FBI Questions Hundreds of Muslims Ahead of Tonight's Debate in Arizona

[DuctapeFatwa]

Ahead of tonight's debate in Tempe, FBI agents have been questioning hundreds of Muslims across the state and visiting mosques in what they say is a new initiative to thwart terrorist attacks. We speak with the Council on American-Islamic Relations in Arizona and a University student from Yemen who was questioned.

President Bush and Senator John Kerry meet today in Arizona for the third and final presidential debate of the campaign. The encounter, which is being held at Arizona State University, will focus on domestic issues including jobs, health care and taxes.

In the weeks leading up to the final debate, FBI agents have been knocking on doors of hundreds of Muslims in the key swing state of Arizona and conducting so-called "voluntary interviews" as well as revisiting mosques in what they say is new initiative to thwart terrorist attacks.

The FBI plan - officially known as the "Fall Threat Task Force" but dubbed by critics as the "October Plan" - is not just confined to Arizona. With just a few weeks left to go before the election, "interviews" of individuals in Arab and Muslim communities is taking place all across the country and there is a growing concern that the new government plan could silence political expression in Muslim communities before the presidential election.

http://www.pacifica.org/programs/dn/041013.html

[MetaTrope]

1. I can guess who their votes will be going to...

:dem:

[ladybugg33]

13. It's called "voter intimidation." It worked in the sourth.

I bet it will work in Arizona and elsewhere too.

[legally blonde]

2. Didn't you know???

ALL Muslims are terrorists! <sarcasim>
This makes me so mad. :mad: These "interviews" are more like interrogations. They don't get a lawyer. They are treated like criminals. My S.O. and his family are Muslim-Americans--they came to this country for a better life, and this is how our government repays their patriotism.

[Coventina]

5. Have you seen the DVD of F9/11 yet?

There's a great extra bonus footage bit about Arab American commedians.

It's tragi-comic.

[northzax]

11. where did they immigrate from?

I wager that it was a country where, when the federal police come to your door and start asking questions, it is a reason for fear. This is intimidation, plain and simple. I know that if the FBI comes to my door and asks for a 'voluntary' interview, I can sendd them away, I can refuse to say anything, I can ask for my lawyer (ok, I don't have a lawyer, but you get the drift) there is a reason the feds only use these tactics on immigrant or less affluent communities, it's called intimidation.

[hatrack]

3. No time to investigate voter registration fraud in Nevada & Oregon . . .

But lots and lots of time to question teachers, shopkeepers, lawyers, housewives & students who happen to live in or near Phoenix. Yeah, that makes lots of sense. :eyes:

[Mary0505]

4. Muslims

No Not all muslims are terrorist. Only Muslims against Bush.

[Maine-i-acs]

6. "Wag the Dog" and remind people that only Chimp&Snarl will keep them safe.

Battleground state terror mop-up = wag-the-dog.

How many Terra convictions in 4 years Johnnie Asscroft?

How's that Lackawanna prosecution coming?

How about them Gitmo translators?

[DuctapeFatwa]

7. Here's a link to October Plan, for those who don't know

It includes provisions for seizing the family members of whoever the warlords choose.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/09/17/eveningnews/main644096.shtml

[kayell]

8. Some relevant snips

FBI field offices and Homeland Security agencies will be advised of "extraordinary measures" that will go into place "beginning the first week of October through the elections."

An internal e-mail advisory to supervisory agents this week from the FBI's "'04 Threat Task Force" said the purpose of the counter-offensive is "to foster the impression that law enforcement is focused on individuals who may be a threat."

Specifically, the plan calls for "aggressive - even obvious - surveillance" techniques to be used on a short list of people suspected of being terrorist sympathizers, but who have not committed a crime. Other "persons of interest," including their family members, may also be brought in for questioning, one source said.

snip

The bureau also knows it can expect to be criticized for the strategy if it goes too far. One element of the plan calls for addressing what some officials fears could be a wave of protests from Arab-Americans and civil libertarians once the so-called "October Plan" kicks off.

[DuctapeFatwa]

9. They will also be extracting information about people who have expressed

views opposing US policies, I can't find the link but those interested can google. The views part came after a long list of things about cell phone use, being away from home a lot, having cash, etc

[hatrack]

10. Well, I guess they've conceded the Arab-American vote, haven't they?

Good plan, fucksticks.

[PsychoDad]

12. I am still waiting...

They have yet to show up here.

You think it may be because they already have enough "evidence" ?

[anakie]

14. how many muslims were involved in the Oklahoma City bombing

just wondering.