Whistleblower Against Extremism

That's what Middle East scholar Dan Pipes became when he went public with damaging information on relations between the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP), on whose board he sits, and the Washington-based Center for the Study of Islam and Democracy (CSID). Over his strong objections, the USIP, which is taxpayer-funded, co-hosted a workshop with CSID on March 19. CSID, however, employs many Islamic radicals, including one Kamran Bokhari, who holds a fellowship. Pipes writes:

"Mr. Bokhari also happens to have served for years as the North American spokesman for Al-Muhajiroun, perhaps the most extreme Islamist group operating in the West. For example, it celebrated the first anniversary of 9/11 with a conference titled, 'Towering Day in History.' It celebrated the second anniversary by hailing 'The Magnificent 19.' Its Web site currently features a picture of the U.S. Capitol building exploding."

He goes on to nail the real problem caused by USIP's unwillingness to act responsibly: By giving its imprimatur to CSID, it confers a high degree of legitimacy to a radical organization. This is an old trick pulled by both radicals and their willing accomplices. In exchange for warm fuzzy feelings or, no doubt in some cases, cold hard cash, legitimate institutions bestow on radical groups or individuals the aura of normalcy. This allows for the mainstreaming of radical ideologies. After all, if the authorities we trust say a certain group or idea is OK, then there's nothing to worry about.

Bully for Dan Pipes for standing up for what's right.