A Saudi charity which the United States suspects of having links to terrorist groups said it has decided to shut three of its offices abroad and will close four more to focus on humanitarian work within the Kingdom. The Al-Haramain Islamic Foundation, which was blacklisted by the United States after the Sept. 11 attacks, said it took the decision in light of the unfolding international developments. It said the offices to be closed are located in some European, Asian and African countries. Al-Haramainâs General Manager, Sheikh Aqeel Al-Aqeel, denied there was pressure from the US to close the offices. âThe current situation necessitated a review of the organizationâs geographical spread. There has been no pressure from the American authorities to close the offices in those places. There were some indirect reasons behind the closure,â Al-Aqeel was quoted as saying in a statement. Al-Haramain raises almost $30 million a year in donations for charity work across the world.
| Whatever the hell "indirect reasons" might be. I'd call this one a victory, assuming they stay home... |
Al-Aqeel said the decision was taken after a series of meetings by the organizationâs board of directors, some of which were chaired by Sheikh Saleh Al-Sheikh, minister of Islamic affairs, call and guidance, who is the supervisor of the organization.
| Sounds like the local chapter of the Learned Elders of Islam decided that since the group's cover was blown they should be folded. There will be another bunch to take its place — the usual false nose and moustache thing — when they think the heat's off... |
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