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четверг, 26 марта 2026 г.

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MEF Dispatch: Church of Latter-day Saints Financed Hamas Contractor

среда, 25 марта 2026 г.

Sam Westrop writes that, following MEF's January investigation into Mormon charitable involvement wi ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

View on web  |  Read what you missed Church of Latter-day Saints Financed Hamas Contractor By Winfield Myers ● Mar 25, 2026 Smart Brevity® count: 7.5 mins...1998 words Sam Westrop writes that, following MEF's January investigation into Mormon charitable involvement with terror-tied Islamist organizations, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) has seemingly refused to acknowledge or curtail its financing for Islamist groups credibly accused of involvement with designated terrorist organizations such as Hamas. Despite the LDS Church's denials, however, new information uncovered by MEF demonstrates that the LDS Church's support for extremist networks appears far more extensive than previously revealed. Dexter Van Zile reports that the largest Muslim charity in the U.S. has filed a lawsuit in federal court against another Islamic charity headquartered in the U.K. The suit lends credence to many of the concerns expressed by MEF about the U.K. organization over the past decade. In a second article, Van Zile explains how years of antisemitic and Islamic supremacist rhetoric and action in Dearborn, Michigan, helped set the stage for the March 12 attack on a synagogue in nearby West Bloomfield, Michigan. Iran updates continue apace with new articles on the topic by Jonathan Spyer, Saeid Golkar, Mardo Soghom, and Lazar Berman. We also include the work of Michael Rubin, Mohammad Taha Ali, and Sirwan Kajjo. Church of Latter-day Saints Partnered with Hamas Ministry and Financed Hamas Contractor By: Sam Westrop The Middle East Forum's investigation reveals the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' (LDS Church) financial connections to Islamist groups, raising serious questions about its involvement with entities linked to terrorism. Hamas connections unveiled: Reports indicate LDS support for Medglobal, a charity collaborating with Hamas's Ministry of Health, raising concerns about the oversight of humanitarian funds. New evidence suggests LDS funds may have supported extremist activities through indirect channels. Church's defensive stance: LDS Church denies the allegations, claiming its humanitarian efforts in the Middle East are mischaracterized and compliant with U.S. law. The Church asserts that none of its funded organizations are designated as terrorist supporters. Funding transparency demanded: Critics urge the LDS Church to disclose detailed financial records to clarify its partnerships and ensure funds are not aiding terrorism. Skepticism grows as the Church remains opaque about its financial operations in conflict zones. Potential impact on LDS reputation: There is little reason to doubt that Mormon institutions' charitable intentions are good. But notwithstanding its noble fundaments, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has made a series of terrible mistakes. Rather than fight its critics, it should engage with them, to make sure the Church never again funds terror-aligned extremists. To read the full report, click here. Fitna in the Ummah: Muslim Charity in U.S. Sues Former Affiliate in U.K. By: Dexter Van Zile In a significant legal move, Islamic Relief USA (IRUSA) has filed a federal lawsuit against its parent organization, Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW), citing concerns over extremist ties and financial misconduct. IRUSA's tax status threatened: IRUSA claims that IRW's actions risk its tax-exempt status in the U.S., jeopardizing donor relationships and its humanitarian mission. IRW's alleged solicitation of U.S. donations without proper registration violates state laws and IRUSA's exclusive rights. Accusations of misconduct: IRUSA accuses IRW of blocking audits, diverting donations, and creating sanctions-related risks through international procurement activities. The lawsuit underscores a pattern of non-cooperation and legal breaches by IRW. Long-standing scrutiny on IRW: Islamic Relief Worldwide has been under governmental and watchdog scrutiny for alleged extremist connections and governance issues. IRUSA's lawsuit follows pressure from U.S. lawmakers and banking partners concerned about IRW's ties to terror-linked entities. To read the full article, click here. The Warning Dearborn's Mayor Just Didn't Want to Hear By: Dexter Van Zile The violent assault on Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, Michigan, was a stark manifestation of unchecked rhetoric glorifying violence against Jews. The attack didn't happen in isolation—it was the result of a local political climate that has been permissive of extremist ideologies. Dearborn's leadership under fire: Despite warnings, Mayor Abdullah H. Hammoud dismissed concerns about violent rhetoric, labeling critics as "bigots" while refusing to denounce Hamas and Hezbollah. His reaction has been criticized for emboldening hostility and silencing necessary debates on extremism. Dangerous rhetoric normalized: Osama Siblani, praised by city officials, has a history of inflammatory statements supporting violence against Israel, further fueling tensions. Siblani's speeches and Dearborn's political silence have blurred lines between critique and outright Jew-hatred. Community backlash: The attack has sparked outrage, with experts like A.J. Nolte linking anti-Israel rhetoric to increased violence against Jewish communities. Calls for accountability emphasize the urgent need to reject glorification of violence and promote coexistence. To read the full article, click here. Trump vs Islamic Republic: Who Controls the Escalation Ladder? By: Jonathan Spyer President Donald Trump has paused his 48-hour ultimatum demanding that Tehran permit the free passage of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. He has suspended threatened strikes on Iranian power plants for five days to pursue what he described as "productive conversations" with Tehran. Navigating Hormuz tensions: Trump's actions do not necessarily mean the U.S. has thrown in the towel in the face of Iran's continued defiance. He may be simply seeking to buy time until the U.S. forces currently heading for the region have deployed. The U.S. and Israel have severely weakened Iran's leadership and military, yet Iran retains control over the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's defiant demands: Tehran insists on conditions for ceasefire that include U.S. military withdrawal and control over Hormuz, challenging U.S. positions. Iran's stance aims to reshape regional dynamics, refusing to yield without substantial concessions. Escalation risks: Can the U.S. increase pressure on Iran to its breaking point, forcing Tehran to climb down? Or will Iran's calculus, that its higher willingness for pain will enable it to escalate to beyond a point where the Americans are willing to go, prevail? We will find out soon. To read the full article, click here. If Mojtaba Khamenei Is Injured, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Is Running Iran By: Saeid Golkar The Islamic Republic of Iran faces uncertainty as Mojtaba Khamenei, recently appointed supreme leader, remains absent from public view amidst war and leadership decapitation. Power behind the scenes: Despite Mojtaba's nominal succession, real control appears to have shifted to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which is increasingly directing wartime decisions from the shadows. The IRGC's influence suggests a shift from clerical leadership to military dominance, heightening rigidity and escalation in Iran's strategies. Mojtaba's mysterious silence: Questions arise about Mojtaba's capacity to lead, as he has not appeared publicly or spoken since his appointment. The regime's lack of transparency about his condition fuels speculation about who truly holds power in Iran. IRGC's growing role: With its deep-rooted influence, the IRGC is likely making critical decisions in Mojtaba's name, potentially sidelining civilian leaders. This shift towards security guardianship may push Iran further into hardline and uncompromising stances in regional conflicts. To read the full article, click here. Trump Signals Diplomacy, Tehran Signals Defiance over Hormuz By: Mardo Soghom President Trump announced unexpected negotiations with Iran, leading to a temporary halt in planned U.S. military strikes, specifically targeting Iran's energy sector, while broader military action continues. Iranian skepticism and defiance: The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps rejected the talks as a U.S. ploy, emphasizing Iran's strategic control of the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian officials portray Trump's move as a retreat influenced by regional threats, maintaining a hardline stance against negotiations. Strategic Strait leverage: Iran's control over the Strait of Hormuz remains a crucial pressure point, with Tehran using it to assert dominance over global energy flows. The strait is central to Iran's strategy, serving as a potent lever against U.S. interests in the region. U.S. military readiness: While negotiations are underway, the U.S. bolsters its regional presence with rapid-deployment forces and advanced military assets. This buildup suggests preparation for potential escalations if talks do not yield results by the new deadline. To read the full article, click here. Israel and U.S. Have Tried to Take Down Iran From the Air. History Shows the Idea Lacks Legs By: Lazar Berman U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth highlights the unmatched power of U.S. and Israeli air forces over Iran, yet history shows air campaigns alone rarely topple regimes. Airpower's reach and limits: While U.S. and Israeli air superiority decimates Iranian defenses, experience suggests regime change requires more than aerial dominance. Despite advanced air strikes, historical precedents indicate that boots on the ground are often needed for decisive outcomes. Iran's enduring resilience: Iran maintains control over the Strait of Hormuz, using it as a strategic pressure point against global energy flows. The regime's ability to leverage this control poses challenges to achieving a clear military victory from the air alone. Lessons from history: Past conflicts reveal the limitations of air power in achieving political goals without complementary ground operations. Israel and U.S. leadership must consider these lessons as they pursue strategic objectives against Iran. To read the full article at the Times of Israel, click here. Top U.S. Official Resigns Blaming Israel, but Iran's Decades of Terror Tell a Different Story By: Michael Rubin Joe Kent, former U.S. National Counter-terrorism Center director, resigned citing Iran as "no imminent threat," blaming Israel and its lobby for the conflict. Kent's controversial claims: His resignation highlights past failures, including handling of domestic attacks, shifting blame to Israel conveniently. Kent's history of conspiracy theories and inconsistent stances raises questions about his credibility and appointment. Iran's aggression history: Tehran's decades-long pattern of targeting U.S. interests is well-documented, challenging Kent's narrative of Israel's influence. From embassy attacks to supporting terrorist proxies, Iran's actions have consistently threatened global stability. Strategic reality vs. political spin: Washington's narratives often detach from ground realities, underestimating Iran's proxy warfare and its sustained hostility. The focus should remain on Iran's agency and longstanding aggressive posture towards the U.S. and Israel. To read the full article, click here. How Iran's Conflict with the United States Divides Islamist Movements By: Mohammad Taha Ali Islamist movements often invoke the idea of a single Muslim ummah, but geopolitical conflicts reveal the cracks in this unity, as seen in Iran's confrontation with the U.S. Fragmented unity: Iran's revolutionary model once inspired Sunni Islamists, but ideological alignment has turned into rivalry due to sectarian and geopolitical interests. Sunni movements are wary of Iran's ambitions, prioritizing state power over pan-Islamic unity. State interests over ideology: Many Sunni Islamist leaders criticize Iran's actions, aligning more with state interests than ideological consistency. Gulf Arab states and Sunni movements often reject Iran's aggressive stance, reinforcing national over transnational priorities. Islamism's geopolitical constraints: Current events highlight Islamism's function within regional power structures rather than as a transnational unity project. Policymakers should recognize that political interests, not religious rhetoric, dictate the limits of Islamist solidarity. To read the full article, click here. Iraqi Kurdistan Needs Air Defenses By: Sirwan Kajjo Iraqi Kurdistan is increasingly vulnerable as the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict intensifies, with Iran targeting U.S. bases, peshmerga, and Iranian Kurdish opposition in the region. Air defense vulnerabilities: Despite U.S. defenses intercepting many attacks, Kurdistan's lack of air defense systems makes it a soft target for Iranian strikes. The U.S. must support Kurdistan in acquiring air defense capabilities to protect civilians and infrastructure. Strategic leverage: The U.S. can pressure Baghdad to deploy air defenses in Kurdistan, providing political and financial backing to enhance regional stability. Bolstering Kurdistan's defenses would reduce pressure on U.S. forces and limit Iran's operational space. Broader regional stability: Supporting Kurdish defenses is crucial for countering Iranian influence and ensuring long-term regional stability. Without clear U.S. support, Kurdish resistance against Iran and its proxies remains precarious. To read the full article, click here. Further Reading: Beyond the 'Solidarity Tour': Why Egypt's Diplomacy in Doha is a Dead End By: Amine Ayoub Cairo's regional security no longer depends on gulf symbolism but on Eastern Mediterranean energy alignment. French Municipal Elections: It's the Demography, Stupide By: Michel Gurfinkiel One by one, metropoles are falling to coalitions of Islamic supremacists and unrepentant left-wingers. Biblical and Islamic Values By: Mark Durie Where do we get our values from? Thank you for reading the MEF Dispatch. The Middle East Forum provides ongoing updates of events in Iran, Israel, and beyond at https://www.meforum.org/. Please share your thoughts on this issue in the comments. Thank you, Winfield Myers Managing Editor, Middle East Forum Director, Campus Watch Was this edition useful? Your email will be recorded and shared with the sender MEF, an activist think tank, deals with the Middle East, Islamism, U.S. foreign policy, and related topics, urging bold measures to protect Americans and their allies. Pursuing its goals via intellectual and operational means, the Forum recurrently has policy ideas adopted by the U.S. government. Copyright © 2025 Middle East Forum, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: Middle East Forum 1650 Market Street, Suite 3600 Philadelphia, PA 19103 Unsubscribe Powered by This email was sent by Middle East Forum via Axios HQ