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AEI: Shia Muslims are not Iran

“Mideast Shi’ites defy Iranian Domination?” was the title of a conference held by American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research (AEI) on June 19th in Washington DC. It seems like the West is finally hearing what the Shia community has been trying to say.

Shia Muslims across the globe have consistently insisted that they should not be associated with Iran just because Iran is a predominantly Shia country. Yet, they have continually been ignored. In the Middle East and South Asia fear of Iran’s nuclear power and political advancements have led to a number of anti-Shia alliances such as the one in Malaysia that was announced in April 2014.

The same fear led Egyptians to hold anti-Shia rallies and attack Shia rituals and encouraged the international community to cover up the oppression of peaceful Shia pro-democracy protestors in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, and normalized the targeted killing of Shia in Syria, Iraq and Pakistan.

Fear of Iran and its influence in the region muted empathy for the Shia citizens of Mosul who were killed when ISIS attacked the primarily Sunni Iraqi city. The Sunni residents of Mosul welcomed the killing of their Shia neighbors and the ISIS take over the city.

Associating Shia Muslims with the Iranian government has led to fear and distrust of Shia throughout the region and this fear has cost hundreds of thousands of Shia lives. Because Shia are associated with the Iranian government, their loyalty to their home countries is unjustly called into question. local support for Shia who are being killed, slaughtered and attacked in Pakistan, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Egypt, Malaysia and… is undermined

The world’s apathy for the struggle of the Shia minority across the Middle East and elsewhere and its inaction in the face of growing anti-Shia movements could force many Shia to ask Iran for help and protection only serving the Iranian government’s desire to claim to represent the entire Shia population.

Shia Rights Watch (SRW), a human rights organization in Washington DC, was the first Shia NGO to reach out to governments, policy makers and senators to emphasize the position that Shia should not be associated with any government or political movement. “Shia hold different citizenships and are loyal to their own governments unless they are being oppressed”, said SRW director Mustafa Akhwand during an interview. “It is unrealistic and unfair to associate a certain faith with a certain government and then ignore their rights based on political agendas,” he continued.

AEI is among first NGOs that finally stood up and addressed how the United States can interact with Shia in Lebanon, Bahrain, Iraq and Azerbaijan as they work to resist Iranian influence. Such conferences attracted many American Shia who are eager to end their oppression, as well as many politicians who have finally decided to wake up and break the silence.

by Hawraa Zakery

Who is who in Yemen?

Yemenis, like citizens of number of other Islamic countries, have gone through tough times seeking social justice and freedom. In such process some groups gain power and some lose fair representation due to political agendas. Usually minorities are ones who are easier to sacrifice, and once again Yemeni Shia are paying the price of underrepresentation.

In recent conflict between Houthis and Yemeni Army as many as 500 people were killed during three weeks of flare-up in Sana’a.

Houthis, who are Zaidi Muslims: a small sect of Shia Islam. Media outlets have always identified this militant group as “Shiite insurgents” when Ansar Allah, he military wing of the Houthis Movement, have always stressed that whatever political agenda they carry, they do so on their own behalf and not under the banner of  Shia Islam. They claim seeking justice for Yemenis and not a specific group in this country.

Many, including politicians and media agencies make the mistake of association all Yemeni Shia Muslims with this militant group. 45% of Yemeni population are Shia Muslims and most of them have no interest in military movement. They are loyal native Yemenis who practice Shia faith. Association all Yemeni Shia with Houthis is a misconception that endangers the Shia minority within this country. Historically Shia have been underrepresented and associated with political groups such as Hezbollah and Houthis who barely have good reputation in majority of Shia populations. Such association victimized many native Shia communities who do not receive any support from international committees due to such assumption.

Considering the increasing anti-Shia movements in Middle East it is critical that politicians and media outlets differentiate between militant groups and majority of Shia populations in order to present this minority in a more realistic picture.

The Houthis themselves say to aim to speak for the Yemeni people and represent the Yemeni people’s aspirations, beyond religious dogma and such differentiation is critical.

Shia of Bahrain, Iraq, Saudi, and even south Asian countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia are accused of depending on Iran and therefore this minority has not been supported or even advocated for by Western prodemocracy nations. Although Iran does not mind claiming all Shia and increase its political visibility, most Shia Muslims do not support this ideology of Iran. Ignoring rights of Shia population will only push this minority under the umbrella of Iran ad feed into what this country is aiming for.

International committees must knowledge the pain this community is feeling and protect them from political abuses.

Saudi Shia Muslim Victims of Secterian Isolation PART 2

Saudi_Report

Saudi Shia Muslim Victims of Secterian Isolation PART 2

This 23 pages report is part 2 to the original report that was published by SRW in 2012. This part highlights some of the heath and economical violations toward Shia Muslims in Saudi Arabia.

 

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Get the Report

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AMERICAN MUSLIM JOINT STATEMENT ON CRISIS IN IRAQ

Introduction

The Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (alternatively translated as Islamic State in Iraq and Syria), abbreviated as ISIL or ISIS, is an active Jihadist terrorist group with a mission to establish an illegal unrecognized state in Iraq and Syria under the auspices the Wahhabi movement[i]. This week, militants from the terrorist group attacked and overran several Iraqi cities, including one of Iraq’s most populous cities Mosul. The Iraqi military failed resoundingly to combat the terrorists, resulting in a speedy conquest of the cities and the capture of Iraqi police and security forces. Hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced. Representatives of ISIL have stated an intention to attack Karbala and destroy it[ii]. In statements released before the attacks, ISIL declared its intention to assassinate Grand Ayatollah Sistani[iii].

Recent Timeline

On 5 June 2014, ISIS militants stormed the city of Samarra in Iraq before being ousted from the city by airstrikes from the Iraqi military. On 6 June 2014, ISIL militants carried out multiple attacks in the Iraqi city of Mosul. On 7 June 2014, ISIL militants took over the University of Anbar in Ramadi, Iraq and held 1300 students hostage before being ousted by the Iraqi military. On 9 June 2014, Mosul fell to ISIL control. The militants seized control of government offices, the airport, and police stations. On 11 June 2014, ISIL seized the Turkish consulate in the Iraqi city of Mosul and kidnapped the head of the diplomatic mission and several staff members. ISIL subsequently also seized the Iraqi city of Tikrit.[iv]

Statement

It is an undeniable reality that Iraq is in a state of crisis, and the international community has a moral responsibility to speak out and act against ISIL whilst demanding peace and safety for the people of Iraq. We, the below signed Shia scholars, community leaders, mosques, faith communities, and activists hereby call for an immediate resolution to the crisis, and the removal of ISIL from the country of Iraq.

We condemn, in the strongest terms, the violent statements and actions of ISIL, and believe that no legitimate cause can ever be accomplished by terrorism, violence against innocents, or through sectarian hatred. We reject the narrative espoused by the leadership of ISIL, and do not accept that this crisis is a war between Sunni and Shia Muslims. Instead, we stand firmly in solidarity with the countless members of the Shia and Sunni Muslim communities who call for a better Iraq. ISIL’s strategy of intimidation, abduction, torture and murder are antithetical to the teachings of Islam, and can never be supported by any rational person.

ISIL’s leadership and members must be brought to justice. The world community must spare no effort in opposing ISIL, and restoring security to the besieged regions of Iraq, and its displaced people.

We, as American Muslims, call for Iraq’s citizenry to be granted safety and security, without the fear of aggression from terrorist elements. We reiterate our support for the peace loving people of Iraq, whether they are Shia, Sunni, or from any other religious, ethnic, or historical community. The rule of law must be preserved in Iraq, and there must be a strong focus on preserving human rights throughout all of Iraq.

Signatories          

Al-Hakim Foundation

Al Kauser, New Jersey

Al-Khoei Center

Mustafa Akhwand

Sheikh Mohammad Al-Hilli

Saiyed Mehboob Mehdi Al-Najafi

Sayid Abdelsattar Almoussawi

Sayed Moustafa Al-Qazwini

Sheikh Fadel Al-Sahlani

Sayyid Haidar Bahar Al-Aloom

Baqee Organization

Freemuslim, Islamic Non Violence Organization

Imam Mahdi Education Center (IMEC), MD

Imamia Medics International (IMI)

Islamic Education Center, Husaini Assoc. of Greater Chicago (IEC Husseini)

Islamic Education Center of Orange County (IECOC)

Islamic Information Center (IIC)

Dr. Jafar Jawad

Mainstay Foundation

Muslims for Peace (MFP)

Organization of North American Shia Ithnasheri Muslim Communities (NASIMCO)

Shia Rights Watch (SRW)

Shirazi Foundation

Wizarat Rizvi

Dr. Ali Naqi (Naqvi) Syed (Chicago, IL)

Universal Muslim Association of America (UMAA)

*For individuals, names have been alphabetized by surname.


BBC News,. (2014). Profile: Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIS). Retrieved 13 June 2014, from http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-24179084

ITV News,. (2014). ISIS urges ‘march to Baghdad, Karbala and Najaf’. Retrieved 13 June 2014, from http://www.itv.com/news/update/2014-06-12/isis-urges-march-to-baghdad-karbala-and-najaf/

Iraq Oil Report,. (2014). ISIL threatens to kill Sistani. Retrieved 13 June 2014, from http://www.iraqoilreport.com/daily-brief/isil-threatens-kill-sistani-12202/

YouTube,. (2014). UN Security Council Condemns ISIS in Iraq. Retrieved 13 June 2014, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsDm-DdK8z8

ISIS Slaughtered two Shia Family in Samarra,Iraq

According to a report by our representative in Samarra, Iraq, two families were killed just outside Samarra, Iraq. The religious scholar Sayed Reza Bahtani, his wife and their child as well as another family who were in the Shia shrine for couple days left the shrine today heading toward Najaf. The terrorist group ISIS identified them as Shia Muslims and slaughtered the two families leaving their bodies on the street.

Maximum Alert in Iraq as of Today

mosulAnti-Shia Terrorist group ISIS Gains Ground in Mosul

After last week’s attack on Samarra, the terrorist group The Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) has taken control Mosul as Shia Rights Watch previously reported. Mosul and its surrounding villages are home to more than half a million Shia Muslims. The attack on Mosul resulted in ISIS taking over important government buildings and freeing over 2500 prisoners.

Just hours after the attacks began, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki declared a “maximum alert,” putting weapons into the hands of all the city’s men, and urged parliament to announce a countrywide “state of emergency.”

According to government sources, who did not want to be named, tens of thousands of Shia families were threatened to be slaughtered. The city’s Shia community of over 100 thousand out (of the half million Shia living in Mosul and environs) have tried to flee to Turkey along with everyone else, but are being denied entrance and must find refuge elsewhere.

According to some sources the Iraqi army fled the city of Mosul today as it was taken by ISIS, leaving behind weapons and equipment that had been sent by the US.

As the conflict elevated in Mosul, another attack occurred on Samarra which is still recovering from last week’s terrifying attack. Many Shia pilgrims are trapped inside the Shrinewith no access to food and water in Iraq’s triple digit desert heat.

The militants have taken over the local TV stations, the governor’s offices, banks, police stations, military bases, prisons, etc., and are waving black banners all across the city, a flag representing ISIS.

ISIS is now armed with the most advanced weapon available to the Iraqi army and are threatening the vulnerable Shia community. The conflict, that is was not a shock to government, is creating anxiety and extreme fear among residents and pilgrims who visit Iraq during the month of Sha’aban. Sha’ban is the month during which Shia pilgrims from around the world visit the city of Samarra, Iraq for religious celebration. Some sources reveal the Iraqi government was aware of the possible attacks by ISIS but underestimated the gravity of the threat.

SRW is concerned for the security of Shia Muslim residents and pilgrims in Iraq and condemns the lack of appropriate action and intervention by Iraqi government. SRW also holds Turkish authorities responsible for the harm and danger that these groups face due to their denial of entrance as refugees.

Finally, SRW calls all the humanitarian organizations and human rights organizations and the Kurdish authorities in northern Iraq to lend a helping hand to those families most in danger and muster a protective force in order to preserve the lives of innocent civilians.

The anti-Shia terrorist group Jaish-ul-Islam killed 25 Shia Muslim in Baluchistan

Pk-06The anti-Shia terrorist group Jaish-ul-Islam claimed the deadly attack in Baluchistan, Pakistan.

On Sunday June 8th 2014 more than 25 Shia pilgrims, including more than 10 women and children, were killed when suicide bombers attacked their buses. The attack took place yesterday when 10 buses carrying Shia pilgrims stopped at a hotel in Taftan.

According to security forces they killed six of the attackers after exchanging heavy fire. The official mentioned that terrorist groups knew the exact time and place of Shia pilgrims’ stops.

The home secretary of the province, Akbar Durrani confirmed that security forces were able to overpower the attackers after a few hours of heavy gunfire. The masked militants had come heavily armed and prepared for a siege.
“The bodies of the pilgrims are being shifted to hospitals and the injured are also getting treatment,” Durrani said.
“There were explosions after the buses were parked outside the hotels where the pilgrims were going to stay overnight before they commenced their journey back the following day,” Durrani said.
Attacks on Shia Muslim pilgrims have increased in recent years in the Baluchistan province where in the past also such attacks have killed dozens and injured scores of pilgrims.
Two devastating bombings in Quetta killed nearly 200 Shia last year and were claimed by banned anti-Shia extremist group Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) which has links to al-Qaeda.
“We have to stand with [the] victim’s family and come up with [a] new strategy to protect Shia Muslims peacefully,“ said Mustafa Akhwand director of Shia rights Watch.

Anti-Shi’ism is increasing in Middle Eastern countries and all countries have a duty to promote peace and nonviolence. Governments must bring terrorist groups to the court of law, set strong messages to prevent human rights violations toward minorities and make our society safer.

Update, Attack on Samarra

ShiaRightsWatch_Samera2014Samarra, is an ISIS occupied town and home to two very important Shia shrines. Although Samarra is a Sunni populated city, the recent attack targeted Shia pilgrims with and was perpetrated with the intent to destroy two important Shia shrines. As many as 54 people were killed and the shine is still under ISIS siege with pilgrims inside as of yesterday.

According to Reuters, ISIS advanced on Samarra in pick-up trucks, raiding checkpoints along the way and blowing up a police station in an attack that killed several policemen. They also occupied Samarra’s two largest mosques and announced the “liberation” of the city via loudspeaker, urging residents to join their jihad (holy war) against the government.

As a result the Iraqi government bombed the city and a curfew has been imposed on Samarra and neighboring villages. As many as 54 were killed since last night and many more have been injured. ISIS has moved towardMosulandthere is conflict in that area as well.

Attacks against Shia shrines and pilgrims have been an ongoing issue in this country. Every year millions of Shia Muslims visit shrines in Iraq as an important part of their religious expression. . Yesterday’s attack carried by the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, an al Qaeda splinter group known by the acronym ISIS, is one of the most extreme examples of a systematic violation of Shia rights by terrorist groups.

Shia Rights Watch is concerned for the Shia population in Iraq and urges the Iraqi government to retake the areas from ISIS and protect local citizens and pilgrims. Such a powerful attack and large number of ISIS occupying a city overnight raises question about the security reinforcement in that area.

ShiaRightsWatch_Samera2014_2 ShiaRightsWatch.org_Samera2014 ShiaRightsWatch_Samera2014_4

SHIA RIGHTS VIOLATIONS IN PAKISTAN, MAY 14TH TO 26TH 2014

Shia Shop Owner killed in Karachi
Wednesday, 14 May

Terrorists of Sipah-e-Sahaba attacked the shop of 35 years old Mazhar Abbas Federal B Area Block 18 that is also called Samanabad on May 14th. They opened fire upon Mazhar Abbas and fled the scene leaving Mazhar dead.

Mubarak Ali Shan Ambushed in Quetta

Friday, 16 May

A Shia young man, Mubarak Ali Shan, was ambushed in Mechanki Road in Quetta on May 16th. Although he managed to escape, the fear of more ambushed is present in the Shia community of Quetta.

Custodian of Shia Cenetr Killed in Karachi

Monday, 19 May

A Custodian of Shirazi Imam Bargah ( Shia Islamic Center) was attacked and killed in district south of Karachi. Shaukat Shirazi died on spot.

Shia Shop Owner Killed t in Karachi

Monday, 19 May

Agha Masud was shot and killed while sitting in his shop in Karachi, Liaquatabad on May 19th.

Shia Banker Killed

Tuesday, 20 May

Hassan Mehdi, an employee of Habib Bank, was ambushed in Awami Colony Korangi when he was returning home from bank.

Shia Muslim killed in Dera Ismail Khan

Wednesday, 21 May

Anti-Shia groups attacked and killed Gulzar Hussain while returning from post office in Dera Ismail Khan.

Brothers Killed in Karachi

Thursday, 22 May

Two Shia brothers killed in Karachi on Thursday May 22nd. Zulfiqar Ali and Shakir Ali shot and killed while they were boarding a rickshaw near Nazimabad underpass. Zulfiqar Ali was a student of Hamdard University and Shakir Ali was an employee of K Electric.

Peaceful Protests

Thousands of Shia Muslims marched through streets of Incholi and staged a sit-in on Shahrah-e-Pakistan to protest against the Shia genocide on May 16th. Women, children, elderly persons and youths participated in the rally and the sit-in that was held under tight security by police and rangers.

Also on Friday the 23rd, another peaceful protest was carried out. In protests and sit-ins the Shia community demanded Pakistani government to take action and stop Shia targeted killings. The Pakistani government has not taken any action to create a safe environment for minorities in this country. SRW has demanded Pakistan to be added to the list of Countries with Particular Concern by US government.

Shia Axed to Death in Karachi

The Pakistani government has proven yet again that they lack the capacity to protect their own citizens. Militants from the group Sipah-e-Sahaba, also known as Ahl-e-Sunnat-Wal-Jamaat, attacked and killed a member of the Shia community. Ali Raza was murdered with an axe by this group on May 31, 2014. Ali Raza, described as a prominent Shia Muslim in Karachi, was the custodian of Imambargah Moosa Kazim, which is located in the Ferozabad area of Khalid Bin Waleed Road of the city.

The murder of this man, solely on the basis of their religious affiliation is intolerable. Shia Rights Watch wholly condemns the actions taken by these militants.

Moreover, this incident is just the latest in a series of crimes toward Pakistan’s Shia community which have prompted little to no response from the government. Shia Rights Watch condemns the inaction of the Pakistani government as a violation of the rights of Pakistan’s Shia population which composes roughly one third of Pakistan’s population of 180 million people. Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states “Everyone has the right to life, liberty, and security of person”. It is the obligation of governments to ensure this most basic right is being fulfilled, but here we see that these rights are only granted to certain groups in Pakistan. The international community must call on the Pakistani government and demand that they fulfill the promise they made to each of the people living within its borders when they signed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Despite repeated acts of violence against Pakistan’s Shia population, the United States has yet to add Pakistan to its Countries of Particular Concern for violations of religious freedom. Both Shia Rights Watch and the United States Commission for International Religious Freedom have requested that the United States Department of State would add Pakistan to this list.

By Alan Williams

UN Complaint