A U.S. State Department diplomat, Usra Ghazi, has been identified as a contributor to a textbook that portrayed designated terrorist groups Hezbollah and Hamas as "social justice" movements. The revelation raises concerns about the influence of extremist ideologies within the State Department.
Usra Ghazi, a diplomat currently employed by the U.S. State Department, was involved in editing and preparing editions of a textbook titled "The 500 Most Influential Muslims." The 2009-2010 edition of the textbook included descriptions of terrorist leaders as individuals aiming to achieve "social justice."
U.S. State Department Diplomat Collaborated on Textbook Featuring Terrorists as Social Justice Activists
The textbook's treatment of Hezbollah is particularly concerning. Hezbollah is designated as a terrorist organization by both the United States and Canada. However, the textbook describes it as a "social justice movement" and an "International Symbol of Resistance Against Israel."
The description goes on to praise Hezbollah's "political and military successes" and its "social welfare system" that provides "schools, clinics, and housing" in Lebanon. This soft language towards a terrorist organization is highly problematic and potentially undermines the State Department's commitment to combating terrorism.
U.S. State Department Diplomat Collaborated on Textbook Featuring Terrorists as Social Justice Activists
Similarly, the textbook portrays Khaled Mashaal, a prominent leader of Hamas, as a "Fighter for Social Justice" and a "Pioneer." Hamas is also designated as a terrorist organization by the United States.
The textbook's description of Mashaal highlights his "persistence" and "unique effort at diplomacy," despite his involvement in terrorist activities. This portrayal is misleading and downplays the threat posed by Hamas.
U.S. State Department Diplomat Collaborated on Textbook Featuring Terrorists as Social Justice Activists
Ghazi's affiliation with the textbook raises concerns about the influence of extremist ideologies within the State Department. Her involvement in America Indivisible, an organization that promotes pro-Palestinian propaganda and questions the designation of Hamas as a terrorist group, further amplifies these concerns.
America Indivisible recommends "credible sources" like "MuslimGirl" to combat religious intolerance. However, MuslimGirl has published articles containing pro-Palestinian propaganda and questioned the association of Hamas with terrorism.
U.S. State Department Diplomat Collaborated on Textbook Featuring Terrorists as Social Justice Activists
The State Department has stated that its position on Hezbollah is "quite clear" and has condemned the group as a terrorist organization. However, Ghazi's previous work and affiliations raise questions about the consistency of the department's messaging and its commitment to combating terrorism.
The State Department's security clearance process is rigorous, yet Ghazi's past associations have not prevented her from obtaining a diplomatic role. This raises concerns about the effectiveness of the department's vetting procedures.
The revelation of Ghazi's involvement with the textbook and America Indivisible highlights the need for transparency and accountability within the State Department. It is imperative that the department takes steps to address these concerns and ensure that its personnel are not influenced by extremist ideologies that undermine the agency's mission.
