U.S. Freezes Assets of Al-Aqsa, Citing Terror Links, May 29, 2003

[...] The AL-AQSA FOUNDATION is a critical part of Hamas' transnational terrorist support infrastructure. Hamas is designated by the Secretary of State as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (66 Fed. Reg. 51088) and as Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) under Executive Order 13224, "Blocking Property and Prohibiting Transactions with Persons Who commit, Threaten to Commit, or Support Terrorism." Hamas is known to raise at least tens of millions of dollars per year throughout the world using charitable fundraising as cover. (full text)

See also: Terrorism

U.S. Muslims Helping Reconcile Islam and Democracy, May 29, 2003

[...] Indicators of change are multiplying in the Arab world, with Morocco moving to genuine elections, Bahrain holding its first vote, and Qatar announcing a new constitution. In Saudi Arabia, professionals are pushing to modernize the political system. And Turkey is offering an intriguing example. "A party with Islamic roots has come to power, but it now says it believes in secularism and that it is compatible with Islam," Masmoudi says. (full text)

Bush Believes Visit to Mideast Can Give Impetus to Peace Process, May 28, 2003

[...] Bush, she said, "believes that this is a new opportunity for peace at the end of the war in Iraq; and particularly, with changes in the Palestinian leadership, that there is a new opportunity, with the Israeli government's acceptance of the steps in the roadmap and some of the statements that [Israel's] Prime Minister [Ariel] Sharon has made about the future that he sees with the Palestinian people." (full text)

See also: Middle East Peace Process

Feith Says Iraqis Must Build Their Own Country, May 28, 2003

See also: The U.S. and Iraq