CAIR Welcomes Appointment of U.S. Envoy to World Muslim Body

posted on: Feb 15, 2010

A prominent national Muslim civil rights and advocacy group today welcomed President Obama’s appointment of Rashad Hussain as special envoy to the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC).

The Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) said Hussain, who is currently a deputy White House counsel, will be in a position to strengthen positive outreach to the Islamic world and will be able to provide the president with direct access to the views and concerns of Muslims worldwide.

“The appointment of such a respected and experienced member of the American Muslim community as OIC envoy sends the message that President Obama is serious about constructive engagement and cooperation with Muslim nations,” said CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad.

The OIC is the second largest world inter-governmental organization after the United Nations and serves as the collective voice of the Muslim world. Its membership currently includes 57 Muslim-majority nations.

CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.