USA: Mulsim leader says Congressman Walsh meeting in Lombard "a good opportunity was frankly lost"

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Walsh’s initial comments were controversial and incited some people, but Walsh was trying to make a point in last night’s meeting and he wasn’t allowed the opportunity.

Photo credit: Heather Charles/ Chicago Tribune

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Dovers Grove Reporter
By My Suburban Life | August 25, 2012

Lombard, IL — In general, a meeting between Congressman Joe Walsh and members of the Muslim community was a good idea, according Haris Ahmed, public affairs director for the Glen Ellyn-based Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA Chicago West Chapter.

“Any interfaith dialogue is critical to removing misunderstandings,” Ahmed said.

Walsh came under fire recently for his controversial statements about Americans being threatened by a radical strain of Islam.

He met with members of the local Muslim community Friday night in Lombard for a forum of understanding.

Instead, Ahmed said the meeting turned confrontational after a few in the crowd demanded an immediate apology from Walsh, which Ahmed said wasn’t the purpose of the meeting.

“Somehow, it turned out to be confrontational,” Ahmed said. “I don’t think that helps anything.”

He said it appeared some people were attacking Walsh and there was a lot of shouting, but some people did actually want to engage in discussion.

Ahmed said Walsh’s initial comments were controversial and incited some people, but Walsh was trying to make a point in last night’s meeting and he wasn’t allowed the opportunity.

“Our view is that a good opportunity was frankly lost in advancing the dialogue,” Ahmed said.

Walsh responded to the event.

“While this issue brings heated emotions from both sides, I was happy to hear their thoughts and concerns,” Walsh said in a statement.

Still, He did not back down from his original comments.

“However, there is still a radical strain of Islam within our country, Attorney General Eric Holder has said it, Janet Napolitano has said it and I will not back down and will continue to say that is a major threat to our safety and security,” Walsh said in the statement. “... I stand by my original statement that while the overwhelming majority of Muslim Americans are as peace loving as everyone else, there are radical Islamists right here in the United States trying to kill Americans and destroy this country.”

Ahmed said his organization may organize a more mature debate on the issue with Walsh in the near future.

“Unless there’s a scheduling conflict, we’ll meet with anybody who wants to meet,” said Walsh’s spokeswoman, Erin Rapp.

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