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Governor Perry’s Islam Connection

1 Sep 2011

The news of Governor Rick Perry jumping into the Republican nomination race for President, released a media tsunami that assaulted my brain. In no time at all, people came up with a long list of negatives about him. In a democracy, honest and thorough scrutiny of anyone’s records seeking a public office is not only the prerogative of the electorate, but it is its duty.

Being a lifelong critic of Islam, red flags popped up in my head at his purported cozy relationship with Islam and prompted me to look very closely at the governor’s record on this particular issue and at this specific time.

All kinds of worrisome thoughts flashed through my head. For one, I recalled another Republican Texas governor who became president and grew hoarse by so often shouting the mantra: Islam is a religion of peace. Is this another Texas Republican governor somehow beholden to oil interests, and the oil sheiks of Saudi Arabia? Is he really another for-purchase politician dispensing favors to the powers that be? In this case, are deep pocket Muslims hell-bent on furthering Islam by exploiting the vulnerabilities of democratic societies? Are his sympathies with Arabs and is he none too friendly toward Israel? I decided to strip my biases, look for facts and let them settle these issues.

The facts are that Perry has indeed had a cordial relationship with Muslims. Hundreds of thousands of Muslims live in the Lone Star State. And a governor is to serve every segment of the population in accordance with the law. I grant that. But, is Governor Perry being even-handed with Muslims, as he is expected to be, or is he favoring them?

He is reported to be particularly friendly with the Ismailis, a relatively small sect of Shi’a Islam. Is there something fishy about that? There are roughly twenty to thirty thousand Ismailis who live in Texas, a small percentage of the Muslims in the state. Besides, if Perry wanted to curry favor with Muslims, why would he hitch his wagon to the Ismailis? Ismailis are persecuted and castigated by major Islamic sects such as the Sunnis who rule Saudi Arabia and the Twelve Imamates Shi’a who run Iran.

The Ismailis are hardly a significant Islamic force, as compared to the other sects. They number around fifteen million in the world and are splintered into several sects. By far the largest of the Ismaili sects is the Nizari Ismaili with its followers adhering to dual loyalties. Their spiritual allegiance is to the Imam of the Time (Imam az Zaman) who is believed to be the interlocutor between Allah and the people. The position of the Imam az Zaman is hereditary from male to male, purportedly tracing back to Muhammad. Ismailis also owe allegiance to their countries as a fundamental obligation.

How militant and jihad-minded are the Ismailis, as compared to other sects of Islam? The Ismailis still hold to the notion of jihad, since the admonition is frequently stipulated in the Quran. They believe in what can be called “self-jihad,” battling the self to become a better Muslim, and “other-jihad,” which is warring against non-Muslims. Only the Imam az Zaman can proclaim the fatwa authorizing warring against others. Since they are a small Muslim minority and widely scattered in many countries, they are less likely to be able to wage any kind of violent campaign against others. Yet, the idea of “other-jihad” is still within their belief make-up, since it is nearly a pillar of Islam. Furthermore, the notion of “self-jihad” can also be problematic, if the individual believer molds himself into a “pious” type by adopting the numerous anti Non-Muslims provisions of the Quran.

Any and all sects of Islam operate on the basis of the Quran and its various derivations that one and all are inimical to liberty and are violence prone. In fairness to the Ismailis, it must be granted that they are less combative and Ummahist (international community of Islam) than other sects of Islam.

It is a fact that Perry, following the practice of a long line of other politicians such as Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and the late President John F. Kennedy, built a cordial relationship with the Aga Khan (Imam az Zaman) of the Ismailis.

Although Perry’s cordial relationship with the Ismailis is indeed true, it hardly warrants alarm. What is more disturbing is the claim, nearly all of it originating from one source, that Governor Perry is supported by CAIR.

Facts show the contrary. There are reports that CAIR, the Islamist organization, was upset for not being invited to Perry’s Response prayer event in Houston. CAIR has teamed up with the ACLU protesting the exclusion.

Another line of argument implying Perry’s Islamic leanings, if not an out and out supporter of it, pertains to inclusion of Islam in the state’s educational curriculum. I looked closely into that claim, because it is indeed a critical juncture where young minds can indeed be influenced.

The nuggets of the Muslim history curriculum Perry helped coordinate in Texas are summarized below. It says:

1-Countries of Western Civilization have secular governments, which means great toleration of cultural and religious differences.

2-Countries of Islamic Civilization for the most part either have religiously dominated governments or demands to make them more religious, which means less toleration of cultural and religious differences.

3-Muslims often lack respect for Western traditions and points of view. The Muslim relationship to the West is colored by the belief that Western beliefs [whether Christian or atheist] are defective and therefore inferior to Islam.

No matter how I tried, I couldn’t reach the conclusion that this inclusion promotes Islam or it is pro-Sharia. It seems that the mere fact that Islam is included in the curriculum represents supporting it.

And with regards to the concern that the education curriculum Perry promoted is pro-Arab and against Israel, the evidence is exactly the opposite. The lesson on Israel reads:

“Since the end of World War One Palestine had been under the control of Great Britain, who at first welcomed the hardworking Jewish settlers. They made the most of the harsh conditions, bringing economic success to an area that had for a very long time been poor. Arab natives also welcomed the newcomers. But as the number of Jewish settlers increased and their economic success contrasted sharply with the economic backwardness of the Palestinian Arabs, the Arab attitude began to change.

Immediately, all its Arab neighbors declared war on Israel. As a result of this war, the territory of Israel expanded somewhat, and many Arab citizens of Israel fled to a small corner of Israel called the Gaza Strip. The Arab states refused to admit these refugees, preferring them to stay there as a testimony to the evil of the Jewish state. They are still there. These Arabs began calling themselves Palestinians and demanding a state of their own.”

The bubbe meises are flying Rick Perry’s way fast and furious and from all directions. Here Alana Goodman’s commentary bats a big one down.

And Perry’s stance on other Islam issues speaks for itself. When Perry was questioned about building a mosque near ground-zero in New York, for instance, he said, “To build a mosque near Ground Zero would be insensitive to the victims and families of 9/11 and would make the healing process much more difficult for everyone that was touched by this tragedy. I’m a big believer in freedom of religion but believe it would be best for all involved to put the facility elsewhere. However, zoning is a local responsibility and as a staunch supporter of the 10th Amendment, I do not think the federal government should take steps to intercede or overrule the wishes of local residents. The citizens of New York City will decide the fate of this building.”

What about Perry’s support for Israel? After a trip to the area in 2007, the governor supported Texas’ divestment from companies that do business with Iran, a main supporter of Hamas. Also, the Texas-Israel Chamber of Commerce was created to help launch future commercial interests and solidify the strong business and cultural connections between Texas and Israel.

Governor Rick Perry was awarded the Defender of Jerusalem 2009 award during his trip when he also met with top Israeli political and academic leaders.

Unless someone can come up with solid evidence to the contrary, I feel relieved that Governor Perry is not an Islamophile, he is not even an Islamic apologist, and he can be entrusted with the responsibility of guarding our nation’s priceless heritage of liberty against the assaults of Islamic fascism.

Amil Imani is the author of a new book “Operation Persian Gulf.” Get your copy today.

73 Responses to “Governor Perry’s Islam Connection”

Amir Ismaili says:
March 27, 2012 at 6:55 am
Thanks for Share Amil I learned many things Thanks again
davidyeagley says:
September 11, 2011 at 9:03 pm
It seems that the “American Resistance” movement (against Islam, or the promulgation and triumph thereof) is not a united movement. The invasion of Islam has affected many Americans, in different ways, for different reasons. The “American Resistance” is not a political party, and not even a grass roots movement like the Tea Party. Should there be a national “American Resistance” movement or party, well-organized, unified, and effective? As is stands, those who resist are a collective buck-shot, and not a marksman’s bullet. Maybe we should all think about a nationally organized movement to resist the social and legal improprieties of Islam.
Kristen says:
September 11, 2011 at 3:28 pm
http://www.americanthinker.com/2011/09/the_real_perryaga_khan_curriculum_is_bad_for_children.html
To those who consider my comments both ludicrous and ridiculous: We have the above article and a known entity in Pamela Geller telling us that both Amil Imani, and other unmentioned scholars (Dr. Andrew Bostom, David Stein (she called him an Asshat in regard to this very issue)) because they see no danger in Governor Perry’s support of the Agha Khan, the head of a known sect of Islam that it somehow represents their own endorsement of Islam and inclusion in the Texas school curriculum, as well, and is also indicative of their underlying support…the entire notion is shear nonsense…(it’s both a false assertion and a false premise) and she in fact stated that this is her belief…and that not only does it represent an endorsement of the Governor of Texas, Rick Perry who somehow is an Islamic apologist but that these documenters of Islam also support this so-called whitewash of the ‘religion of peace’ within that curriculum and I’m the one that’s being ludicrous??? What is really ridiculous and provably wrong is that somehow all of these gentlemen who offered a different viewpoint on the Ismaili sect, an offshoot of Shi’a Islam and not the Texas school curriculum are personally attacked by both Robert Spencer & Pamela Geller in different articles …If you check your facts, both Robert Spencer and Pamela Geller have in the past been known friends and supporters of Amil Imani and have endorsed his books…and all of sudden Ms. Geller is attacking him?? You are the one demonstrating absurdity and a complete lack of knowledge, not I and you should be wondering why this is the case??…If you knew what were talking about, you should be asking questions, not attacking others for making equally valid points..and perhaps you should pursue a bit more research about Amil Imani and Dr. Bostom, among others who actually have done the research on this specific topic and have actual personal life experiences with Islam as in Mr. Imani’s case…I don’t see where either Ms. Geller or her friend Mr. Spencer meet either of these criteria..I can surmise the specifics: this remains a case of envy: that Pamela Geller doesn’t appear to want any opposition to her opinion even from an known expert…she intends on being the sole arbiter of what Islam is and isn’t…and is jealous of anyone presenting an alternate opinion and point of view..especially if it disagrees with hers on even these minor points..the point I am making is that she is wrong…and no one, I repeat, no one could be more against the advancement of Islam or Shari’a in the United States or anywhere else for that matter than Amil Imani and Andrew Bostom..and if anyone reads the hundreds of articles out there and the research these scholars have done, they would know that as well and ask questions themselves…so, the only answer left is, a case of sour grapes and jealousy and if anything, a personal jihad, if I may use the term on her part…to malign, impugn and denigrate someone who has actually done a significant amount of research for which it appears she wants sole credit..she may conceivably be doing the work of Islam and Shari’a if she continues down this path…to separate all of us (and we need to be together) by infighting…where any opposition will be reduced to nothing when we continue to fight amongst ourselves…she’s accomplishing that by sending out people who do nothing but divide us and spew nonsense in support of her one-sided personal beliefs…that she’s trying to take down Rick Perry is obvious…I don’t believe that’s what she’ll accomplish..I suspect all of this dissension is what the result will be…and Islam will win when that happens…I would offer a suggestion because I like and admire Ms. Geller enormously…she needs to stop finding reasons to formulate personal attacks…she is harming her own cause greatly by making it personal..many people are turning away from her because of it with these attacks in a number of these articles she’s been publishing lately… I view this with a great deal of sadness, because we all need to stand together, working to defeat not only the threat of Islam and Shari’a but the reality of it…Amil Imani & Andrew Bostom know this and do that with their own work…introducing enmity, discord and disagreement amongst ourselves only serves those who want to conquer us and it’s not the answer we need to destroy the scourge that is Islam
Gershon ben Binyamin says:
September 6, 2011 at 8:16 am
Of attacks against Gov. Rick Perry is rather comforting to a Conservative Jew like me. It tells me that the Leftwing Progressivist Democrats are frightened to death of this candidate.Their own candidate, BHO, has some kind of record to run with, eh? And how about that floundering around when he doesn’t have his teleprompter in sight? Sad, O so very sad. BHO is eminently beatable come 2012. And the GOP will likely be in strong control of BOTH Houses of Congress. Hmmmmmmmm…
Malka says:
September 6, 2011 at 8:14 am
Perry’s longtime support for Israel speaks for itself
While Obama spent 20 years in an anti-Israel church (we see how that worked out for Israel so far), Perry spent the past 20 years supporting Israel through trade agreements between Texas and Israel worth billions of dollars over the years. Two months ago Perry assisted the Shurat HaDin in stopping an American boat from taking part in Gaza Flotilla II. Even Democrats admit Perry is staunchly pro-Israel. The Ismaili Muslims? They are seen as outcasts because of their support for Israel.
Shlomo Lazarus says:
September 6, 2011 at 8:13 am
Excellent article: Stellar Journalism
I appreciate the genuine determination to find the facts. Very informative
JRichard says:
September 6, 2011 at 6:30 am
Mr. Imani:
Amil,
Good morning sir.
I have read your article on Gov Rick Perry, “Governor Perry’s Islam Connection,” published September 3, 2011 in American Thinker.
Your point of view is refreshing and your attention to research aids your reader (me) in making an assessment of the validity of your conclusions.
Thank you for addressing the concerns you had regarding any influence and control that Islam or Muslims have over Governor Rick Perry and his character, leadership, governing decisions, and his worldview.
Are you familiar with and do you subscribe to the idea that a person has or lives with a “world view” as a lens of understanding through which he interacts with those around him? Do you find it helpful in your research to explore and discover the “lens” or perspective, a person or group you are writing about, has of the world? It seems to me that the value of your writing is that you are researching and identifying the world view (though not naming it) and in doing that enable the reader to assess for himself what motives and sincerity (truthfulness) to attribute to the actions and words of the subjects.
I look through a lens of understanding of the world, that has been “ground” or “is being shaped” and provided to me by the God who spoke to Abram, Isaac, and Jacob. I think of it as a biblical world view.
Sincerely appreciative of your perspectives,
Dick
Joan says:
September 3, 2011 at 3:40 pm
Amil…you are doing yeoman work to illuminate the public through your absolutely brilliant and riveting articles. This one is another slam-dunk! I’m so happy to be on your mailing list. Be assured that I send out your articles to my formidable list. Keep up your great work!
All the best…
Joan
Tam says:
September 3, 2011 at 3:19 pm
From what I’ve seen of curriculum including Islam, it’s ALWAYS whitewashed and politicians are either facilitating it or doing nothing to stop it.
Regardless: Whoever the Republican nominee is, s/he MUST take a clear stand AGAINST Islamization to get my vote.
I’m glad Geller opened this very important discussion.
WR Mann says:
September 3, 2011 at 2:44 pm
Thank you for this article. I have been discussing this very thing and defending Perry against these ridiculous and spurious accusations. These same people think Rick is stupid. Governor Perry usually allows these people to come out in the open and then clobbers them with reality. He is too savvy and experienced to allow what happened to Palin.
Try as they will, the media will continue the smears, but facts are stubborn things.
I am not surprised that Governor Perry is receiving candidate scrutiny. I am also not surprised that Mr. Obama did not receive similar scrutiny regarding his connections to Wright, Ayers, Farrakhan and others,
What does surprise me is the blatant fictionalizing of a Perry’s record by people on the Left and Right who know better.
Look for the Left and establishment Right to keep this up. The Left knows that Perry is a formidable candidate who will be unafraid to take it to Obama, hence all of the false accusations of racism in the Tea Party; patent nonsense. Expect the Establishment Right [Rovesputin and his ilk]to focus on him being to far Right to be elected; also patent nonsense. Ron Paul’s supporters will try to resurrect their base’s fears about the North American Union and a proposed trade corridor through Texas to Mexico.
There is no ambivalence about this man. Our overseas adversaries will respect him and many will fear him. Europeans will cringe at another “Cowboy President” even though Bush and Reagan Administrations were a great friend and ally or European nations. Perry will roll back the Obama Marxism and restore and promote an era of jobs and good will for America.
As you can tell, I support the Governor. He and Palin are friends. I expect Palin to announce a run for the Senate against Lisa Murkowski and to give Perry an open road.
If Unemployment and the Economy are the main issues then I would not be surprised to see Romney with him on the ticket. If it is about American Exceptionalism and goodness, then Marco Rubio is a good choice. Allen West and Michelle Bachmann and Rudy Giuliani are also good VP choices for various reasons.
Thanks again for an excellent presentation.
All the best, Bill
William R. Mann
Lt. Colonel, US Army, Retired
Aut Pax Aut Bellum!
Jim says:
September 3, 2011 at 8:30 am
One of Rick Perry’s first acts after being elected agriculture commissioner in 1991 was to create the Texas-Israel Exchange, which promoted information and research sharing.
Gov. Perry Received Defender of Jerusalem Award Thursday, August 13, 2009
Rafi says:
September 3, 2011 at 7:49 am
Amil,
As a card-carrying member of two anti-Islamist groups I am grateful to you for doing the leg work on the ground in Texas researching the U.S. Ismailis. Far more concerning than the Ismailis are Perry’s associations with the radical Palestinian millionaire (Shami?), Grover Norquist, and his weak stance on illegal immigration
After I determine which is the real Islamic curricula set up by the State of Texas I will know know which side of this issue to come down on.
EH says:
September 3, 2011 at 5:43 am
Amil is using one teacher’s lesson plan not the actual curriculum which you can find online. Yes, that teacher’s lesson plan is not too bad but the official curriculum is pretty bad. Not only do i say it, parents with kids in that school felt their children were being indoctrinated at that school. The politician (Perry) may find it dandy to inculcate children with such nonsense. An informed parents seems to think differently and I will trust a parent’s instincts over those of a politician every time.
Dajjal says:
September 3, 2011 at 4:54 am
Do you deny the veracity of the quotes cited by Sultan Knish?
http://sultanknish.blogspot.com/2011/08/rick-perry-and-islam.html
I tracked down and verified this one:
“Like most of the world’s major religions, the Islamic faith preaches peace, love and tolerance. Indeed, terrorism is the antithesis of the basic tenet to which the one billion Islamic followers all over the world adhere.
The Koran teaches that “whoever killed a human being, except as punishment for murder or other villainy in the land, shall be regarded as having killed all mankind; and that whoever saved a human life shall be regarded as having served all mankind.””
http://governor.state.tx.us/news/editorial/10089/
I need a candidate who knows Islam and tells it as it is. I will not vote for Shrub II, one was enough.
CSK says:
September 3, 2011 at 4:07 am
Great site, Amil. Keep up the good work. The battle for truth never ends.
admin says:
September 3, 2011 at 12:11 am
Mr. Spencer is so “absolutely reliable and correct” that he “debunks” my published article titled, “governor perry’s Islam curriculum.” As a matter of fact, I never published a piece with that title. I assume, however, he was referring to the article I published, “governor perry’s Islam connection.” I only wish that Mr. Spencer would get his facts straight in his attempt at debunking what I have written, although he starts out by getting the title of the article wrong and goes on to cut and paste allegations that I have found to be less than solid facts. I bear no animosity or grudge toward Mr. Spencer and I admire his work in combating Islamic fascism. I only wish that he would spend his talents and valuable time in debunking Islamic falsehood and not questioning my reporting without supplying solid evidence.
Robert Spencer says:
September 2, 2011 at 11:30 pm
Yesterday the Iranian-American writer Amil Imani published a piece, “Governor Perry’s Islam Curriculum,” which retails the same false information about the Perry/Aga Khan curriculum on Islam for Texas schools that we have debunked here at Jihad Watch several times, but since Imani’s piece is making the rounds, it is all worth repeating.
Imani writes:
Another line of argument implying Perry’s Islamic leanings, if not an out and out supporter of it, pertains to inclusion of Islam in the state’s educational curriculum. I looked closely into that claim, because it is indeed a critical juncture where young minds can indeed be influenced.
The nuggets of the Muslim history curriculum Perry helped coordinate in Texas are summarized below. It says:
1-Countries of Western Civilization have secular governments, which means great toleration of cultural and religious differences. [...]
No matter how I tried, I couldn’t reach the conclusion that this inclusion promotes Islam or it is pro-Sharia. It seems that the mere fact that Islam is included in the curriculum represents supporting it.
The only problem with Imani’s analysis is that he isn’t examining the actual curriculum. You’ll note that Imani relies for his information about the curriculum on Alana Goodman’s piece at the dhimmi publication Commentary, and that Goodman in turn relies on David Stein’s claim that the Perry/Aga Khan curriculum was written by one Ronald Wiltse, a retired San Antonio high school teacher. In contrast, Pamela Geller and I have been working from teacher training session material (http://atlasshrugs2000.typepad.com/atlas_shrugs/2011/08/here-is-aga-khan-perry-curriculum-scrubbed-from-web-cached-scrubbed-from-google-today.html) that bears the legend “the curriculum for this project was developed at Harvard University and modified at the University of Texas at Austin,” and which, in contrast to Wiltse’s material, is a dhimmi whitewash of Islam (see here for details: http://www.jihadwatch.org/2011/08/here-is-the-aga-khanrick-perry-curriculum-scrubbed-from-the-web-cache-scrubbed-from-google-search.html).
So which is the real curriculum? The one drawn up by Wiltse, or the one drawn up by Harvard and UT-Austin in collaboration with the Aga Khan Foundation?
What do you think?
With all due respect to Mr. Wiltse, how likely do you think it is that Harvard, UT-Austin, and the Aga Khan Foundation would choose a retired high school history teacher to write their curriculum, and publish his work under official auspices even though it contradicted the tone, thrust, and editorial line of their own teacher training sessions? Harvard and UT-Austin are no doubt full of dhimmi academics — including the ones who actually produced the teacher training material. Wiltse’s lesson plan does show up on the (now scrubbed) Aga Khan/Perry teacher training curriculum pages, but only in a section headed “Lessons and Strategies,” which included other lesson plans and was clearly just a repository site for the individual lesson plans that teachers who attended the teacher training program (as Wiltse did, according to David Stein) developed in response to an assignment asking them to create such plans.
That means that to represent Wiltse’s lesson plan as the official Perry/Aga Khan curriculum is like representing a 9th grader’s history paper as the official curriculum for his school district. Was Wiltse actually hired by UT-Austin and/or the Aga Khan Foundation to develop their Islam curriculum for Texas schools? Of course not, and even David Stein, who has never retracted his false claims about the curriculum, doesn’t claim that.
It is a shame to see someone like Amil Imani, who generally sees things clearly, not only fall for this deception but retail it himself. I expect the dhimmi dim bulbs at Commentary to spread falsehoods, but I expected more from Amil Imani.
And let’s not lose sight of the larger question: Rick Perry is demonstrably closer than other candidates are to Grover Norquist, and has sponsored the institution of a whitewashed, misleading Islam curriculum into Texas schools. Instead of demonizing those who have called attention to this, Perry supporters need to start asking their man some hard questions. But here again, I won’t be holding my breath.
Joy says:
September 2, 2011 at 10:52 pm
Dear Mr. Imani,
Geller (and also Schlussel) are screaming hyenas. No class, uncouth………and lacking in grace. Without grace – plus a dedication to finding and publishing the truth in all things – no one can persuade very many people for very long. The public doesn’t respond to screechers.
Your efforts help to counteract both of the above, whom more & more people are realizing are simply off the wall. They’re journalist tyrants in their own way – therefore offensive.
EH says:
September 2, 2011 at 3:21 pm
The issue originated with a parent that though her children were indoctrinated at their school. You can check the actual curriculum online in addition to the Perry supporter article Amil quotes. I have to go with the parent’s instincts.
whitney says:
September 2, 2011 at 12:59 pm
Perry does not appear to me to be nefarious, he appears to be ignorant. Though ignorance on the subject of islam is dangerous it is correctable so he could get on the boat. That said, Perry will never get the nomination so it is a moot point.
Common Sense says:
September 2, 2011 at 12:06 pm
Thank you – nicely done. It’s a pleasure to read a conversation rather than being screamed at. On the surface none of those charges passed the giggle test – but were being pushed by a loud and hysterical few.
William Beaudine says:
September 2, 2011 at 10:40 am
Amil,
Great journalism, as usual.
Look to Labor Day, September 5th, 2011.
Sarah Palin. My #1 Choice.
Thanks Again.
Bill
PA Pundits - International says:
September 2, 2011 at 10:02 am
Governor Perry’s Islam Connection…
By Amil Imani The news of Governor Rick Perry jumping into the Republican nomination race for President, released a media tsunami that assaulted my brain. In no time at all, people came up with a long list of negatives about him. In a democracy, honest…
Tom says:
September 2, 2011 at 3:52 am
Dear Mr. Imani,
This issue really bothered me. I am glad to read a different point of view about this. You really made me think about things differently.
Thank you,
Tom
Hardnox says:
September 2, 2011 at 3:06 am
Amil,
Thank you for this thoughtful essay. It is good to see some clarity among all the hysteria.
George G says:
September 2, 2011 at 1:08 am
Good background check by Amil Imani. Only time will tell if Mr Perry becomes US President and how he deals with Islamic terrorists home and abroad. Remember President Obama when he was first elected said he wanted to sit down face to face with Iranian (Madman) Ahmadinajad and iron out their differences and this has never happebed. Actions speak louder than words.
Gayle says:
September 2, 2011 at 1:01 am
Thank you for your insightful research of Gov. Perry. At least when the slings and arrows start going in his direction, I’ll be aware.. Thanks Amil
Jimmy says:
September 1, 2011 at 11:38 pm
Mr. Imani,
I have your note on Gov. Perry. Thank you for the info. My gut instinct already liked Mr. Perry. I am still not one-hundred convinced, but your article definitely gave me some directions to look into.
Thank you,
Jimmy.
Jay says:
September 1, 2011 at 11:17 pm
Thanks Amil for your work on this issue! It’s very much appreciated!
Rose says:
September 1, 2011 at 10:39 pm
Thank you Amil .. I did not agree with Pamela ‘s attack against Karim Aga Khan for personal reasons. I happened to have known the family during my childhood in France and I am a firm friend of Karim I thought the attack was not good I am more concerned about the Palestinian guy than the millionaire and the fact that Texas is a heaven for Muslim. we must discuss that openly…. merci beaucoup
Steve says:
September 1, 2011 at 10:02 pm
Thanks Amil,
For this article and clarifying about Perry.
Steve
Kristen McFarland says:
September 1, 2011 at 9:56 pm
This remains an excellent appraisal and background for Governor Perry; he is far superior to Obama.,.any Republican would be…our man-child president doesn’t hold a candle to Rick Perry…there have many doubts expressed and they need to be addressed..this is only the beginning..so buck up and stand by..and I have to say you have doubts but don’t ever allow them to become liabilities…Rick Perry is an excellent candidate and the Republican field has a lot of them contrary to what the MSM has to say about it…Obama is the worst of any candidate and even those in his own party acknowledge it…
Magnus Johansson says:
September 1, 2011 at 8:37 pm
Goodtallviking: “Perry is not perfect [...]”
I am not talking about a perfect candidate. I am talking about one with an acceptable moral standard and one who understands the constitution. Perry hasn’t been convincing in these respects.
Magnus Johansson says:
September 1, 2011 at 8:25 pm
Jessie: “If Obama gets another 4 years , it will be because the GOP blows it and we all know they are famous for doing that.”
Obama will get another four years if the American people doesn’t start defending the US Constitition, because the politicians won’t.
goodtallviking says:
September 1, 2011 at 8:10 pm
Perry is not perfect, but I believe he is a darn good candidate and the best we have. Pair him with Rubio, Cain, or Gov. Martinez, or Bolton for vp, and I think we would have a wonderful 8 years.
Jessie says:
September 1, 2011 at 7:42 pm
I’m not a blind little sheep by a long shot . At this point in the ‘game’ it’s always wise to learn all we can, do our homework and keep the door open. Election years are always full of surprises as we all know with Obama’s election plus many others. If Obama gets another 4 years , it will be because the GOP blows it and we all know they are famous for doing that. I just pray this time is different for all our sakes.
Magnus Johansson says:
September 1, 2011 at 5:20 pm
Many commentators write about Perry or another candidate beating Obama in the next presidential election. What utter foolishness! Obama is an illegal president; if USA were a decent democracy it should never have allowed a presidential candidate like Obama. I have not read or heard that Perry or any other plausible 2012 candidate for that matter ever has raised the issue of Obama’s ineligibility, so these persons are not trustworthy at all, and they want to run for president of the USA! Unbelievable!
BarenakedIslami says:
September 1, 2011 at 4:55 pm
Based on the following analysis of Gov. Rick Perry’s Islam connection by Amil Imani, an Iranian-American for whom I have the utmost admiration and respect, I hereby withdraw my objections to Perry over this issue.
Amil Imani is one of the harshest critics of Islam I have ever seen. His vetting of and apparent seal of approval for Rick Perry, at least on this one issue, is good enough for me. See what you think.
http://barenakedislam.wordpress.com/2011/09/01/based-on-the-following-analysis-of-gov-rick-perrys-islam-connection-by-amil-imani-an-iranian-american-for-whom-i-have-the-utmost-admiration-and-respect-i-hereby-withdraw-my-objections-to-perry-ov/
Tracy says:
September 1, 2011 at 4:53 pm
Good job on this piece, Amil. I think you have done the real work in investigative journalist, and you have been successful at clearing up a lot of confusion about Perry.I really appreciate that. Now, we all have to move past this, and accept that the media is attacking him and they have good reason too! He obviously is a major threat to what ever media darlin’ they have planned to foist onto the GOP.
Rick says:
September 1, 2011 at 4:46 pm
Thanks Amil…I know I can trust your investigative abilities on this.
Karen Harris says:
September 1, 2011 at 3:45 pm
Thank you so much for a well written, easy to understand article on this subject. Keep up the good work!
Buzz says:
September 1, 2011 at 3:41 pm
This has been a troubling issue for me as I am interested in supporting Gov. Perry.
There is so much false information being floated around it is sometimes difficult to separate the wheat from the chaff. Thank you for your clarification of this issue.
Jessie says:
September 1, 2011 at 1:54 pm
In my opinion, this article debunks any negatives about Gov. Perry and any Islam connection.
GNU says:
September 1, 2011 at 1:06 pm
Conservatives are always looking for the next Ronald Reagan — never more than now. The existential threat that Obama poses to our nation does not give us the luxury of another John McCain. We need someone who will blow Obama away in 2012. The business of unseating Obama is truly a matter of national survival. I humbly submit that Rick Perry is our latter day Reagan.
Doc says:
September 1, 2011 at 1:05 pm
Perry’s heavy involvement with social issues and his immigration politics are a little too reminiscent of the last Texas governor in the White House. I would need to know a lot more about him. What is the Tea Party read on Perry?
rafinflorida says:
September 1, 2011 at 1:00 pm
Perry is also very charismatic and is an excellent speaker. He does not need a teleprompter like Obama. He would look and sound great standing next to Obama in a debate. And Texas under Perry is doing the best in the nation in the economy. Businesses are moving to Texas right and left. How can you question that?
rafinflorida says:
September 1, 2011 at 12:58 pm
We will never find a perfect candidate and anyone who claims they could never support Perry (or any other republican) makes the assumption that they would support Obama if they don’t get their way. We need to shake off that presumption, as Rush points out, Elmer Fudd (R) should be able to beat Obama.
Perry can definitely get the nomination and could easily beat Obama; that is the overriding facts. Like any public service individual, especially with a long track record, some of it as a democrat, a person will have made decisions that don’t appeal to everyone on either side of the isle. We need to shake off the nit-picking and envision the end results.
Will Perry do the following in the field of foreign affairs? Manage the US military in the best interest of America? Reestablish respect for America in the world? Stop supporting Islamic terrorism through the brotherhood? Respect Israel’s right to exist? Support our true allies and instill fear in our enemies? Protect our borders from daily
foreign invasions? Protect America from the intrusion of the UN and its “new world order”? Appoint responsible people in the thousands of federal positions now controlled by Obama: (State, Justice, Homeland Sec and the myriad judgeships).
I believe that Perry would make those decisions in the best interest of America and any nits that could be picked in his past would not deter him from having the best interest of America always in the forefront. The simple fact is that Perry could beat Obama and he would immediately reverse everything the bamster has inflicted on this country both foreign and domestic
Dan says:
September 1, 2011 at 12:18 pm
A large group of us Texans feel that if this country is going to be saved it will be by Governors, not by any elected official in Washington. The elected government there does not seem to have the will or the power to control the “permanent” government.
Texas still has some degree of freedom and, thanks to the oil industry, a good economy. We feel we are under assault and long for a Governor who will go head to head against Washington. We don’t mean taking some agency to Federal Court, we mean a real stand. Like telling the EPA to get the hell out of Texas and stay out. Like mobilizing our own troops and defending our own borders. Nullification, nothing less. Perry has at times come close to sounding like he will stand up but then nothing happens and the rot continues.
His timidity may be justified, mass movements, once started, will run their course and the consequences can be horrendous. I think this fear of a mass movement is the reason for the absolute paranoia on the part of both Democrat and Republican leadership about the “Tea Party”. I think he is afraid to inflame passions and set loose something that he can’t control. Texas is a powder keg waiting for a match, it would not take much to start a rip-roaring secession movement here.
Sophi says:
September 1, 2011 at 12:16 pm
If he were an Islamophile, Islamic apologist, or anti-Israel, that would be the only reason to oppose him, but I am getting tired of all these other alleged negatives.
Sophi says:
September 1, 2011 at 11:56 am
Amil, thanks for this description of Perry’s support for Israel, and evidence that he “is not an Islamophile, he is not even an Islamic apologist.”
DV says:
September 1, 2011 at 11:37 am
I felt much better about reading your article on Rick Perry. I like the guy, but I heard so many scary things regarding his feelings about Islam, and I thought, Oh No! What are we going to do?
But, if you think he is OK, and he will not kiss the asses of all those Islamic bastards, (sorry for the bad language) and he will be strong and support Israel, then he will get all my support. He has a great chance to defeat Obama. He is former military and very distinguished. People try to compare him to Bush, (who I voted for in 2004) but only towards the last two years of his Presidency did he make very, very bad mistakes. But, Bush is a decent man and he supports Israel. Perry seems even tougher, and I hope he will be tough for all the things that we need him to do to make the USA normal again.
Melanie Jane says:
September 1, 2011 at 11:17 am
Most Americans and most of our GOP politicians did not take seriously the creeping sharia within our own borders; not to mention the complicated issues of “freedom of religion” and how it should not apply to Islam, etc. Everyone knows Islam over there and overseas is dangerous, but most did not realize the ever growing numbers of moslems living amongst us is just as dangerous. We must educate all our GOP political leadership before it’s too late !
Terry says:
September 1, 2011 at 7:53 am
This article gives me information I need to make a choice, NEXT YEAR!!! There is always two sides to a story and I am so happy you solved it for me.
Lisa says:
September 1, 2011 at 6:45 am
Amil, you approach issues with an open-minded and even-handed demeanor, one I GREATLY respect & wish others would emulate! Thank you for your thoughtful analysis of an important issue. I wholeheartedly agree with your conclusion! I, myself, am occasionally emotionally assaulted by those who would have me jump on their irrational, emotional bandwagon & abandon my rational thought process. Stay strong, my Friend; America NEEDS more circumspect individuals fighting for our best interests!
Gail says:
September 1, 2011 at 6:26 am
very good point.
Dave says:
September 1, 2011 at 6:25 am
But would you want all Christians to be judged by the Spanish Inquisition or by Pat Robertson or by Eric Rudolph?
Pamela says:
September 1, 2011 at 6:25 am
While there are tolerant Muslims who would never harm anyone, at least not on purpose, there is nothing tolerant about Islam. You cannot be a Christian or a Jew and openly worship if you live in a Muslim country. I just received my latest update from Voice of the Martyrs which reports of the horrific persecution against Christians in Pakistan and in Africa by Muslims. Furthermore, while Israel’s alleged aggression against and “occupation” of “Palestine” always makes the headlines these days, very few people know that when Israel was declared a state in 1948, a wave of vicious pogroms against Jews living in Arab Muslim lands swept North Africa and the Middle East. Jews who had lived in these lands for hundreds of years were targeted by death squads and their communities were ransacked and burned. Those who managed to escape these purges later immigrated to Israel and to America.
Dave says:
September 1, 2011 at 6:24 am
‎800 years ago. Do you think al Hakim is coming back to life and the Old Man in the Mountain is coming down from Alamout to cleanse the land of infidels?
The sect has evolved in a different and much more positive direction than some of the other sects.
Pamela says:
September 1, 2011 at 6:22 am
The Ismailis were a sect of Shia Islam, and included in their ranks the Assassins, or the Nizari of Persia. Between the years 1092 to 1265 they proved to be a formidable enemy force and major threat to ruling Sunni Saljuq authorities. Under the leadership of Hassan i-Sabbah, the Nizari attacked and captured many mountain strongholds of the Saljuq within the territories of Persia
Ben Dor Avinoam says:
September 1, 2011 at 6:22 am
Shalom Amil
Thank you for taking the time to set the records straight about Gov. Perry.
God Bless you.
Pamela says:
September 1, 2011 at 6:22 am
They need to publish your viewpoint because you know what it is like to live under Islam and people need to hear about it! Many people are clueless when it comes to Islam and the different sects of the religion. You lived under Shia Islam in Iran, which is different in it’s beliefs than Sunni, while the Wahhabis are definitely in a class all by themselves!
Adina Kutnicki, Israel says:
September 1, 2011 at 6:15 am
I am totally comfortable with Perry’s relationship with Islam. His eyes are wide open and he is certainly not an apologist. As one who IS living in the eye of the Islamic storm I will send in my absentee ballot for him if he is the nominee.
Enough said.
Gail says:
September 1, 2011 at 6:10 am
Thank you Amil for researching and reporting the truth. People can make up their minds either way, but now at least they have the facts.
Christy says:
September 1, 2011 at 6:09 am
Thank you Amil!!! Your research into this matter is much appreciated! I was unaware of the Ismailis before this article. I knew to be skepticle of anything CAIR said about Perry, but wasn’t sure where he stood. I will be look into Ismailis.
Miriam says:
September 1, 2011 at 6:09 am
Amil, I found your article very interesting and I thank you very much for your research work. I feel very uncomfortable about Rick Perry, I saw too many pictures I didn’t like, read a lot of information that left me feel uneasy about him and his ability to be the desperately needed leader here. After 3 years with Obama, I don’t think I can take another one like him. I’m glad I read your article, now I have something to think about.
Connie says:
September 1, 2011 at 6:08 am
Having read many articles on the subject I’m still not convinced, Amil. Sorry. Although I do intend to listen to him very carefully in the future. I’m not sure that he’s tough enough to be the next POTUS. We need someone who is willing to do what it takes to turn the ship around. I’m not sure he has the courage or the inclination to do that.
Jim says:
September 1, 2011 at 6:06 am
Thanks for the insight. I tend to respect your opinion more than that of others who have commented.
Sharon says:
September 1, 2011 at 6:05 am
Amil, THANK YOU for explaining this in simple terms that the majority can understand!
Chip says:
September 1, 2011 at 5:42 am
Thank you for a knowledgable dissertation of the facts of the matter. Being a loyal supporter it is good to know where he stands. It is not an issue I have looked into and I certainly would not know the details of this or that sect that you bring out.Thank you for a knowledgable dissertation of the facts of the matter. Being a loyal supporter it is good to know where he stands. It is not an issue I have looked into and I certainly would not know the details of this or that sect that you bring out.
Sunny says:
September 1, 2011 at 5:21 am
Thanks for sending me this very important article. I am a strong supporter of Israel and think that ALL of our presidential candidates need to be vetted about how they feel about Islam and Israel. I really appreciate your work.
Sunny
Alex says:
September 1, 2011 at 5:08 am
Informative as always
Jessie says:
September 1, 2011 at 4:53 am
Thank you so much for this Amil. I have been reading everything I can about Gov. Perry and your clarification on this subject is most helpful and enlightening. Very much appreciated and I’m sharing with friends.
Daniel Powell says:
September 1, 2011 at 3:49 am
Very reasonable commentary. Thank you.