ALEXANDER MELEAGROU-HITCHENS

Bob Pitt, who runs the Islamophobia Watch blog, has attacked the Quilliam Foundation for their criticism of Islamist ideologue, Yusuf al-Qaradawi.

Pitt is a big fan of Qaradawi's, and has rigorously defended him in the past.  Now, I could bore readers with yet another analysis and explanation of Qaradawi's extreme positions regarding suicide bombing, femal genital mutilation, homosexuality and Jews, but that's not necessary because this video says it all really:

Transcript:

Throughout history, Allah has imposed upon the [Jews] people who would punish them for their corruption. The last punishment was carried out by Hitler. By means of all the things he did to them - even though they exaggerated this issue - he managed to put them in their place. This was divine punishment for them. Allah willing, the next time will be at the hand of the believers.  

This is especially funny as in his piece Pitt attacks Quilliam's George Readings, who recenlty wrote a piece criticising Qaradawi, in the following terms:

Either George Readings is unaware of this [Qaradawi's supposed moderation], in which case Quilliam should consider replacing him with someone who possesses some basic research skills, or else he has consciously decided to ignore the facts in the interests of smearing Qaradawi and Livingstone.

So I will end this blog by saying that either Bob Pitt has consciously ignored the fact that Qaradawi wishes to reenact the Holocaust, or he should consider replacing himself with someone who possesses some basic research skills.

UPDATE:

Bob Pitt has responded to Qaradawi's above speech in the comments thread of his piece:

And what is the source of this quotation? Surprise, surprise - it's the Middle East Media Research Institute. Now it could be that Qaradawi's words are accurately translated here and not quoted out of context. In which case, that would certainly be a first for MEMRI.

It would also run counter to Qaradawi's repeated statements that Jews are "people of the book" who have always been treated with respect in Islam, and that opposition to Zionism should not be translated into hostility towards Judaism.

It's also worth noting that Qaradawi has been attacked for his willingness to have friendly relations with Jews who oppose Israeli state repression of the Palestinians.

Earlier this year, after he had publicly attacked Mahmoud Abbas, photos of Qaradawi's meeting with Neturei Karta rabbis were plastered around Ramallah in an attempt to discredit him by whipping up antisemitism.

Amazing really. The translation, I can assure you, is correct and it would be difficult to imagine any context in which these words could be deemed acceptable.  Also, Neturei Karta is an extremist organisation devoted to the destruction of the Israeli state who are therefore supporters of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and in 2006 attended his Holocaust denial conference. Also in attendance was the former leader of the Ku Klux Klan, David Duke.  And the circle is complete.

NOTE:

Here is an excellent piece on Harry's Place covering this issue.