At Jihad Watch, Robert Spencer has some thoughts about the march taking place tomorrow in Washington DC, sponsored by the Free Muslims Against Terrorism, with comments from representatives of the FMAT.

The response FMAT received from CAIR is very interesting:

It would be refreshing if FMAT could be more specific and host a Muslims March Against Jihad Terrorism. But according to Thomas Haidon, that is what the present March is. At least that’s how he represented it to CAIR’s Ibrahim Hooper in this phone conversation, of which he kindly sent me a transcript:

TH: Greetings, Mr. Hooper. It’s Thomas Haidon from FMAT calling. Asalamu aleykum.

IH: Wa leykum salam.

TH: I am calling with respect to our rally on 14 May 2005. I spoke with your colleague Rabiah Ahmed.

IH: Yes. Thank you. I though FMAT received our official response quite some time ago.

TH: Actually we have not. But we would like CAIR to participate in a stand of unity.

IH: Let’s be honest. Our organisations are diametrically opposed. The leadership of this organisation does not believe that FMAT represents the interests of the American Muslim community. We believe that CAIR does, and our organisation has spoken loudly and clearly against terrorism. We are not sure what this rally would accomplish.

TH: This rally is more than a rally against terrorism. It is a rally against jihad and the tradition of violence that aspects of Islam has fomented. We must speak openly and frankly about these issues. Are you ready to stand with us?

IH: Thank you very much, Thomas. FMAT has received our response. Asalamu aleykum and goodbye.

TH: Wa leykum salam.

However, when a reader of Jihad Watch wrote to FMAT’s Kamal Nawash with polite but pointed questions about the FMAT’s doctrinal basis, this is the reply he received:

Dear Erich, Paranoid schtsophrinia is a treatable disease now. Please see some one about your problems. There is nothing wrong with admitting that you are nuts. 21st century medicine has cures for just about anything. This is our official response. I hope you keep your word and have it published. FreeMuslims.org

The real test of whether this group represents a significant movement against jihad terrorism will come tomorrow in Freedom Plaza. The list of groups endorsing the march unfortunately includes none of the larger Islamic advocacy organizations.