Open Letter Falls Flat

An "Open Letter to Peter MacKay" in the South Asia Mail doesn't exactly help bolster Imam Delic's case:

....Dr. Imam Zijad Delic of the Canadian Islamic Congress represents numerous Muslims across Canada as the CIC has chapters in all the major cities of Canada. Besides his work with the Canadian Islamic Congress, he is one of the Imams of Canada who signed the Canadian Council of Imams’ Declaration against terrorism. To quote Imam Delic after the recent arrests of the three Muslims accused of alleged criminal intentions and activities:

“If anyone knew of such activities, it is not just their social responsibility but it is their religious obligation as good Muslims to report such a case to the authorities.” Imam Zijad Delic has been recognized as one of the 500 Most Influential Muslims in the World by John Esposito. He was chosen twice in 2009 and 2010.

I first met Imam Delic at the RCMP Headquarters at the National Security NCR Community Outreach Program in Nov. 2006.

It was clear to see that he was highly respected by the RCMP Officers and they were very familiar with his efforts to build bridges between law enforcement and the Muslim community in Vancouver. They must be as shocked as I am to hear of MP Peter Mackay's decision.

I am formally calling on Defense Minister Peter Mackay to reconsider his decision and allow Imam Delic to speak for October Islamic History Month, Canada. In the very least, to allow him to clear his name, and prove to the world that Canada has a strong tradition of allowing people to speak clearly and publicly, even if it is only to clear their name of things that were said by other people.

Nazira Tareen.

By all means, let's allow the imam to speak clearly (it might be a first) and clear his name. But know this, Nariza: citing one of the world's foremost apologists for Islam and alluding to the RCMP's apparent cluelessness isn't doing your guy a world of good.