunately, in this primary we came up a little short." Hours before he conceded, the Democratic state ticket issued a statement saying, "We are united in our focus on the issues that matter to our fellow Virginians." Zoom in: If Hashmi wins in November, she'll be the first Muslim-American woman elected lieutenant governor in the U.S. Former Norfolk lawmaker Jay Jones won the Democratic nomination for attorney general, per the AP, which means Virginia could have its first Black AG. Meanwhile, having Virginia's first woman governor is all but guaranteed with Republican nominee Winsome Earle-Sears up against Democrat Abigail Spanberger. Jason Miyares, the GOP incumbent running for AG, is the first Latino to hold statewide office. And the Republican lieutenant governor nominee John Reid, a former Richmond-area radio host, is the first openly gay statewide nominee. By the numbers: Hashmi and Levar Stoney were within 1% of each other as of Wednesday morning. Hashmi, who represents Chesterfield and parts of South Richmond, swept Richmond — the city Stoney was mayor of for eight years — with 58% of the vote, according to unofficial results. Stoney performed better in Chesterfield and Henrico, where he had around 35% of the vote in a six-way race, than he did in Richmond. But Hashmi led overall in the Richmond area. What we're watching: When each ticket will first show up together.
Epoch Times
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Epoch Times
Boston City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson Pleads Guilty to Federal Corruption Charges
Boston City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson pleaded guilty to federal charges of embezzling $7,000 in public funds on May 5 at the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts. The second-term city councilor was arrested by federal authorities in December 2024 and signed a plea agreement with prosecutors in April of this year. At the John Joseph Moakley U.S. Courthouse in Boston, District Judge Indira Talwani read charges and explained the defendant's rights to Fernandes Anderson, confirming that she understood the legal documents. When the clerk of the court asked whether Anderson pleaded guilty or not guilty, the 46-year-old defendant wept and answered, 'Guilty.' She is scheduled for sentencing on July 29. Anderson said she would resign from the city council after signing the plea agreement in April. Related Stories 5/2/2025 5/2/2025 After the plea hearing on Monday, she told reporters outside the courthouse that she will complete her transitional plan, and step down before her sentencing. 'District 7 doesn't deserve not to have a vote in the budget,' she said. Anderson was elected to the Boston City Council in 2021. According to the She was the first African immigrant and Muslim-American elected to the Boston City Council, representing District 7, consisting of Roxbury, Dorchester, Fenway, and part of the South End. She said that she was working on a 'District 7 workbook,' entailing every important policy and project in the district. 'From the beginning when I decided that I needed to agree to a plea, I have been planning, so as to make sure that my staff was ok, that my constituents were ok, for this is a softer landing, that my family, my children were secured and ok,' Anderson said. A Transaction in the Bathroom According to the indictment, Anderson hired a family member (Staff Member A) to her city councilor office in late 2022, at an annual salary of approximately $65,000. In November 2022, Anderson emailed a City of Boston employee regarding her hiring of the staff, falsely representing that she and the staff member were not related. In early May 2023, Anderson told Staff Member A, that she would give the staff member extra pay in the form of a large bonus, but that Staff Member A would have to give a portion of the bonus back to the defendant. Staff Member A agreed to the arrangement. On May 3, 2023, Anderson sent an email to a City of Boston employee, instructing the employee to process a bonus payment of $13,000 to Staff Member A. Staff Member A's bonus was more than twice as large as the total amount of all bonus payments to the city councilor's other staff combined. On May 26, 2023, Staff Member A deposited the bonus check. Later, at Anderson's instructions, the staff member made three separate withdrawals of the money. On June 9, 2023, Anderson and Staff Member A exchanged texts to arrange a meeting at a bathroom at the Boston City Hall, where Staff Member A would hand approximately $7,000 in cash to the city councilor. According to the U.S. District Attorney's The defendant has agreed to plead guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of theft concerning a program receiving federal funds. According to the plea agreement, the prosecutor agreed not to charge her with four other counts of wire fraud. The U.S. Attorney recommended sentencing the defendant to 12 months and one day incarceration, 36 months of supervised release, a restitution of $13,000, and a mandatory special assessment of $200.
