On September 26, in an effort to display solidarity with Muslim- and Arab-Americans who might be victimized by reprisals, President Bush met publicly with prominent Muslim and Arab leaders, proclaiming that "the teachings of Islam are teachings of peace and good." But somebody apparently forgot to perform a background check first.

To the president's left sat Dr. Yahya Basha, president of the American Muslim Council, whose leaders have repeatedly referred to Hamas as "freedom fighters." To the president's right sat Muzammil Siddiqi, president of the Islamic Society of North America, who the previous fall had told a crowd chanting pro-Hezbollah slogans that "America has to learn if you remain on the side of injustice, the wrath of God will come." Also in attendance was Salam Al-Marayati, executive director of the Muslim Public Affairs Council. On the afternoon of September 11, Al-Marayati told a Los Angeles radio station that "we should put the State of Israel on the suspect list."

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