Judging from the number of emails I received about this item, there are a lot more people paying attention to the dissembling of the Council on American Islamic Relations lately. Here’s their paid press release (US Newswire is a pay-for-play wire service) on the Pope’s implied criticisms of Islam’s founder Mohammed. The usual evasions are here, including the always-popular “jihad is an inner struggle” howler.

And it concludes with a call for Americans to convert to Islam: U.S. Muslims Call for Dialogue Over Pope’s Comments on Islam…

WASHINGTON, Sept. 15 /U.S. Newswire/ — The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today called for increased dialogue between Muslims and Catholics over the controversy sparked by remarks perceived as insulting to Islam and the Prophet Muhammad made by Pope Benedict XVI. CAIR is also seeking a meeting with the Vatican’s representative in Washington, D.C., to discuss the remarks.

In an address on Tuesday, the Pope quoted a 14th century Byzantine Christian Emperor as saying: “Show me just what Muhammad brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached.”

In a statement issued today, the Washington-based Islamic civil rights and advocacy group said:

“The proper response to the Pope’s inaccurate and divisive remarks is for Muslims and Catholics worldwide to increase dialogue and outreach efforts aimed at building better relations between Christianity and Islam. This unfortunate episode also offers an opportunity for Christians to learn more about Islam, the Prophet Muhammad and the Islamic concept of jihad.

“Jihad is a central and broad Islamic concept that includes struggle against evil inclinations within oneself, struggle to improve the quality of life in society, struggle in the battlefield for self-defense (e.g. — having a standing army for national defense), or fighting against tyranny or oppression. ‘Jihad’ should not be translated as ‘holy war.’” …

Historically, whenever Islam flourished, so did knowledge and discovery.

”Let us all continue the interfaith efforts promoted by the late Pope John Paul II, who made great strides in bringing Muslims and Catholics together for the common good.”

Along with a request for a meeting with a Vatican representative in the United States, CAIR is urging Americans of all faiths to learn more about Islam and about the life and legacy of the Prophet Muhammad by requesting a free Quran or a book or DVD about Muhammad at: http://www.explorethequran.org and http://www.cair.com/Muhammad