The Saudi-funded, Hamas-linked Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR) is seething over the references to “Islamic terrorism” in last night’s speeches: U.S. Muslims Urge McCain, Palin to Offer ‘Inclusive’ Speeches.

In a statement, CAIR Executive Director Nihad Awad said:

“We urge Senator McCain and Governor Palin to offer inclusive speeches at this week’s Republican convention and ask that they both avoid divisive Islamophobic rhetoric. It is all too easy to use hot-button terms to garner votes, but true leaders do not exploit fear or stereotypes for political gain. We hope to hear Senator McCain and Governor Palin say they will defend the civil and religious rights of all Americans, work with the American Muslim community in making our nation both free and secure and help build better relations with the Islamic world.”

He suggested that McCain and Palin reflect the Republican Party Platform, which states: “The struggle in which we are engaged is ideological, not ethnic or religious. The extremists we face are abusers of faith, not its champions. We appreciate the loyalty of all Americans whose family roots lie in the Middle East, and we gratefully acknowledge the contributions of American Arabs and Muslims, especially those in the Armed Forces and the intelligence community.”

Awad added that Muslims have called on candidates of all political parties to reject Islamophobia and believe using phrases such as “Islamic terrorism” may unintentionally provide religious legitimacy to terrorists.

Coming from the leader of a group that is listed as an unindicted co-conspirator in the Holy Land Foundation Hamas funding trial, a group that intentionally and relentlessly makes excuses for Islamic terrorists, this is shameless. But it’s what CAIR does.

Interestingly, this paid press release doesn’t come through CAIR’s usual outlet, PRNewsWire, but through Market Wire. That’s why it shows up in Yahoo’s “Finance” section. Did PRNewsWire finally pull the plug on CAIR’s deceptive propaganda?