AJC Urges Senate Committee to Support Daniel Pipes

7/23/2003

From: Kenneth Bandler of the American Jewish Committee, 212-891-6771; e-mail: pr@ajc.org; web: http://www.ajc.org

WASHINGTON, July 23 -- The American Jewish Committee today urged a Senate committee to approve without further delay the nomination of Dr. Daniel Pipes to the Board of Directors of the U.S. Institute of Peace.

"Rejecting this nomination would have a chilling effect on the important political discourse about the threat of Islamic radicalism," said David A. Harris, executive director of the American Jewish Committee.

The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, which was set to vote on the nomination today, abruptly adjourned its meeting, with no decision when to reconvene.

"In Daniel Pipes, the President has put forward an eminently qualified scholar of the Middle East," said Harris. "Through his careful research and insightful analysis, Dr. Pipes has for years played a crucial role in public discourse, alerting the American public to the dangers posed by extremist Islamism in this country and abroad. After September 11, 2001, it became clear that Dr. Pipes' warnings over the years had been remarkably prescient."

At the same time, Harris continued, "Dr. Pipes has the wisdom not to confuse the militants who make up that movement with the vast body of decent, moderate adherents of a proud and vibrant faith. He deserves overwhelming approval by the Senate."