MEF Dispatch: U.S. Govt. Gives Millions to Malaysia's Muslim Brotherhood

пятница, 14 ноября 2025 г.

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View on web  |  Read what you missed U.S. Govt. Gives Millions to Malaysia's Muslim Brotherhood/Islamists; Syria Watch By Winfield Myers ● Nov 14, 2025 Smart Brevity® count: 7.5 mins...1976 words Sam Westrop reports that the U.S. government gave Muslim Brotherhood-related and Islamist institutions in Malaysia $1,290,000 taxpayer dollars from 2022 to 2024. Hussein Aboubakr Mansour traces the intellectual roots of the false charge that Zionism is "the paradigmatic case of settler colonialism" to a "forgotten genealogy linking contemporary academic discourse to explicitly interwar Nazi-inspired Arab fascism." Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi offers an in-depth look at contemporary Syria through three primary sources. He translates an Islamic State editorial that condemns Syria's new president Ahmed Al-Sharaa—fresh off his White House visit—as a "traitor" to Islam controlled by Americans and Jews. In additional material, he interviews two members of the Alawite insurgency. We also feature two articles by Nicoletta Kouroushi and the work of Babak Taghvaee and Abdullah Bozkurt. U.S. Government Provides Millions to Malaysia's Muslim Brotherhood By: Sam Westrop The U.S. State Department allocated over $290,000 to Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (ABIM) and $1 million to the International Islamic University Malaysia, despite their overt connections to Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood, raising sharp concerns about American foreign aid priorities. Why it matters: This financial support, claimed to combat misinformation, instead funds entities openly backing extremism. ABIM's public support for Hamas's October 7 attacks on Israeli civilians highlights a blatant oversight in U.S. vetting processes. The big picture: Malaysia is a strategic ally for Hamas, offering training and ideological support, yet the U.S. continues funding despite clear evidence of these affiliations. The 2014 training of Hamas terrorists in Malaysia using paragliders, later employed in attacks, exemplifies the failure to scrutinize alliances. What's next: Immediate reassessment of U.S. financial aid to Malaysia is crucial to prevent further support of terror-linked entities. U.S. foreign policy must realign to prioritize anti-terrorism and ensure taxpayer money does not fund organizations counter to American interests. To read the full article, click here. The Man Who Made Zionism Into Settler Colonialism By: Hussein Aboubakr Mansour The narrative of Zionism as the epitome of settler colonialism and racism is deeply rooted in ideologies forged by interwar Nazi-inspired Arab fascism, a history often overlooked. Why it matters: This complex intellectual genealogy reveals how sinister currents of 20th-century totalitarianism infiltrated modern academic thought. Antoun Sa'adeh, the Syrian ideologue, crafted a nationalist vision heavily inspired by German National Socialism, cementing an ideology that painted Zionism as an existential threat. The big picture: Sa'adeh's protégé, Fayez Sayegh, carried forward this narrative, embedding it into scholarly frameworks that shaped U.N. resolutions and academic discourse. Sayegh's work, such as the 1975 U.N. resolution equating Zionism with racism, underscores the enduring influence of these early ideological constructs. What's next: The challenge lies in unraveling these deep-seated narratives to foster a more nuanced understanding of Zionism. Israel and its defenders ignore serious intellectual genealogy in favor of social media soundbites at their peril. Whether it is already too late for the American university to reclaim intellectual integrigy remains an open question. To read the full article, click here. Islamic State Editorial on Ahmad Al-Sharaa's Visit to Washington By: Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi Syrian interim president Ahmad al-Sharaa's visit to the White House to meet with President Trump was the subject of editorial in the Islamic State newspaper al-Naba'. Translated by MEF writing fellow Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi, the editorial portrays al-Sharaa as a betrayer of Islam, echoing historical traitors. Why it matters: The editorial likens al-Sharaa to figures like Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the modern Turkish state, and Ibn al-Alqami, a Shia advisor to the last Abbasid caliph who reputedly helped the Mongols capture Baghdad. It accuses him of making concessions to the U.S. and Israel. The comparison underscores the editorial's view of al-Sharaa's actions as surpassing historical betrayals in their severity. Historical parallels: Al-Sharaa's actions are compared to those who betrayed their faith for power, like Samari, who reputedly made the golden calf that the Israelites worshipped, and others considered as traitors in Islamic history. This highlights a perceived pattern of treachery, portraying al-Sharaa as embodying the worst of historical figures. Editorial's stance: The Islamic State argues that al-Sharaa's collaboration with the U.S. marks his transformation from wanted terrorist to a member of the 'Crusader alliance.' The editorial claims that al-Sharaa's visit symbolizes a broader betrayal of Islamic values for Western approval. Conclusion: The editorial warns al-Sharaa's supporters to repent and recognize what it views as the truth of his allegiance shift. It calls for fighters in Syria to abandon al-Sharaa and return to what they consider the true path of Islam. To read the full translation, click here. The Alawite Insurgency in Syria: Interview with Fawj Azra'Il Al-Jabal By: Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi interviewed Abu Ali Sumer, leader of "Fawj Azra'il al-Jabal," ("Azra'il of the Mountain Regiment"). Abu Ali Sumer, who was part of Suhayl al-Hasan's Russian-backed "Tiger Forces" prior to the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024, expressed concerns about the Alawite insurgency's future and its goals amidst Syria's evolving landscape. Why it matters: The group, emerging post-Assad regime, seeks to establish an Alawite region for protection against sectarian threats. Abu Ali Sumer views the prolonged conflict as a sectarian war, necessitating armed struggle until Jowlani's forces vacate the coast. Outlook on alliances: The regiment distances itself from regime remnants and regional powers like Iran, focusing on Alawite security. Abu Ali Sumer clarifies that while some members have ties to the 'Tiger Forces,' their allegiance is not to Assad but to the Russian-backed faction. Coexistence challenges: The possibility of living alongside Sunnis is contentious, given past massacres, though peaceful coexistence remains an option for those who choose it. The regiment remains open to alliances with any state willing to protect the Alawites, including Israel, if it aligns with their security interests. To read the full interview, click here. The Alawite Insurgency in Syria: Interview with 'The Men of Light' By: Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi In an interview by Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi with the "Men of Light" insurgent group, members outline their goals amidst Syria's turbulent landscape. Why it matters: The "Men of Light," also known as "Saraya al-Jawad," formed in response to coastal massacres, aim to protect the Alawite community and establish an independent region. The group denounces past regime corruption and current sectarian governance, advocating for a federal system to safeguard Alawite interests. Current alliances: Despite allegations, the group claims no support from Iran or Russia, stressing their primary focus on Alawite security without external influence. They welcome support that aligns with their cause but reject any conditional foreign agendas. Coexistence and challenges: The group remains opposed to coexistence with those who committed past atrocities but is open to peaceful relations with Sunni and Christian allies within their resistance. Their message to the international community calls for protection of human rights and accountability for those responsible for violence. Asked if it can coexist with the government of Syrian President Al-Sharaa, called here by his nom de guerre al-Jowlani, they answer that "the 'first aim' of the 'Men of Light' is to 'confront these terrorist groups represented in Jowlani [Syrian interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa] and his authority.'" Message to the world: The "Men of Light" urge the international community to recognize their struggle and support their quest for an independent Alawite region free from al-Jowlani's (al-Sharaa) influence. They emphasize the need for practical measures to ensure security and dignity for all oppressed citizens. To read the full interview, click here. France's Jet Fighter Sales Are Endangering Allies By: Babak Taghvaee France's approach to defense exports prioritizes industrial reach over strict end-use controls, arming U.S. adversaries and undermining allies like Greece, Cyprus, and Taiwan. Why it matters: French permissiveness allows exposure of aircraft tactics and technology to hostile states, weakening the security of American partners. Turkey's cooperation with Qatar demonstrates this risk, with Qatari Rafales training Turkish pilots, undermining NATO stability. Historical context: France's past sales to regimes like Saddam Hussein's Iraq show a pattern of permissive export policies hindering Western interests. Mirage 2000-9s in the United Arab Emirates, exposed to China's air force, risk compromising Taiwan's defense. What's next: Washington should condition U.S.-French defense cooperation on strict end-use reciprocity to protect allied airpower advantages. Financial and industrial incentives can pressure Paris to adopt stricter export controls and prevent adversarial access to Western technology. To read the full article, click here. Keep Turkey Out of European Defense Procurement and Military Supply Chains By: Nicoletta Kouroushi As Europe advances its $175 billion Security Action for Europe (SAFE) program, Turkey's request for participation tests European defense integration's strategic integrity. Why it matters: Turkey's inclusion could strain NATO cohesion, given its history of regional destabilization and divergent alliances. Ankara's actions, like challenging European Union (EU) member sovereignty and cooperating with Russia, complicate trust within a collective defense framework. Strategic dilemmas: Approving Turkey's participation without conditions or behavioral change would set a dangerous precedent. It would suggest that states can leverage regional destabilization, bilateral coercion, and external flirtations for their own benefit while still reaping rewards with inclusion in Europe's defense integration. SAFE aims to build a coherent European defense identity; admitting disruptive partners conflicts with this goal. What's next: Turkey's participation in SAFE should require adherence to principles like respecting EU sovereignty and improving political relations. Washington must ensure that European defense initiatives reinforce NATO's cohesion, avoiding short-term concessions with long-term costs. To read the full article, click here. Washington Should Support Turkish Cypriots in Their Struggle Against Turkey By: Nicoletta Kouroushi Tufan Erhürman's victory in northern Cyprus marks a significant pushback against Ankara's influence, reflecting a long-standing desire for political and cultural autonomy among Turkish Cypriots. Why it matters: Erhürman's win signals resistance to Turkey's political models and policies, challenging Erdoğan's two-state solution and advocating for a bizonal, bicommunal federation. His opposition to mass naturalizations and educational interference highlights the community's stand against erosion of local identity. Republic of Cyprus: At the same time, U.S. policy must remain firm in its support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus. Any engagement with the north should be designed to complement and not undermine cooperation with the Republic of Cyprus. Historical resistance: Turkish Cypriots have consistently opposed Ankara's influence, from protests in 2011 to recent criticisms of the Külliye presidential complex. This ongoing divergence underscores a community that values its distinct political identity over subordination to Turkey. What's next: The U.S. should engage with Turkish Cypriots as a distinct political constituency, supporting autonomy through civil society and cultural exchange without legitimizing partition. Empowering moderate voices in the north aligns with U.S. interests in regional stability and democratic resilience. To read the full article, click here. U.S. Flags Erdoğan Ally Turkish Hizbullah as Terrorist Group for Immigration Control By: Abdullah Bozkurt In a strategic move, the U.S. Department of State has listed Turkish Hizbullah on its Terrorist Exclusion List (TEL), a targeted immigration tool, signaling concern without provoking a full diplomatic confrontation. Why it matters: This designation empowers U.S. authorities to bar or deport foreign nationals linked to Turkish Hizbullah, highlighting the group's ongoing security risk. Turkish Hizbullah, distinct from its Lebanese counterpart, has deep ties with Iran and a history of violent campaigns in Turkey. Erdogan's dilemma: The U.S. action exposes contradictions within Erdoğan's alliances, particularly with HÜDA-PAR, Turkish Hizbullah's political wing, which supports his government. This listing challenges the legitimacy of political figures linked to Hizbullah, complicating Turkey's international standing. What's next: The TEL designation complicates travel and visa applications for Hizbullah-linked individuals and underscores concerns about Turkey's environment for radical Islamist actors. It serves as a warning to Ankara that alliances with violent Islamists carry international consequences, urging a potential recalibration of domestic partnerships. To read the full article, click here. We appreciate your continued support of the Middle East Forum and your reliance on MEF to bring you a steady stream of analyses and reports about the region and its influences on our world. If you enjoyed this issue of the Dispatch, please forward it to a friend and let us know your thoughts in the comments section. Thank you, Winfield Myers Managing Editor, Middle East Forum Director, Campus Watch Was this edition useful? 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