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Arab Americans Call on Tancredo to Apologize

Posted on Tuesday July 19, 2005

WASHINGTON – The Arab American Institute calls on Congressman Thomas Tancredo (R-CO) to apologize immediately for his recent remarks suggesting the United States could “take out” Islamic Holy sites, including Mecca, as a response to a terrorist attack in the United States.

“Congressman Tancredo’s remarks are dangerous and not befitting a member of Congress,” said AAI President James Zogby. “This kind of speech from an elected official is harmful to the war on terror and does not represent the sentiments of the American people. Irresponsible language such as this only widens the gap between the US and the Arab and Muslim world. Tancredo should apologize immediately.”

Tancredo’s comments have already created negative response from government officials in Turkey, a secular country with a majority Muslim population and a longtime ally of the United States. Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul admonished Tancredo for speaking “irresponsibly and without thought of how far his statement would reach or what kind of problems they would create.”

Ironically, Tancredo has taken the lead in chastising a Chinese official who last week threatened that China would be willing to respond to perceived American aggression with nuclear weapons. “For a senior government official to exhibit such tremendous stupidity by making such a brazen threat is hardly characteristic of a modern nation…” said Tancredo.