Posted By Josh Rogin
Thursday, March 22, 2012 - 3:42 PM
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It's not every day that groups supporting a State Department-listed foreign terrorist organization hold a party in the U.S. Congress, but that's exactly what happened today when the friends of the Mujahedeen e-Khalq (MEK) threw their Nowruz party in the hearing room of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
"Members of Congress will join Iranian Americans in wishing the Iranian people a Happy Nowrouz and address the humanitarian rights of Iran's main opposition in Camp Ashraf and Camp Liberty, in Iraq," reads the flyer for the party, which was held Thursday at the Rayburn building in room 2172, where the foreign affairs committee holds all of its public events.
The flyer says that the event is sponsored by "Iranian American communities" from around the United States, but the mention of Camp Ashraf and Camp Liberty is a clear reference to the MEK, a group designated by the State Department as a foreign terrorist organization that has about 3,000 members living in the secretive Ashraf compound in Iraq.
The U.N. and the State Department are working to move them to Camp Liberty, a former U.S. military base near the Baghdad airport, but the MEK is resisting that move, and has enlisted its many supporters in the United States to decry the conditions at the former military base. Former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani even went so far as to call Camp Liberty a "concentration camp."
House Foreign Affairs Chairwoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) spoke at the event and discussed human rights in Iran, but did not mention the MEK by name. Former Homeland Security secretary and Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge, a paid advocate of the MEK, also spoke.
"The event was not sponsored by the MEK," Ros-Lehtinen's spokesperson Brad Goehner told The Cable. "The room was requested by the Iranian-American Society of South Florida and sponsored by the Iranian-American communities of 39 cities for an event commemorating the Iranian New Year. Space in Congressional office buildings is routinely made available to organizations wishing to hold events on issues important to members of Congress."
The flyer doesn't say the party is being thrown by or for the MEK, and aides who attended told The Cable that there were no MEK signs or banners at the event, as one usually sees wherever the MEK is camped out.
That could be a result of the revelation that the Treasury Department's counterterrorism unit has issued a subpoena to former Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell for records related to his paid advocacy of the MEK, as part of an investigation into the web of organizations that support the terrorist group.
There is a long list of Iranian-American organizations that fund pro-MEK events and pay speakers fees to MEK supporters. Many of these organizations - such as the "Global Initiative for Democracy, whose homepage is entirely devoted to the MEK's concerns and who hosted an MEK conference in January -- seem to have no other function other than to advocate for the MEK, and the actual sources of their money is unclear.
Receiving funding from a terrorist organization or even providing it with "material support," which could include advocacy, is a crime.
The campaign by the MEK's supporters to disparage Camp Liberty and lobby for the MEK's removal from the State Department's list of foreign terrorist organizations has included huge rallies outside the State Department, massive sit-ins at Congressional hearings, and an ongoing vigil outside the State Department's C Street entrance.
Those supporters, many of them paid, include Giuliani, Rendell, Vermont Governor Howard Dean, Harvard Law Professor Alan Dershowitz. John Lewis (D-GA), former FBI Director Louis Freeh, former Sen. Robert Torricelli, former Rep. Patrick Kennedy, former National Security Advisor Gen. James Jones, former Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Richard Myers, former White House Chief of Staff Andy Card, retired Gen. Wesley Clark, former Rep. Lee Hamilton, former CIA Director Porter Goss, senior advisor to the Romney campaign Mitchell Reiss, retired Gen. Anthony Zinni, and former Sen. Evan Bayh.
Congressional aides attended the event on Thursday in the hearing room both out of curiosity and hunger for free food. But multiple aides told The Cable the event was bizarre, even by Congressional standards.
"Looks like you just have to be the ‘right' terrorist organization to hold a fancy party in the halls and hearing rooms of Congress," one House aide told The Cable. "Hope everyone who ate their kabobs doesn't get hit with material support subpoenas."
Readers of FP should know that Josh Rogin did not have the courage to come to the event himself, so he sent a surrogate with instructions.
I wonder if the character who wrote this piece ate the Kababs, the sweets and the nuts himself or took some for Rogin.
I will not dignify him by any further comment.
Aytula's spy.....ate the Kababs
character ate the kabab and took some for J.Rogin and NIAC.
MEK Demonization: A Relief for Mullahs
Josh Rogin's article in Foreign Policy Magazine was full of cheerleading for Iran's Mullahs and demonization of the resistance.
http://www.intellectualconservative.com/2012/03/19/mek-demonization-a-relief-for-mullahs/
The only thing the MEK is resisting is for its leadership to be brought to justice for terrorism and treason.
One does not need to be a mullah lover to despise the terrorist cult that is the MEK.
MEK must be Doing Something Right
It has become very clear that the MEK poses an existential threat to the government of Iran, otherwise why the smear campaign and pressure to maintain this organization on the terror list illegally and in defiance of court orders?
It is clear that Josh Rogan has become nothing more than a writer of hit pieces with a dash of yellow journalism on behalf of the cold war relics and ayatollah apologist in at State.
The level of treachery displayed by the likes of Biden and the few left over imperialist minded fossils at State is disgusting. Since the time of Mossadeq you these types have spared no illegal, immoral, and dishonest act to keep democracy movements down UN the Middle East. Now, the jig is up and they are gasping for air. Soon they and their stooges like the author will be placed in the dustbin of history where they belong.
Spot-on!
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MEK is a terrorist organization with less support within Iran than the mullahs.
Shame on all these former and current US officals for their blatant hypocricy in supporting terrorism.
Mullahs in Iran are the terrorists
Shame on you for whitewashing the mullahs crimes by falsely claiming that mullahs have support in Iran.
Bravo to these American patriots for seeing through such lies as you spout.
MEK were Sadam's storm troopers killing kurds and sheites in the 1990's now they are Israel's paid assasins killing people in Iran
The MEK is despised in Iran because of the many Iranians it killed in bombings and military action fighting agaist Iran in support of Saddam
MEK is not a democratic movement. it is a cult ran by the Rajavis that combines Islam and marxism.
If you think that the people of Iran want another "islamic" revolution headed by the Rajavis you are as brain washed as suspect you to be
There are very damning documents that have been revealed exonerating the MEK from any participation in the suppression of the Kurds and Shi'ites that you mention. In fact Hoshyar Zebari, Iraq's current foreign minister who himself is a Kurd, in a sworn affidavit to a Dutch court investigating Iran's Ministry of Intelligence's disinformation campaign against the MEK, denied MEK involvement. Reuters news agency obtained a copy of the document signed by Zebari which specifically states that MEK never showed hostilities toward the Kurds,“we have not come across any evidence to suggest that the Mojahedin have exercised any hostility towards the people of Iraqi Kurdistan. ( http://www.david-kilgour.com/2008/pdf/iran/Iran%20Report.pdf pg.93 )
On 22 August 1995, International Educational Development, an NGO with the UN,
submitted a statement to the UN Commission on Human Rights containing its
findings of an investigation into the above allegations:
“We have been distressed because of certain misrepresentations of events in
the area, in particular allegations made that the NLA (MEK) has collaborated with
the armed forces of the government of Iraq, inter alia by participating in
attacks against Kurdish people in Kirkuk, Qara, Hanjeer, Kifri, and Altun
Kopiar in April 1991…From our independent investigation and discussion with parties involved, we find these allegations false…" ( http://ncr-iran.org/images/stories/advertising/ep%20report-with%20cover.pdf pg 33 )
The continuous regurgitation of disinformation shows only ignorance or something more sinister on your part, Josh Rogan and the State Department. How is it that the MEK has no support? 2+2=4 If the MEK can bring together large crowds in the tens of thousands ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OACco_ArNZw ) abroad then it is intellectually dishonest to say they have no support or are hated in Iran. Have you done a survey in Iran, where people are hung for supporting the MEK?
The Islamic Marxist garbage that you regurgitate here was coined by the Shah during the Cold War to make the MEK the boogey man in the eyes of the West. In fact, on August 19, 1981 undersecretary of State George W Ball wrote in an OP-ED in the Washington Post titled "Iran's Bleak Future" that "The sloppy press habit of dismissing the Mujahedeen as 'leftists' badly confuses the problem.
Mr. Rogin I highly recommend that you go to the www.delistmek.com and review the numerous documents, independent reports, and evidence that debunks your misinformation.
Only one spreading disinformation here is MEK and her terrorist supporters like you
The MEK is a well known for its participation in Saddam's war machine in rhe late 80's and in the 90's
The vidence is not in dispute, and is confirmed in no uncertain terms by the state department.
The fact that this terrorist group aligned itself with Saddam in his invasion of Iran tells you everything you need to know about the democratic credenentials and patriotism of this group
The marxist idealogy of the MEK and its islamic roots were in fact this groups founding principles and go back many decades, they were in full display during the groups collabration wirh islamists and khomeini's supporters during the Iranian revolution
Iranians know the terrorist MEK group well and this group has less support in Iran than the mullas. I know people like you are looking to find any group that you can use to pressure the Iranian government, be it the MEK or the sunni terrorist group jundullah, but these groups are so vile and despised in Iran that you wont get anywhere.
Repeating nonsense doesn't make it true
Back up your words with facts. Otherwise you are just making yourself look like the mullah apologist that you are.
Why are you so afraid of them if they have no support!!!!????haa
You need to read and educate yourself or you maybe are on someone payroll??
"Repeating nonsense doesn't make it true"
Why do you keep doing it then? I mean that is the grand strategy of you MEK terrrorist supporters.
A western audience may be succeptable to your non-sense before they dig in a bit further to remove the thick layers of BS you are pouring on.
But Iranians remember being in bomb shelters in the 80's to escape Saddam's missiles while the MEK leaders were having tea with Saddam in his palace
This is rubbish. Josh Rogin actually believes he can intimidate and bully Iranian-Americans and American patriots from excercising their First Amendment rights to call the State Dept. FTO listing of the MEK for what it was in 1997 and continues to be to this day: an unjust, outdated, illegal, amoral and shoot yourself in the foot designation that is absolutely unsupported by the evidence.
He is wrong.
Rogin's ignorant lies speak for his disrepute: secretive camp? I mean you had the US military there for over 7 years with full screening of every single resident. Come off this BS.
Resisting a move from Ashraf? You have to be smoking something bad to not know that it is the Ashraf residents who have volunteered to transfer to 3rd countries if the Iraqi pawns of Iran's regime allow the UNHCR to carry out its duties and if they stop obstructing the process.
Actually, the American supporters of a delisting of the MEK are brave American patriots who know America's interest better than the mullah-loving and confused sicklings who pretend to oppose war in Iran but actually strengthen the chances for war by hampering the Iranian freedom-lovers from their struggle for democratic change.
Get yourself straigthened out Josh Rogin.
stop sucking up to American "patriots"
These officials should be ashamed for advocating for and in some cases accepting money from terrorists that have American blood on their hands.
BTW where do you MEK terrorists get your money to pay these official's "speakin fees"
I mean you couldnt have made that kind of money by just the payments from mosad to kill Iranian scientists.
Which blood of Americans on their hand? The MEK was not involved in the murder of American Defense contractors in the 70's. Almost the entire leadership of the MEK was killed by the Shah in 1972, the rest of the central committee and members were in prison and the MEK of today were not reorganized until 1979. FACT: With the founders dead or in prison a group of opportunists with Marxist ideology attempted an internal coup killing the remaining Two leaders outside of prison. Calling themselves Mojahedin ML. They removed the quranic verse from the MEK emblem and committed acts of terror against Americans in Iran to gain credibility. The documents are there for all to see. ( http://www.delistmek.com/MUJAHEDIN-E-KHALQ-AN-INDEPENDENT-ASSESSMENT.pdf Independent Assessment by Ambassodor Bloomfield ). This group later changed their name to PEYKAR. So get your facts straight, do some research, and know what you are talking about.
Not only have they not killed Americans they have in fact saved US lives in Iraq. The list of military officials and officers who have expressed that is undeniable. Shame on the State Department for unscrupulously maintaining the MEK on the terror list. The Iranian American community should and will use all it's resources to bring to justice those in the State Department who have served the ayatollahs, big oil, and corporate interests in Iran over human rights.
MEK terrorists not only killed American defence contracters but a number of other civilians including an American university professsor in western Iran. A tragic case of senseless murder that impacted many at the university and turned them against the MEK, even before the collaberation of its leaders with Saddam.
The fact that this group is trying to distance itself from these murders or its part in the islamic revolution is understandable, after all these despicaple acts are nothing to be proud of.
Shame on American officials who show support for these terrorists for money or in the case of ros-lehtinen as a part of her mandate from AIPAC
No, you're right, it couldn't be from Mossad. It is from the Iranian people in Diaspora and in Iran. Over 2.5 million dollars was recently donated by proud Iranians to just a television channel which advocates for MEK (First Amendment rights that you wish never existed).
You continue with your tired old allegations with nothing to support what you say. I have cited numerous studies on the matter for the readers to see for themselves. Can you do the same? Didn't think so!
Those "proud Iranians" that give money to the MEK terrrorist group should look over their shoulders as the treasury department could come after them for material support for terrorism.
And the terrorist cult of the Rajavis does not now nor has it ever had support amongst the Iranians public that runs in the millions.
First Amendment has nothing to do with it, MEK is a terrorist groups with less support amongst Iranians than even the mullahs.
"Checkmate"
To try to argue facts with likes of you is an excercise in futility, you don't care about facts becasue you have an agenda.
But I will leave you with this:
Why were you terrorists fighting along side the butcher of Baghdad in his efforts to invade Iran?
I guess Saddam, like the Rajavis, was interested in establishing a democratic, secular government in Iran.
It seems that Mr Rogin has spent too much time with the Iranian regime’s proxies, so much so he has inherited their thinking and interpretation of law.
I say you are terrorist and you have no rights, if you move we kill you, if you speak we shut you down and send you to a prison camp.
I just feel sorry for you Mr Rogin, poor evil worshipers eager and zealous to saber.
They are terrorists because they are listed by the State Department as terrorists. The law says that providing them support is illegal. The Supreme Court ruled on that law. I don't buy the "I'm committing a crime but it's a not crime because it shouldn't be illegal" argument.
Where does the money for the speaking fees come from?
You have become Mouthpiece of Iranian dictatorship by attacking the victim.
When FBI goes after Iranian spies (Reza Marashi, Terita Parsi and etc) in US you will go down with them.
If I was a Congressional aide I would have been offended by your assertion of being at the event for free food! Your writings have become so irrational and without merit that don't even deserve a response. How much kabob did the Iranian regime's proxies fed you?
Whether you think that MEK is a "terrorist" organization or not, this type of event and the ongoing open advocacy for a proscribed organization makes a joke of our laws and for those supports that belief among people in the Middle East that US anti-terrorism policy has more to do with politics than concern for terrorism. When I was working on emergency support programming in Gaza after Cast Lead we were told by USAID officials that even replacing windows in a school in Gaza would be considered material support for terrorism and those of us connected to the work could be arrested and prosecuted. This was because the schools were run by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Education was run by Hamas. Even a conversation with a Hamas official in Gaza leaves you at risk of arrest. After the Humanitarian Law Case ruling by the supreme court, even words can be considered material support. The fact that these officials are flaunting the laws with no consequences is a sign of a clear problem. If this is compared with the ongoing grand jury investigation into 24 activists in the Mid-West for alleged FARC and PFLP connections and the prosecution of the Holy Land Five it becomes clear that this legal regime is clearly unjust.
Then the State Department officials should be investigated as well when the likes of Marashi and Parsi dictate policy for them. Their organization NIAC is an arm of the "greatest state sponsor of terror" the Iranian government. The Iranian American community will continue to hold gatherings in Congress, rallies in DC, and advocate for the MEK's removal from the terror list. We will spend our hard earned money to support our causes and there isn't a damn thing the Rogan's, unamed State Department officials, and Holders can do about it!
yeah the NIAC is a terrorist supporter but people like you advocating for Saddam's former storm troopers, the cult leaders the Rajavis, are democracy advocates.
MEK is a terrorist organization and those that spend money or accept money to support this group should be investigated and prosecuted
Your opening paragraph was written several months ago by Trita Parsi in a separate article.
American officials who are too lazy to conduct their own research into the terrorist group MEK and its campaign of terror against Iranians and Americans should at least look up the group on wikipedia
Unless they like Sen. Ros-Lehtinen have other priorities besides the interests of the US
What a nasty piece of article!
This is another malicious article by disreputable Josh Rogin against distinguished US servicemen to manipulate public opinion against Iranian Resistance just in time when US State Department has been cornered by the US District Court to remove the Iranian Resistance led by the PMOI (MEK) from FTO list.
The real question here is to ask Josh Rogin how much he has been paid to write this dirty piece of garbage!
Hay Josh tell us how much you were paid to write this garbage!
This is another malicious article by disreputable Josh Rogin against distinguished US servicemen to manipulate public opinion against Iranian Resistance just in time when US State Department has been cornered by the US District Court to remove the Iranian Resistance led by the PMOI (MEK) from FTO list.
The real question here is to ask Josh Rogin how much he has been paid to write this dirty piece of garbage!
MEK Demonization: A Relief for Mullahs
Josh Rogin's article in Foreign Policy Magazine was full of cheerleading for Iran's Mullahs and demonization of the resistance.
http://www.intellectualconservative.com/2012/03/19/mek-demonization-a-relief-for-mullahs/
Hey Josh,
I am very jealous, I work very hard to make earnings and some days I work over 12 hours and you just spent 20 minutes and write junks and get paid millions by the mullahs in Iran.
I am very jealous.
American officials who are too lazy to conduct their own research into the terrorist group MEK and its campaign of terror against Iranians and Americans should at least look up the group on wikipedia
Unless they like Sen. Ros-Lehtinen have other priorities besides the interests of the US
John Hudson reports on national security and foreign policy from the Pentagon to Foggy Bottom, the White House to Embassy Row, for The Cable.
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