Demonstrations

Germany’s Scholz calls for ‘consequences’ following Islamist rally Demonstrators in Hamburg called for the creation of a 'caliphate,' sparking condemnation.

(Politico) German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Monday there must be “consequences” following an Islamist rally in Hamburg that sparked condemnation from politicians across the country. More than 1,000 people participated in a demonstration in the northern German city on Saturday, holding up […]

Demonstrations

Iran attack widens rift between activist left and Dem moderates The latest flashpoint in the Israel-Gaza war shows both sides calcifying their stances.

(Politico) Moments after Iran launched an attack on Israel, around 400 pro-Palestinian protesters in Chicago broke out in chants of “Hands off Iran!” The head of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights organization, claimed Iran “is responding […]

News: Europe

Moscow shooting: At least 90 killed in ‘bloody terrorist attack’ at concert hall The Islamic State claimed responsibility. Moscow says 11 people have been detained in the attack.

(Politico) Gunmen stormed a rock concert near Moscow, killing at least 90 people and wounding more than 100 others, authorities said, in one of the deadliest terror attacks to hit Russia in years. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack […]

Government & Politics

White House eyeing a scaled-down Ramadan reception this year Anger over the war in Gaza is clouding the traditional Eid al-Fitr celebration.

(Politico) The White House is considering a scaled-down version of its traditional ceremony marking the end of Ramadan next month, after Muslim leaders warned aides that people would decline invitations in objection to the president’s handling of the Israel-Hamas war. Typically, the […]

Government & Politics

Arab, Muslim and Palestinian leaders refuse to meet with White House aides in Chicago The protests continue, this time in the Windy City.

(Politico) More than three dozen Arab, Muslim and Palestinian-American leaders blasted a White House effort to meet with community organizations in Chicago over the administration’s position on the Israel-Hamas conflict. In a joint letter addressed to the White House, the groups criticized […]

Discrimination & “Islamophobia”

White House, allied groups launch wave of support for Muslim judicial nominee The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced Adeel Mangi’s potentially historic nomination in January.

(Politico) The White House, along with law enforcement and labor groups, is pushing back against what they call “Islamophobic attacks” against a Biden administration nominee who would become the first Muslim American federal appellate judge if confirmed. The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced […]

Government & Politics

France slashes Olympics opening ceremony crowd size amid terror attack fears French President Emmanuel Macron asked for capacity to be reduced to half of what was initially planned for showpiece event.

(Politico) France has scaled down the Paris 2024 Olympic Games opening ceremony which will take place in July on the River Seine, amid concerns over a theoretical Islamist terror attack. Boats carrying each nation’s flag-bearers will pass on the water in the […]

Discrimination & “Islamophobia”

UK’s Tories tear themselves apart over Islamophobia A row over a suspended MP has triggered a days-long debate in the governing party about anti-Muslim hatred.

(Politico) Britain’s Conservatives have yet another civil war on their hands. The governing party has spent much of the past week publicly agonizing about anti-Muslim prejudice — and the bitter row shows no signs of subsiding. Lee Anderson, the party’s former deputy […]

Government & Politics

The top Muslim state lawmaker in Michigan wants you to turn on Joe Biden Michigan Rep. Abraham Aiyash hopes to send the president a message in Tuesday’s primary: Cease-fire or bust.

(Politico) In late October, the Democratic floor leader of the Michigan House of Representatives, Abraham Aiyash, stood in front of thousands gathered in downtown Detroit to denounce a man who is vying to win another four years in the Oval Office. He […]

Government & Politics

Benzema’s defamation suit against top French minister is dismissed The French football star had filed a complaint against France’s Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin after the politician said Benzema was linked to the Muslim Brotherhood.

(Politico) Karim Benzema’s defamation lawsuit against French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin, who claimed the French football star was “notoriously linked” to the Muslim Brotherhood, has been dismissed. Benzema filed the complaint last month, following multiple remarks by Darmanin linking the striker to […]

Government & Politics

American intel officials warn of risk of Hezbollah attacking U.S. Hezbollah has more capability to strike inside the U.S. than other terrorist groups like ISIS, officials say.

(Politico) U.S. officials assess that there’s a rising risk Lebanese Hezbollah militants will strike Americans in the Middle East — and even potentially hit inside the United States, four officials familiar with the intelligence told POLITICO. The Iran-backed militant group would likely […]

Government & Politics

Israel-Hamas war poses long-term security threat, Belgian minister warns Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden tells POLITICO ‘flammability’ will likely continue even beyond any ceasefire.

(Politico) The Israel-Hamas war has created a long-term threat to European security that is likely to last beyond any ceasefire, Belgium’s Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden has warned. Several countries, including Belgium, have raised their security threat level after terror attacks carried out […]

Government & Politics

‘You no longer represent us’: New Jersey Muslims mobilize against longtime congressman over Israel stance A constituency that helped him keep his seat a decade ago now wants him out of office.

(Politico) Last time Rep. Bill Pascrell faced a serious primary challenge, he ended up winning by a 20-point margin after the Arab American community rallied in support of the New Jersey Democrat. Now that same constituency is turning against him, posing a […]

Children & Teens

ISIS propaganda seducing ‘new generation of teenagers’: French domestic intel Security chief warns Islamist ideology is likely to exist for a very long time to come.

(Politico) A new generation of French teenagers is being wooed by the Islamic State terrorist group — infamous for its on-camera immolations of captives in Iraq — and seems ominously susceptible to the group’s propaganda, according to the head of France’s DGSI […]

Government & Politics

More EU countries threaten to close Russian borders amid migrant surge Latvia and Lithuania say they are monitoring the situation, after Finland accused Moscow of ‘cynical’ actions.

(Politico) A growing number of asylum seekers arriving on the EU’s eastern frontier is forcing Baltic countries to consider border closures with Russia, due to fears the Kremlin is weaponizing desperate people to create a migration crisis on the continent. Latvia, Lithuania […]

Discrimination & “Islamophobia”

French Jewish journalist placed under police protection after threats Far-left leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon accused of putting ‘a target’ on the journalist’s back.

(Politico) Ruth Elkrief, a French Jewish columnist with TV broadcaster LCI, is being placed under police protection over threats she received after far-left leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon criticized one of her interviews, calling her a “fanatic” and accusing her of showing “contempt for […]

Demonstrations

‘Clash of civilizations’ looms over EU elections Far-right parties are cashing in on decades of campaigning against Islam and migration, as they move to the center ground.

(Politico) Geert Wilders may be just the tip of the iceberg. Following the anti-Islam politician’s shock election win in the Netherlands, European elites are nervously scanning the political landscape for signs of what’s to come — including further surprise wins from far-right […]

Clothing

It’s OK to ban wearing religious symbols at work, EU top court rules A public administration may prohibit staff from wearing items such as an Islamic headscarf, CJEU says.

(Politico) The EU’s top court on Tuesday ruled that a public administration may ban staff from visibly wearing any sign which reveals philosophical or religious beliefs, in order to create a “neutral administrative environment.” “Such a rule is not discriminatory if it […]

Government & Politics

Dutch election: Far-right surge gives Geert Wilders late boost One poll puts the anti-Islam euroskeptic in joint first place ahead of Wednesday’s knife-edge vote.

(Politico) A sudden surge in support for far-right firebrand Geert Wilders has electrified the Dutch election as the campaign enters its final hours. Wilders’ anti-Islam and anti-EU Freedom Party (PVV) has been buoyed by last-minute gains, with one poll even putting the […]

Government & Politics

Attempted murder of right-wing Spanish politician being investigated as ‘terrorist’ incident Alejo Vidal-Quadras, former head of Spain’s Popular Party in Catalonia and former vice president of the European Parliament, was shot in the face last week in Madrid.

(Politico) Spain’s National Court (Audience Nacional) is investigating the attempted assassination of right-wing politician Alejo Vidal-Quadras as a potential terrorist case, Spanish media reported on Monday. Vidal-Quadras, former head of Spain’s Popular Party in Catalonia and former vice president of the European […]

Demonstrations

German antisemitism: Robert Habeck jabs Muslim groups, threatens deportations ‘The extent of the Islamist demonstrations in Berlin and other cities in Germany is unacceptable and requires a tough political response,’ says vice chancellor.

(Politico) Germany’s Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck criticized Muslim groups while expressing concern over rising antisemitism in Germany and calling for tough consequences for people committing antisemitic acts. “Antisemitism is not to be tolerated in any form,” Habeck said Wednesday evening in a speech […]

Government & Politics

Belgium’s terror attack blunders tarnish its upcoming EU presidency Tunisia reveals that it had previously requested the extradition of gunman Abdesalem Lassoued — but that a prosecutor allowed the request to collect dust.

(Politico) Belgium had big plans for its upcoming Council presidency. But its handling of the October 16 shooting spree by Tunisian gunman Abdesalem Lassoued, which left two Swedish football supporters dead, has since led to a series of embarrassing revelations. Lassoued was […]

Crime

FBI, DHS warn of U.S. hate crimes increase amid Israel-Hamas war The warning follows the Oct. 14 murder of a 6-year-old Palestinian boy in Illinois and a rise in antisemitic incidents.

(Politico) Federal law enforcement officials warned on Wednesday that Israel’s ongoing war with Palestinian militants could encourage more hate crimes in the U.S. In a public service announcement released Wednesday night, the Federal Bureau of Investigation said it “has seen an increase […]

Discrimination & “Islamophobia”

‘The man broke my heart’: Biden’s Arab-American boosters begin to leave his side These Arab-Americans were among Biden’s biggest fans. Now they’re warning they — and others — could abandon him in 2024.

(Politico) Maysoon Zayid, a Palestinian American comedian, did everything she could to get Joe Biden elected in 2020. She starred in a comedy event boosting him. She spoke on a call organized by the Biden campaign featuring Arab women supporting him. Biden’s […]

Citizenship

French senator demands footballer Karim Benzema lose citizenship over Muslim Brotherhood claim Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin said the star was ‘linked’ with the Muslim party. Benzema’s lawyer said that’s not true.

(Politico) A French senator on Wednesday called for Karim Benzema to be stripped of his French citizenship after Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin suggested the football star was linked to the Muslim Brotherhood, a Sunni Islamist party considered to be a terrorist group […]

Government & Politics

Belgian officials knew all about Brussels terror attack gunman — but were unable to stop him Tunisian shooter’s profile sheds light on Belgium’s security failures.

(Politico) Belgian authorities were well aware of the gunman who caused terror in Brussels — and yet he was still able to shoot two people dead. The attacker — who killed two Swedish football fans on Monday evening — had been on the authorities’ […]

Government & Politics

DeSantis spars with Haley over Gaza comments Haley criticized her Republican presidential rival, who over the weekend said that Palestinians in Gaza 'are all antisemitic.'

(Politico) Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida on Monday rejected criticism from Republican presidential rival Nikki Haley of remarks he made about Palestinians over the weekend. In an interview with NBC’s Dasha Burns published on Monday, DeSantis dismissed Haley’s criticisms as her “trying […]

Academics & Education

Killing of French teacher inflames tensions over security, immigration A string of violent attacks by foreigners over recent years has reignited the immigration debate in France.

(Politico) Just three days after an Islamist stabbed a French teacher to death, an already fierce discussion on immigration in France has become a lot more heated. The killing last Friday of Dominique Bernard, a high school teacher in Arras, has emotionally […]

Interfaith

FBI director warns of increase in domestic threats related to Middle East conflict The FBI does not have 'specific and credible intelligence indicating a threat to the United States stemming from the Hamas attacks in Israel,' but continues to monitor events as they unfold.

(Politico) FBI director Christopher Wray on Saturday said reported domestic threats have surged as conflict in Israel escalates. Wray acknowledged the increase in threats due to the “heightened environment,” calling for increased vigilance and requesting that police continue to share intelligence and […]

Government & Politics

Germany will ban all Hamas-linked activities, Scholz says Germany vows zero tolerance for antisemitism, after terror celebrations by a minority spark outrage.

(Politico) German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that anyone who glorifies the crimes of Palestinian militant group Hamas, uses its symbols, condones murder, calls for criminal acts or burns Israeli flags could be prosecuted in Germany. Speaking in the Bundestag, the German parliament, […]

Government & Politics

Henry Kissinger on Hamas attacks fallout: Germany let in too many foreigners As a minority in Berlin cheer Hamas’ attacks on Israel, former top US diplomat says mass immigration was a ‘grave mistake.’

(Politico) Hamas’ attack against Israel being celebrated on the streets of Berlin indicates that Germany has let too many foreigners into the country, according to former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger. “It was a grave mistake to let in so many […]

Interfaith

Graphic videos of Hamas attacks spread on X Beheadings, mass shootings and other images linked to the violence targeting Israel widely shared on Elon Musk’s social media network.

(Politico) Videos and images of mass shootings, kidnapped civilians and soldiers and other violence linked with Hamas’ attack on Israel are being widely shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, in violation of the company’s own rules against inciting violence. POLITICO’s review […]

Government & Politics

Athens wants to revamp EU-Turkey migrant deal Greek interior minister says now is time to ‘reenergize, rejuvenate and expand’ pact that returns migrants to Turkey.

(Politico) Athens wants to expand a migration deal with Turkey, Greek Interior Minister Dimitrios Kairidis said. The European Union reached the contentious agreement with Turkey at the peak of the migration crisis in March 2016. It foresaw that all undocumented migrants arriving […]

Discrimination & “Islamophobia”

Muslim New Jersey mayor denied entry to White House plans lawsuit against ‘watchlist’ Prospect Park Mayor Mohamed Khairullah has said he believes his name is allegedly on a federal terrorist watchlist.

(Politico) A Muslim Democratic mayor from New Jersey plans to sue the Biden administration seeking to end a federal terrorism watchlist which he has previously said unfairly targets Muslims — including himself this spring at the White House. More details of the […]

Government & Politics

Jeffries endorses Ilhan Omar amid AIPAC primary threat Democratic leadership is sending a message to progressives who are worried about primary challenges from the pro-Israel group: Caucus leaders plan to support all incumbents.

(Politico) When Pramila Jayapal faced fierce blowback in mid-July after dubbing Israel a “racist state,” it immediately unnerved fellow House progressives. Their concern: Would Democratic leaders recommit to the longstanding policy of backing all incumbents, including critics of Israel? The answer was […]

Arts & Entertainment

Antisemitism accusations over rapper split France’s left A tweet by the rapper Médine is dividing parties in the hard left-Green Nupes coalition that currently leads in French polls.

(Politico) The left’s antisemitism problem has taken center-stage in France. The summer jamborees of the French Green party and the hard left were supposed to be opportunities to discuss climate change, wealth inequalities and next year’s European elections in a festive, holiday […]