Scottish-Islamic Foundation Should Be Politicized Only By the SNP

THIS IS A GUEST POST BY DHAIBHIDH C MHAC DHUIHDHLHEIGH OF THE LENINIST VANGUARD (DRUMNADROCHIT CHAPTER).

Greetings all.  Our Brother, Osama Saeed has a truly inspiring response to the toxic attack dogs of the neo-con, Zionist, Imperialist conspiracy which has been unleashed against him.

I write this article in a personal capacity, as much of the criticism surrounding the Scottish-Islamic Foundation are to do with my political life, even though SIF has always maintained a strict non-party political line, and no one can demonstrate otherwise.

Reports recently about SIF have been headlined about me as an SNP candidate even though this has absolutely nothing to do with the SIF. Candidates in all parties hold down sensitive jobs in the public and charitable sectors and are not subjected to this unfair blurring of lines.

From day one SIF has been hounded by the Labour Party. The reasons for this are obvious. I am in with a great chance of being the next MP for Glasgow Central, and thereby sweeping the Sarwar family, great benefactors of Scottish Labour, out of office.

Mohammad Sarwar is not just a normal MP to Labour. He got the party £300,000 for the last Scottish election campaign. He continues to fund, directly and indirectly, a number of candidates and the national party itself. Labour will as a result make sure he is looked after.

In the initial phases, Sarwar’s ally Frank McAveety MSP was getting in about SIF. His register of interests shows he was given money for his last election campaign by Sarwar’s Muslim Friends of Labour organisation. Labour’s point man on this then seemed to suddenly switch. An unholy number of parliamentary questions have been tabled about SIF, in a scenario perhaps not quite ‘cash for questions’, but morally dubious nonetheless.

The pressure put on the Scottish government about SIF has been unparalleled for any similar small organisation. It’s come not just from Labour, but from rightwing elements, but often with the two feeding from each other. 55 others were funded in the same stream as SIF, including some working with Muslims, but I doubt readers can name another one or what they do for the money. Any organisation, when examined under a cynical microscope, can have fun poked at it. I’ve seen enough in the last few years in this sector to know that.

Audit Scotland investigated SIF’s funding and clearly and definitively concluded that correct processes and procedures were followed. £200,000 was awarded by the Scottish Government in 2008 to organise a festival of Muslim culture in order to bring communities together. The total budget needed was greater than this, but it proved difficult to raise it due to the economic crisis that had broken out. The plans were therefore streamlined and retimetabled. A lot of organisations have commented to me that they would have just blown the money on any old thing anyway. Instead, we were prudent, wanted to do the job properly, and asked for the £128,000 that wasn’t spent so far in developing the project to be reprofiled into this year.

Projects get delayed all the time – folk in the Scottish Parliament building of all places should know that. Just last week it was reported that government IT projects had lost in the region of a cool £26BILLION (where are the parliamentary questions? Where are the Freedom of Information requests?). SIF is nowhere near this territory though and didn’t ask for any new money. I think the green light to finish the festival would have been given had it not been for the hatred that would have poured forward if it had. SIF has instead had to be nimble and resourceful in reconfiguring the plans where others would have given up.

So if anyone is to blame for the delays to the bold things SIF wanted to do, Labour should look at themselves. It is nonsensical to create an environment where an organisation cannot get funding, and then criticise the consequences. How are SIF meant to deliver a Middle East trade expo and a cultural festival with no staff resource on it, and no way to pay for venues, publicity and the rest? No organisation in the country would be expected to do that.

Despite working under considerable strain, the young people involved in SIF have carried on as best they can, and are firmly an important part of the Scottish landscape. A cultural festival will go ahead. Since its launch a short 18 months ago, SIF has campaigned against forced marriage, distributed food amongst Glasgow’s needy, set up a PhD with Strathclyde University, exposed the man that threatened to blow up Glasgow Central Mosque, condemned vandalism by young Muslims against a synagogue in Edinburgh, and seen its young people even win awards for their contribution in the mainstream of society. The organisation brought together the country, including all political parties, with the Scotland United initiative when the far-right SDL was formed – 3,000 people from all walks joined it including trade unions, churches and the EHRC.

The latter, with Nazis astonishingly on Scottish streets against Muslims, underlined the need for bridge building activities and action against Islamophobia that SIF brought forward. It’s not ever reported, but Labour recognised this themselves when they agreed in principle to fund the Islamic festival before leaving office in 2007. It’s just a shame political opportunism later took over.

Gosh, wow, I mean wow, inspiring, like.  Brother Osama is quite right to point out that his organization should not be politicized for any purpose (other than promoting him, the SNP PPC for Glasgow Central).  I cannot fail to disagree more with his germane observation that it had spent a mere £72,000 of the allocated £400,000 with no discernible result, comparing to many billions lost on Government IT schemes.

I was making just such an argument when the Police attempted to book me for speeding.  Why were they not out catching real criminals?

Brother Osama lists many inspiring achievements of the SIF, such as blogging about a washed-out loonie, and not asking for more state money when any fule nose it would have been forthcoming.  I felt the shame of the SIF when it, instead, felt the leading to ask for Ramadan donations.

Scottish Deputy First Minister to Attend Speech by Hamas Officials

THIS IS A GUEST POST BY DHAIBHIDH C MHAC DHUIHDHLHEIGH OF THE LENINIST VANGUARD (DRUMNADROCHIT CHAPTER).

Greetings all. Truly inspiring news for our comrades in Glasgow, and all comrades committed to the socialist and non-hegemonic principles being pursued by the Scottish Government in order to bring this nation into the post-colonial and post-capitalist age.

One of the most pressing issues currently to face Scotland is the continuing plight of Gaza; protest against which was shamefully silenced by the weird pro-Zionist enclave within the Celtic Movement.

A truly harrowing image of the effects of Zionist restrictions can be seen below:

Look, no coffee or pasta or footballs in sight! The cruelty!

Thus, I am truly pleased to report that from 1700 hrs on 11 December, Glasgow Central Mosque will host an exhibition, and video link to Gaza officials.

I was truly honoured to have been in the presence of one Gaza official, Ziad al-Zaza, the Minister for National Economy when our comrade George Galloway generously donated his beleaguered government money during the children’s crusade Viva Palestina mission to Gaza which I joined.

I hope to hear from him again.

It should be a source of pride for the Scottish Government that their Deputy First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon will be present in the audience on 11 December. Cross-party support will come from Pauline McNeill, the Chair of the only Holyrood cross-party group dedicated to one specific region of the world.

After all, SNP fundamentalist, Margo Macdonald considers Palestinian Arabs in the 21st Century to be the same as a warring nation 800 years ago.

This truly inspiring event is to be arranged by Friends of Al-Aqsa, whose founder, Ismail Patel is also scheduled to speak. Also a spokesman for the British Muslim Initiative, he is a close political ally of Mohammed Sawalha who has been named as a fugitive Hamas commander; and Azzam Tamimi who would detonate himself against Israelis if only he were given a visa.

Patel knows what Jews should and should not believe, and knows that Hamas is not a terrorist organization.

“Hamas is no terrorist organisation. The reason they hate Hamas is because they refuse to be subjugated, occupied by the Israeli state, and we salute Hamas for standing up to Israel.” … “…to the state of Israel: you no longer represent the Jewish people. You have no moral authority to speak for the Jewish people when thousands of Jews are against what you are doing. And finally, to the British Jewish Board of Deputies, shame on you, to work, to promote the genocide of the Palestinian people and the war crimes of the Israeli government. You do not speak for the British Jewry who today have signed in the Guardian against the Jewish government, what it is doing to the Palestinian people. Shame on the British Jewish Board of Deputies.”

Now East London Mosque Does Not Support the Killing of American Troops in America

THIS IS A GUEST POST BY DHAIBHIDH C MHAC DHUIHDHLHEIGH OF THE LENINIST VANGUARD (DRUMNADROCHIT CHAPTER).

I am truly, truly, truly disturbed.   I wrote before about the shameful attempts to smear me, our Brothers Osama Saeed and Azad Ali and the forces of good hegemony over our past statements concerning Anwar al-Awlaki, and his tour-guide business to Somalia.

I cannot stress enough that I refute any allegations that these past statements reflect a desire to see American troops being killed in America.  I am now disgusted to see similar allegations being made against the truly inspiring East London Mosque and London Muslim Centre.  The Khatib, or primary iman of this place of worship and community outreach is Shaykh Abdul Qayyum, a man of peace, who has also been the target of neo-con smear-attempts for his support for the Palestinian people.

In an article, the notoriously right-wing The Times stated:

This year a video lecture by Mr Awlaki was delivered at the East London mosque under the banner “The End of Time” with a poster depicting New York in flames. The mosque said that an outside group had used its facilities for the event.

It is truly disengenuous to attempt to link promotion literature for this eschatological discussion to a support for terrorism.  Look, for instance, at the promotion literature for the upcoming blockbuster, 2012.  Why is this not being condemned?

Obviously, our Brothers at the mosque were most disturbed, and wrote immediately a letter of clarification to The Times, which was not published.  They wrote a second letter, which The Times has seen fit to publish:

Sir, Contrary to reports in The Times (Nov 12), Anwar Al-Awlaki did not give a lecture via video link at an event held at the East London Mosque on January 1, 2009.

The article implied that the event was organised by the East London Mosque. The event titled the “End of Time” was a private ticketed event, organised by an external company called Noor Pro Media, which hired the London Muslim Centre (LMC).

The East London Mosque hires its facilities (LMC) to all members of the community, Muslim or non, with the proviso that nothing unlawful takes place. The centre has a robust hiring policy to ensure this, and as far as we are aware, nothing illegal and/or extreme took place at this event.

We unequivocally condemn the actions of Major Hasan, and the reported statement of Anwar Al-Awlaki expressing support for him.

Shaynul Khan
Assistant Executive Director
East London Mosque and London Muslim Centre

I think this is reasonable.  I am unsure why the ELM did not heed warnings prior to the event from The Telegraph or leader of the opposition at Tower Hamlets, Cllr Peter Golds, as reported by The East London Advertiser but this matter should now be put to rest and wounds allowed to heal.

Osama Saeed and Azad Ali Do Not Support the Killing of American Troops in America

THIS IS A GUEST POST BY DHAIBHIDH C MHAC DHUIHDHLHEIGH OF THE LENINIST VANGUARD (DRUMNADROCHIT CHAPTER).

I normally am pleased to address you all, but I am sure you will appreciate why I do so with such a heavy heart today. I was truly saddened to hear of the shameful events surrounding the slaying of 13 American soldiers at Fort Hood, Texas. The eagerness which the international and Islamophobic media showed in naming Major Nidal Malik Hasan who surely deserves to be considered innocent until proven guilty was truly disturbing.

We must, of course, all stand against such acts of terrorism, wherever they may occur. For that reason, I was truly saddened to read an apologia for the slayings by a man whom I had once considered to preach nothing but peace.

I have previously been truly inspired by the words of US-born cleric, Anwar al-Awlaki but feel cheating by his recent thoughts on the Fort Hood slayings, which he called the actions of a hero.

I cannot stress how much I disagree with these words, and consider it truly disingenuous to attempt to smear me and my comrades in the struggle against Imperialism, hegemony and Islamophobia as the notorious neo-con Centre for Social Cohesion has done. Equally shamefully, the right-wing The Times has picked-up this and accused our Brothers, Osama Saeed and Azad Ali of praising the viper, al-Awlaki.

Brother Azad’s is a truly inspiring civil servant whose advice on incitement of racial and religious hatred is sought by the Crown Prosecution Service, and before being named in the national media, had described al-Awlaki as:

”one of my favourite speakers and scholars” and “I really do love him for the sake of Allah, he has an uncanny way of explaining things to people which is endearing”.

As if the shameful forced repayment of much needed set-up money was not demeaning enough, Brother Osama is right to feel offended, and has said:

I completely disagree with what he has said about Fort Hood, and a host of other matters which he has more recently written and spoken about.”

Like any normal human being with a scintilla of compassion and sense of justice, I believe it is essential to settle to sore in humanity which is the settler state of Israel and establish a bi-national haven of peace, but words such as these are not helpful:

The illegal state of Israel needs to be eradicated. Just like Rasulullah drove them out of the Arabian peninsula the Jews of Palestine need to be driven out to the sea. There are no Israeli civilians unless they are Muslim. When the enemy targets our women and children we should target theirs.

Engagement with the democratic process is essential for any revolutionary socialist, and I cannot agree with al-Awlaki’s words on the truly disturbing situation in Somalia:

“[Al-Shabaah] not only have succeeded in expanding the areas that fall under their rule but they have succeeded in implementing the sharia and giving us a living example of how we as Muslims should proceed to change our situation.The ballot has failed us the bullet has not.

Had I known that al-Awlaki’s 44 Ways to Support Jihad would be made public, I never would have offered him support.

I am led to believe that this political activism is like a computer game, so I would like now to press the reset button.

SNP Supports Modernization of Royal Mail

THIS IS A GUEST POST BY DHAIBHIDH C MHAC DHUIHDHLHEIGH OF THE LENINIST VANGUARD (DRUMNADROCHIT CHAPTER).

Greetings, Friends. I believe it was William Blake who said that man does not live by bread alone. I consider it vital that we all agitate for the downfall of the worldwide capitalist system and to eradicate all forms of racism and militarism, but I also know I need to earn a crust.

As such, I work in the systems department of a well-know private postal provider. Currently, we are negotiating a truly inspiring contract with the Israeli Post Office, but I digress.

I have no doubt my readers are aware of current disagreements between Royal Mail workers and upper management. This truly troubles me.

In March of this year, our brother, Michael – or, Mike, as he likes to be known – Weir MP highlighted some concerning news:

SNP Postal Affairs spokesperson, Mike Weir MP, has expressed bemusement at news HM Revenue & Customs have awarded a £4.5 million-a-year contract to deliver its internal mail to TNT – just a week after it was revealed the company had been forced to hand over tens of millions of pounds in unpaid tax to HMRC.

The Dutch company, which was also blamed for losing the personal details of 25million child-benefit claimants in 2007, is also a front-runner to take a stake in Royal Mail if controversial plans led by Lord Mandelson are approved.

Mr Weir said:

“I think people will struggle to understand why a firm, which just repaid millions in unpaid taxes, has been awarded a multi-million pound contract from the Inland Revenue.

“HMRC really need to explain what their thinking is on this one.

“To make matters worse this is the firm that appears to be front-runner to buy into Royal Mail if Lord Mandelson’s privatisation plans come to fruition.

“Privatisation would spell the beginning of the end for Royal Mail, and open the door to job losses, service cuts and a deterioration in the working conditions of postal workers.

“A private partner will only be concerned with profit, and Royal Mail must not loose the social focus which is essential for rural areas.”

It appears to be that Mike is able to see the bigger picture, and his not to perpetuate a state monolopy just as our brother, Alex Salmond recognizes the need for international investment in our golfing services.

Just a fortnight ago, Mike said:

“I understand the concerns and frustration that postal workers have, however many people, and in particular businesses, are deeply worried about the damaging impact this strike action will have.

“Conciliation is the right way to seek a resolution, and both sides must pull back from the brink and get on with meaningful negotiation.”

Our brothers and dsisters in TNT and other private postal providers need to earn an honest crust. I am sure none of my readers are prepared to return to letters and post-cards rather than e-mail and texts. I certainly am not! Solidarity has its limits!

One cannot be too doctrinaire, and I find it truly inspiring that Procurement Scotland has vindicated the decision by the Scottish Executive to award public sector contracts according to value for money. Just this week, I saw that TNT has been awarding an £8 millions contract for deliveries to public sector bodies.

SNP to Bring Non-Eurocentric Finance to Scotland

THIS IS A GUEST POST BY DHAIBHIDH C MHAC DHUIHDHLHEIGH OF THE LENINIST VANGUARD (DRUMNADROCHIT CHAPTER).

Greetings all. I was most disgusted to read a piece in the Wall Street Journal by the notorious right-wing Unionist, Tom Gallagher in which he poured scorn upon the truly inspiring release of Abdel Baset al-Megrahi by the compassionate Scottish justice for criminals system.

It should be a source of pride for anyone committed to socialist and non-hegemonic principles that the Scottish Government is taking such a truly inspiring role in bringing this nation into the post-colonial and post-capitalist age.

One of the most truly inspiring grassroots organizations is the Scottish-Islamic Foundation, run under the wise direction of Osama Saeed, who has also been lucky to be named the SNP candidate for Glasgow Central. Brother Osama planned to stage a truly inspiring Islamfest event.

It was with regret that I saw that the SIF had repayed £128,000 of public money which was to be used to start-up the fund-raising… you have to spend money to make money. The full cost was to have come from our Brothers in the Gulf States, but this did not come due to the global ‘credit crunch’ (who would have thought that Eurocentric financial models were so useful).

I cannot now conceal my excitement at the prospect of the Scottish-Islamic Foundation exploring the benefits of non-Eurocentric finance with its truly inspiring partnership with the Etisal Foundation at the Glasgow Hilton in November.

Speaking with forked-tongues, as his ilk is wont to do, Gallagher attempted to smear the truly inspiring Scottish Government with the allegation it obeyed demands from Khalid al-Attiyah, the Qatari Minister for International Co-Operation, to release al-Megrahi to ensure continued trade relations with Qatar and other Gulf States.

It is probably a coincidence that SNP officials are now on a trade-mission to Gulf States, as Peter Salisbury reports in Middle East Business Intelligence.

Great Jamahiriya to Offer Prayers of Thanks in Scotland

THIS IS A GUEST POST BY DAIBHIDH C MAC DUDHLEIGH OF THE LENINIST VANGUARD (DRUMNADROCHIT CHAPTER).

Truly inspiring news from the FCO:

Her Majesty’s Ambassador in Libya, Sir Vincent Fean held a farewell reception for 11 imams before their departure to the UK for the month of Ramadan. Their visit to the UK is sponsored by the World Islamic Call Society and organised in co-operation with a UK charity. The imams will lead Ramadan prayers in mosques in a number of towns in the UK, including Cardiff, Bristol and Aberdeen.

The Daily Express reports that Glasgow will also be included on this mission of outreach, so one might assume that SNP PPC for Glasgow Central, Osama Saeed will greet him personally.  Brother Osama is also Director of the truly inspiring Scottish-Islamic Foundation which has had a wee spot of financial bother recently: so much so that an appeal has been put by his brother… and Brother to us all… Sohaib, Yusuf al-Qaradawi and Daud “You Sunk My Navy” Abdullah’s greatest fan.

Relations between the Great Jamahiriya and the Calvinist Republic of Scotland are improving particularly, and the SIF is keen to establish deeper financial relations.

But what is this truly inspiring organization, the WICS?  It was founded in Tripoli, 1972 under the benovolent gaze of the Leader and Guide of the Revolution, Colonel Gaddafi with the aim of peaceful dissemination of the Message across the world.  It continues to be based in the Great Jamahiriya with close ties to the Great Leader whose commitment to exporting peace to British streets is well known.

The WICS also has an enlightened approach to female rights, as does the Great Leader.

In 2004, Abdul-Rahman Al-Amoudi, founder of the truly inspiring American Muslim Council, stated he had received a generous donation from the WICS to promote democratic reform in Saudi Arabia. 

I have been troubled in the past by Brother Osama’s toleration of the Muslim Brotherhood, such as when the Sunday Herald reported that its Libyan regional head, Alamin Belhaj, had been invited to an SIF event.  The Great Leader has taken a necessarily strict position against this nefarious organization, and I hope this does not affect the opportunities for truly inspiring relations.