KACND: Western media attacks on Islam swelled terrorist ranks

Secretary-General of King Abdul Aziz Center for National Dialogue (KACND) Faisal Muammar has said that linking Islam to the events of Sept. 11, 2001 by some Western politicians and media was unfair and obviously aimed at projecting Muslims as terrorists and extremists.
“The goal of these critics was to fight Islam, not terrorism and this made them (terrorists) gain more supporters and sympathizers globally instead” he noted.
Muammar made his remarks recently while receiving US advisers and aides of the Congress members at KACND headquarters in Riyadh.
He said those indulging in terrorism and extremism use the name of religion in conflicts with others, in many parts of the world, especially in the Middle East. “Those terrorists are not related to religion, they simply make use of religion to gain supporters and sympathizers and portray their actions as service to the religion,” he said.
“KACND's top priority is to confront extremism and terrorism and to work through partnerships with other agencies, organizations and institutions to promote the values and virtues of Islam” he added.
Muammar explained that scholars of the Islamic world agreed on the seriousness of this extremist ideology and the need to clarify the message of Islam, which is based on tolerance, justice, respect and cooperation for the good of mankind.
He briefed the visiting delegation on KACND’s objectives and vision to spread the culture of dialogue, and its role in promoting this message within the community and its continued efforts in perpetuating the values of moderation and tolerance.
On their part, the visitors praised KACND for its effort to promote the language of dialogue and dedication among the community and the efforts of the Kingdom in the issues of peace and international cooperation.