The Bush administration is exploring an idea from the leader of a U.S. Muslim group: unfreezing assets that belong to Islamic charities suspected of funding terrorists and releasing the money for legitimate aid purposes. Salam Al-Marayati, executive director of the Los Angeles-based Muslim Public Affairs Council, has discussed the notion with government officials. He said he hopes to work with the Islamic charities, donors and others on a plan for the Treasury Department. At stake is about $5 million to $7 million in frozen assets belonging to three charities — Holy Land Foundation for Relief and Development, Global Relief Foundation and the Benevolence International Foundation, Treasury Department officials estimated. The frozen money “should be used for good purposes,” Al-Marayati said. He said assembling a proposal and getting U.S. approval is an uphill battle. Full Story
About OODA Analyst
OODA is comprised of a unique team of international experts capable of providing advanced intelligence and analysis, strategy and planning support, risk and threat management, training, decision support, crisis response, and security services to global corporations and governments.