Feds Move to Seize Iranian Mosques and 36-Story Skyscraper

US News • Views: 3,095

The Obama administration is making more than symbolic moves to pressure Iran, as federal prosecutors file complaints to seize 4 mosques and a New York skyscraper owned by an Iranian front group.

NEW YORK (AP) — Federal prosecutors Thursday took steps to seize four U.S. mosques and a Fifth Avenue skyscraper owned by a nonprofit Muslim organization long suspected of being secretly controlled by the Iranian government.

In what could prove to be one of the biggest counterterrorism seizures in U.S. history, prosecutors filed a civil complaint in federal court seeking the forfeiture of more than $500 million in assets of the Alavi Foundation and an alleged front company.

The assets include Islamic centers in New York City, Maryland, California and Houston, more than 100 acres in Virginia, and a 36-story office tower in New York.

(Hat tip: KT.)

Jump to bottom

177 comments
1 Cannadian Club Akbar  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 2:28:49pm

I heard this somewhere.

2 RogueOne  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 2:29:03pm

I'm curious about the timing.

3 The Curmudgeon  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 2:30:19pm

Impressive move, perhaps. But what about their nukes?

4 DaddyG  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 2:30:37pm

Those mosques were only being used to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes. /

5 bosforus  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 2:30:49pm

Allow me to preempt and say I don't care if Bush couldn't get away something like this and Obama can. I'm just glad to hear the news.

6 albusteve  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 2:30:55pm

maybe a few deportations will be forthcoming as well

7 Bubblehead II  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 2:31:06pm

I wonder if this could be considered his answer to dinnerjackets demand that he choose between Israel and Iran?

8 wrenchwench  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 2:31:09pm

re: #1 Cannadian Club Akbar

I heard this somewhere.

The link trumps (I went hunting for one after your post too.)

9 Sharmuta  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 2:31:31pm

Kudos to law enforcement!

10 Cannadian Club Akbar  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 2:32:27pm

re: #8 wrenchwench

The link trumps (I went hunting for one after your post too.)

I made the mistake of going to the AP website.:(
/heh

11 Sharmuta  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 2:32:46pm
Prosecutors said the Alavi Foundation, through a front company known as Assa Corp., illegally funneled millions in rental income back to Iran's state-owned Bank Melli. Bank Melli has been accused by a U.S. Treasury official of providing support for Iran's nuclear program, and it is illegal in the United States to do business with the bank.

This could be an important development. The UN might even write a strongly worded letter.

12 DaddyG  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 2:32:56pm

Emporis says the building was built in 1978 for the Shah of Persia. Has it been Iranian govt. owned the whole time?

13 albusteve  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 2:33:58pm

re: #11 Sharmuta

This could be an important development. The UN might even write a strongly worded letter.

maybe the UN should be investigated too...funneling money is what they are very good at...our money

14 reloadingisnotahobby  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 2:34:52pm

I'm not suprised that foriegn investors tap our Capitalist Society
and send funds to our enemies!
We're a bunch of rubes in that respect!
I'm shocked the Fed will seize property!!
They better have very conclusive evidence!
...and I hope they do!

15 Fenway_Nation  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 2:34:54pm

Hmm...wonder if I can start shopping around for mosques or skyscrapers on the US Marshall's Auction website.

16 Bubblehead II  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 2:34:57pm

re: #7 Bubblehead II

I wonder if this could be considered his Obama's answer to dinnerjackets demand that he choose between Israel and Iran?

PIMF!

17 Dancing along the light of day  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 2:35:33pm

Updated link from Nasdaq

[Link: www.nasdaq.com...]

18 SanFranciscoZionist  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 2:35:44pm

re: #15 Fenway_Nation

Hmm...wonder if I can start shopping around for mosques or skyscrapers on the US Marshall's Auction website.

I always wanted to manage a mosque...

19 windhorse  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 2:36:46pm

mosque...mosque nichts...

20 DaddyG  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 2:36:51pm

Sell the Houston one to the Japanese. Then Texas will really be the home of the worlds largest Mosque-Ito.

21 reloadingisnotahobby  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 2:37:20pm

re: #20 DaddyG

oh...bad...

22 albusteve  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 2:37:43pm

re: #18 SanFranciscoZionist

I always wanted to manage a mosque...

not much different from a neighborhood U-Store-It

23 Sharmuta  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 2:37:57pm

re: #17 Floral Giraffe

Updated link from Nasdaq

[Link: www.nasdaq.com...]

From the link:

"As today's complaint alleges in great detail, the Alavi Foundation has effectively been a front for the government of Iran," said Preet Bharara, the U.S. Attorney in Manhattan. "For two decades, the Alavi Foundation's affairs have been directed by various Iranian officials, including Iranian ambassadors to the United Nations, in violation of a series of American laws."

Illegality at the UN? I'm also shocked to learn there's gambling at Rick's...

24 DaddyG  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 2:38:06pm

re: #21 reloadingisnotahobby

oh...bad...


Have you ever heard a good pun? really. ;-)

25 The Sanity Inspector  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 2:38:16pm

Relax, it's only a tiny, radicalized minority of New York skyscrapers.

26 DaddyG  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 2:38:40pm

re: #22 albusteve

not much different from a neighborhood U-Store-It


And only slightly more likely to contain radioactive materials.

27 Fenway_Nation  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 2:40:54pm

My guess is this is in retaliation for Iran detaining those 3 hikers earlier this year.

28 DaddyG  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 2:42:25pm

re: #27 Fenway_Nation

My guess is this is in retaliation for Iran detaining those 3 hikers earlier this year.

I'm getting my protest sign ready.

No hippies for mosques!

29 countrockulot  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 2:43:02pm

Obama would seize a bunch of mosques!
*cough*secretmuslim*cough*.

30 albusteve  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 2:43:07pm

Pam Geller must be happy...well maybe not

31 SanFranciscoZionist  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 2:43:20pm

re: #22 albusteve

not much different from a neighborhood U-Store-It

Well, you know, I grew up in building management, and I figure, a mosque is easy to vacuum.

32 Cannadian Club Akbar  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 2:43:38pm

re: #27 Fenway_Nation

My guess is this is in retaliation for Iran detaining those 3 hikers earlier this year.

I don't think so. The Feds aren't gonna give this up even if Iran gives us our guys back. Which, BTW, could play into Dinnerjackets hands. He frees Americans but Americans seize Holy sites numbers 128,2009-13.

33 albusteve  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 2:44:13pm

re: #31 SanFranciscoZionist

Well, you know, I grew up in building management, and I figure, a mosque is easy to vacuum.

demolish them and mandate parking ramps

34 Izzyboy  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 2:44:33pm

This is win.

35 wrenchwench  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 2:45:16pm

Obama is getting a warm welcome on his first visit to Alaska.

36 Fenway_Nation  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 2:45:20pm

re: #32 Cannadian Club Akbar

He frees Americans but Americans seize Holy sites numbers 128,2009-13

I thought that was Dearborn.

Or Drumheller, Alberta. My GPS is a little off.

37 albusteve  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 2:46:01pm

Djac should be officially marginalized to ranting lunatic status...no official response

38 Bubblehead II  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 2:46:03pm

re: #30 albusteve

The screecher hasn't posted anything yet. JW had just put it up when I checked. Cair also hasn't anything up about it (yet).

39 Cannadian Club Akbar  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 2:46:41pm

re: #35 wrenchwench

Obama is getting a warm welcome on his first visit to Alaska.

I didn't have the sound up, but that didn't look good.

40 SanFranciscoZionist  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 2:46:46pm

re: #31 SanFranciscoZionist

Well, you know, I grew up in building management, and I figure, a mosque is easy to vacuum.


"Shalom! I am the Manager of the Mosque!"

I really like Persian food. If I'm the manager, I get to go to the oneg, right?

41 bosforus  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 2:46:51pm

re: #38 Bubblehead II

The screecher hasn't posted anything yet. JW had just put it up when I checked. Cair also hasn't anything up about it (yet).

They must be going potty.

42 albusteve  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 2:47:04pm

re: #35 wrenchwench

Obama is getting a warm welcome on his first visit to Alaska.

maybe he'll get to see Russia!...that would be cool

43 wrenchwench  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 2:48:01pm

re: #39 Cannadian Club Akbar

I didn't have the sound up, but that didn't look good.

The US Air Force Band of the Pacific was rockin' before the POTUS came out!

44 SanFranciscoZionist  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 2:48:07pm

re: #42 albusteve

maybe he'll get to see Russia!...that would be cool

Perhaps the Palins will let him stand on their roof.

45 Dancing along the light of day  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 2:48:28pm

Wiki for the building in NYC

[Link: en.wikipedia.org...]

In December 2008, the Asset Forfeiture Unit and Terrorism and National Security Unit of the United States Attorney's Office sought to take 40 percent ownership in the building after it charged that Bank Melli of Iran owns that percentage of the building in violation of the Sanctions against Iran.[2] The other 60 percent of the building is owned by the Alavi Foundation -- a Bonyad that is successor to the Pahlavi Foundation.
Bank Melli had originally financed it with a $42 million loan in 1978. In the 1980s, financier Ivan Boesky had an office in the building.
According to the U.S. government, the Alavi Foundation transferred 35 percent interest in the building to a shell company Assa Company Limited, which had just one employee, in exchange for Bank Melli officially cancelling the loan. However, the shell company officially registered in Jersey, Channel Islands, was reported to be owned by Bank Melli.[3]

46 Bagua  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 2:48:43pm

OT:

Video of the Ft. Hood terrorist Maj Hamid's apartment.

[Link: abcnews.go.com...]

47 HelloDare  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 2:49:23pm

re: #44 SanFranciscoZionist

Perhaps the Palins will let him stand on their roof.

Are you one of the people who actually believes she said that?

48 bosforus  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 2:49:50pm

re: #41 bosforus

They must be going potty.

It's where they get most of their ideas from anyway.

49 Fenway_Nation  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 2:50:06pm

re: #35 wrenchwench

re: #46 Bagua


Why must you torment me with video links that will take all night to load?
/

50 SanFranciscoZionist  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 2:50:09pm

re: #47 HelloDare

Are you one of the people who actually believes she said that?

No, I am kidding. Tina Fey said it. In an absolutely DEAD-ON impression.

51 karmic_inquisitor  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 2:50:09pm

$500 Million in assets? That pays for 250 words of Pelosicare.

52 watching you tiny alien kittens are  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 2:50:26pm

Seize them and then turn around and sell them to the Kuwaitis just to watch Amahdinejad's head explode. (Shiite to Sunni)

53 The Sanity Inspector  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 2:50:28pm

re: #24 DaddyG

Have you ever heard a good pun? really. ;-)

The worst puns are the ones other people think of before you do.

54 Cannadian Club Akbar  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 2:52:09pm

re: #52 ausador

Seize them and then turn around and sell them to the Kuwaitis just to watch Amahdinejad's head explode. (Shiite to Sunni)

Na, sell them to the Jooos.
/

55 HelloDare  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 2:52:16pm

re: #51 karmic_inquisitor

$500 Million in assets? That pays for 250 words of Pelosicare.

If the Iraq WMD's were hidden in the Pelosi Healthcare bill, nobody would find them.

56 sattv4u2  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 2:52:53pm

re: #54 Cannadian Club Akbar

Na, sell GIVE them to the Jooos.
/

Blood will gush out of dinnerjackets ears !

57 SanFranciscoZionist  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 2:53:26pm

Gotta go deal with the history projects now. One kid is writing about--he checks the slip of paper carefully--"General...George...Armstrong...Custer. Mr. Historyteacher says I won't find anything interesting until the end."

Me: "Well, you know what happened to him, right?"

Kid: "Uh...he died?"

I asked one of the U.S. history teachers earlier today when the projects were due. "You'll remember it," she said. "December 7".

58 albusteve  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 2:53:30pm

re: #52 ausador

Seize them and then turn around and sell them to the Kuwaitis just to watch Amahdinejad's head explode. (Shiite to Sunni)

the feds should have then demolished and the property turned over to the city to do whatever they want

59 RogueOne  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 2:53:31pm

re: #46 Bagua

OT:

Video of the Ft. Hood terrorist Maj Hamid's apartment.

[Link: abcnews.go.com...]

The complex is having a "MOVE IN SPECIAL"

60 Cannadian Club Akbar  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 2:53:41pm

re: #56 sattv4u2

Blood will gush out of dinnerjackets ears !

Nice fix, thanks.

61 RogueOne  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 2:54:13pm

re: #59 RogueOne

I guess they figure he's not coming back

62 Bubblehead II  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 2:55:05pm

re: #41 bosforus

Probably craping herself, because as countrockulot pointed out, this kinda blows a hole in her "secritmuslim" theory. Then again, I will lay odds that if this is pointed out to her, she would probably spin it that as the Iranians are predominately Shia and Obama is Sunni, of course he would approve it.

63 RogueOne  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 2:55:06pm

Is it possible to edit posts so I don't look like I'm answering myself?

64 Dancing along the light of day  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 2:55:59pm

re: #63 RogueOne

PIYF
(Preview is your friend!)

65 sattv4u2  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 2:56:37pm

CBS right on top of the difficult stories!!

Beaver Urinates on Correspondent

[Link: www.cbsnews.com...]

(((must ,,, not ,,, comment ,,,))

66 recusancy  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 2:56:54pm

re: #35 wrenchwench

Obama is getting a warm welcome on his first visit to Alaska.

Was a good speech. Everything you'd want to hear if you're a troop.

67 sattv4u2  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 2:56:57pm

re: #63 RogueOne

Is it possible to edit posts so I don't look like I'm answering myself?

no

68 sattv4u2  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 2:57:06pm

re: #67 sattv4u2

no

YES

69 Stanghazi  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 2:57:11pm

re: #46 Bagua

OT:

Video of the Ft. Hood terrorist Maj Hamid's apartment.

[Link: abcnews.go.com...]

I have the same shredder.

70 Cannadian Club Akbar  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 2:57:15pm

re: #65 sattv4u2

CBS right on top of the difficult stories!!

Beaver Urinates on Correspondent

[Link: www.cbsnews.com...]

(((must ,,, not ,,, comment ,,,))

In the EYE!!!

71 RogueOne  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 2:59:02pm

re: #69 Stanley Sea

I have the same shredder.

Don't tell Rachel Maddow, that will be her next excuse for this guy, Post Traumatic Shredder Disorder.

72 Diamond Bullet  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 2:59:05pm

It's up on the front page at cnn.com as well (along with a separate video about loons in England demanding it become an Islamic state).

This is a bold move that I strongly support. I'm skeptical of the Obamanator, but will give him credit where it's due (like the pirate hostage snipage and hopefully here).

73 Bubblehead II  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:00:41pm

The screecher just put this story up. No comments yet.

BIGGEST COUNTERTERRORISM SEIZURES IN U.S. HISTORY: FEDS SEIZE N.Y. SKYSCRAPER, 4 MOSQUES

Does b. Hussein know? The action against the Shiite Muslim mosques is sure to inflame relations between the U.S. government and American Muslims ...

Emphasis mine. And so it begins...

74 albusteve  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:00:51pm

Hizbullah leader Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah on Wednesday accused President Barack Obama of absolute bias in favor of Israel and disregard for the dignity of Arabs and Muslims.

nobody like BO anymore...

[Link: www.jpost.com...]

75 Pepper Fox  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:01:59pm

Did anyone see South Park take on Glenn Beck last night?
[Link: www.southparkstudios.com...]

76 Cannadian Club Akbar  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:03:11pm

re: #73 Bubblehead II

The screecher just put this story up. No comments yet.

BIGGEST COUNTERTERRORISM SEIZURES IN U.S. HISTORY: FEDS SEIZE N.Y. SKYSCRAPER, 4 MOSQUES

Does b. Hussein know? The action against the Shiite Muslim mosques is sure to inflame relations between the U.S. government and American Muslims ...

Emphasis mine. And so it begins...

How slow are these people? Just now posting? Grab a helmet and get in the game. Rookies.

77 Cannadian Club Akbar  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:04:42pm

re: #75 Pepper Fox

Did anyone see South Park take on Glenn Beck last night?
[Link: www.southparkstudios.com...]

Beck played that on his radio show today. Funny.

78 watching you tiny alien kittens are  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:04:56pm

re: #70 Cannadian Club Akbar

In the EYE!!!

Followed by a record breaking attempt at hula-hooping! Man they are really pushing the limits of bold news coverage.

/

79 Bubblehead II  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:05:19pm

re: #76 Cannadian Club Akbar

The stalker site still hasn't anything up.

/// wonder what the comments over there are going to look like.

80 albusteve  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:05:35pm

re: #76 Cannadian Club Akbar

How slow are these people? Just now posting? Grab a helmet and get in the game. Rookies.

they don't have Killgore on their side...he never eats, sleeps or uses the bathroom...remarkable

81 SixDegrees  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:06:16pm

re: #11 Sharmuta

This could be an important development. The UN might even write a strongly worded letter.

The interesting thing about this is the seizure of real estate assets - not something that can be moved offshore, and that has intrinsic value. The only way Iran and/or the property owners can fight this is through the courts, which may involve airing a lot of unpleasant connections and other facts in public.

Overall, I'd say it's a good strategy - it has a good amount of sting to it, and stops short of open warfare. It will certainly get Iran's attention.

82 Sharmuta  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:07:07pm

re: #75 Pepper Fox

Did anyone see South Park take on Glenn Beck last night?
[Link: www.southparkstudios.com...]

My people are offended.

83 SixDegrees  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:07:19pm

re: #75 Pepper Fox

Did anyone see South Park take on Glenn Beck last night?
[Link: www.southparkstudios.com...]

Outstanding, as usual.

"I never called her a slut; I'm just asking questions."

84 SixDegrees  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:08:05pm

re: #82 Sharmuta

My people are offended.

They were respectfully treated by all except Cartman, who wound up getting his in the end.

85 albusteve  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:08:46pm

re: #81 SixDegrees

The interesting thing about this is the seizure of real estate assets - not something that can be moved offshore, and that has intrinsic value. The only way Iran and/or the property owners can fight this is through the courts, which may involve airing a lot of unpleasant connections and other facts in public.

Overall, I'd say it's a good strategy - it has a good amount of sting to it, and stops short of open warfare. It will certainly get Iran's attention.

you would think one thing would lead to another and hope that when an investigation like this takes off, there are other, secondary...rewards

86 Bubblehead II  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:09:26pm

re: #81 SixDegrees

It also stops the flow of (some) U.S. dollars to Iran. That has got to hurt more than the loss of physical assets.

87 HelloDare  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:09:56pm

Hasan had abbreviation for “Soldier of Allah” on his business card. The acronym PTSD did not appear on his card.

88 The Sanity Inspector  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:11:16pm

re: #79 Bubblehead II

The stalker site still hasn't anything up.

/// wonder what the comments over there are going to look like.

The mini-stalker site, CC, has a news link, that's all.

89 Cannadian Club Akbar  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:12:22pm

re: #88 The Sanity Inspector

The mini-stalker site, CC, has a news link, that's all.

I am offended by anyone taking 2/3 of my nic.
/

90 sattv4u2  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:12:47pm

re: #89 Cannadian Club Akbar

I am offended by anyone taking 2/3 of my nic.
/

A!!!

91 jvic  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:12:59pm

Even though it's the MSM, but I was still dumbfounded by the handwringing in that piece:

...a step fraught with questions about the First Amendment right to freedom of religion.

The action...is sure to inflame relations between the U.S. government and American Muslims, many of whom are fearful of a backlash after last week's Fort Hood shooting rampage, blamed on a Muslim American soldier.
...
If federal prosecutors seize the skyscraper, the Alavi Foundation would have almost no way to continue supporting the Islamic centers, which house schools and mosques. That could leave a major void in Shiite communities, and hard feelings toward the FBI.

Words fail me.

I understand that cooperation from law-abiding American Muslims has a significant role in counterterrorist law enforcement. But words fail me.
***
I guess this leaves Iran with no choice but to build their bomb. /

92 albusteve  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:14:33pm

re: #91 jvic

Even though it's the MSM, but I was still dumbfounded by the handwringing in that piece:

Words fail me.

I understand that cooperation from law-abiding American Muslims has a significant role in counterterrorist law enforcement. But words fail me.
***
I guess this leaves Iran with no choice but to build their bomb. /

an expression of Sharia sentiment

93 SixDegrees  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:14:36pm

re: #85 albusteve

you would think one thing would lead to another and hope that when an investigation like this takes off, there are other, secondary...rewards

Exactly. I remember, vaguely, a reporter or blogger or some other individual who published something not to CAIR's liking a couple of years ago. CAIR did their usual schtick: attacked him through press conferences, and filed complaints against his employer and every government agency they could think of.

The guy, however, refused to back down, told them to bring it on, I'll see you in court. And by the way: during the discovery process, I will be turning your organization inside out and upside down and entering every single scrap of paper I subpoena into the public record.

CAIR backed down faster than a jet diving under full power.

The same will certainly be true here. The government wouldn't have taken this action unless they were quite sure of their claims of shady connections. Opening a court battle over it opens the door to all sorts of interesting fishing expeditions on the government's part that the owners most likely don't want revealed.

Unless they're innocent, of course. Which they certainly are, at this point, until proven otherwise.

94 Cannadian Club Akbar  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:15:16pm

re: #91 jvic

Even though it's the MSM, but I was still dumbfounded by the handwringing in that piece:


Words fail me.

I understand that cooperation from law-abiding American Muslims has a significant role in counterterrorist law enforcement. But words fail me.
***
I guess this leaves Iran with no choice but to build their bomb. /

They have been trying..[Link: www.google.com...]

95 albusteve  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:16:30pm

re: #93 SixDegrees

Exactly. I remember, vaguely, a reporter or blogger or some other individual who published something not to CAIR's liking a couple of years ago. CAIR did their usual schtick: attacked him through press conferences, and filed complaints against his employer and every government agency they could think of.

The guy, however, refused to back down, told them to bring it on, I'll see you in court. And by the way: during the discovery process, I will be turning your organization inside out and upside down and entering every single scrap of paper I subpoena into the public record.

CAIR backed down faster than a jet diving under full power.

The same will certainly be true here. The government wouldn't have taken this action unless they were quite sure of their claims of shady connections. Opening a court battle over it opens the door to all sorts of interesting fishing expeditions on the government's part that the owners most likely don't want revealed.

Unless they're innocent, of course. Which they certainly are, at this point, until proven otherwise.

we just call it tough love...heh...they made us do it!

96 SixDegrees  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:17:00pm

re: #91 jvic

Even though it's the MSM, but I was still dumbfounded by the handwringing in that piece:

Words fail me.

I understand that cooperation from law-abiding American Muslims has a significant role in counterterrorist law enforcement. But words fail me.
***
I guess this leaves Iran with no choice but to build their bomb. /

I think the point here is to force the owners and Iran to capitulate without going to trial. A sort of plea bargain. It remains to be seen what the US government is willing to settle for.

97 Yank27  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:19:40pm

How fast will the State Dept move to quash this ? Pretty fast, I bet.

98 sattv4u2  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:20:37pm

re: #91 jvic

I especially love this phrase

, blamed on a Muslim American soldier.

It's like 3 six year olds were in the kitchen and the cookie jar broke , so lets blame the cat

99 sattv4u2  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:21:19pm

re: #97 Yank27

How fast will the State Dept move to quash this ? Pretty fast, I bet.

Why?

100 Cannadian Club Akbar  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:21:25pm

re: #97 Yank27

How fast will the State Dept move to quash this ? Pretty fast, I bet.

Obama is putting Hillary in a spot here, no?

101 Political Atheist  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:22:14pm

re: #97 Yank27

I would not think so with Hilary as Sec State. That would be an argument they would certainly lose. We are playing softball. Hard ball would be arresting the Iranians suspected of moving the money illegally.

102 wrenchwench  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:22:31pm

re: #97 Yank27

Welcome, hatchling.

103 albusteve  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:23:22pm

Bush in the news, speaking about the economy...

[Link: www.foxnews.com...]

a one liner...

"It is pretty exciting for a 63-year-old to be back on a college campus," he said. "I enjoy popping in on classes from time to time -- come to think of it, that was my strategy when I was a student."

104 HoosierHoops  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:23:56pm

re: #97 Yank27

How fast will the State Dept move to quash this ? Pretty fast, I bet.

Welcome newbee! I'm a Sox fan so we should get along great..
*wink*

105 karmic_inquisitor  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:25:05pm

BTW - here is a link to a Treasury site that has annual reports for terrorism seizures. These seizures today aren't under that program but you can see that grabbing Iranian, North Korean, Syrian and other assets is something that the treasury does on a regular basis. The size of this one is big but the seizure itself isn't a new policy.

[Link: www.treas.gov...]

106 Cato the Elder  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:28:45pm

Yep, Obama the seekrit Mooslem is going to take over that skyscraper and use it to hide his Kenyan nirf certifikit. It's all part of the plan.

107 sattv4u2  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:29:15pm

re: #103 albusteve

Bush in the news, speaking about the economy...

[Link: www.foxnews.com...]

a one liner...

"It is pretty exciting for a 63-year-old to be back on a college campus," he said. "I enjoy popping in on classes from time to time -- come to think of it, that was my strategy when I was a student."

I already miss his self depricating humor!

had my disagreements with him on some issues, but I really beleive he's a decent man and I also think history will vindicate him

108 jvic  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:29:38pm

re: #98 sattv4u2

I especially love this phrase

, blamed on a Muslim American soldier.

Yeah, blaming Hasan is typical right-wing hatemongering: the gun is the culprit. (Btw, I don't own a gun but I have strong convictions about my right to obtain one if I so choose.)

re: #96 SixDegrees

I think the point here is to force the owners and Iran to capitulate without going to trial. A sort of plea bargain. It remains to be seen what the US government is willing to settle for.

Fairness compels me to acknowledge my belief that there has been prosecutorial abuse via asset seizures. But I'd be astonished if that were so in this particular case.

109 Fenway_Nation  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:30:15pm

OT, but has anyone heard about the Australian Army bomb-sniffing dog that went MIA in Afghanistan for 14 months? And was found alive and well this week?

110 Cannadian Club Akbar  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:30:19pm

re: #106 Cato the Elder

Yep, Obama the seekrit Mooslem is going to take over that skyscraper and use it to hide his Kenyan nirf certifikit. It's all part of the plan.

Sarah Palin just tweeted that she can see England from the top of the skyscraper.
/just for you, Cato

111 HoosierHoops  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:33:32pm

Oh Crap! The SuperBowl halftime band is going to be..Wait for it..Wait for it..
The Who!
Please...That's the best they got?
Come on man! The Who is so 60's rock...Hello.. it's the 2010 Superbowl...That's the best you got? crap

112 Fenway_Nation  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:35:03pm

re: #111 HoosierHoops

Pray that there's no wardrobe malfunctions.

113 MandyManners  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:35:21pm

Has Hoopie-the-shit-slinging monkey squawked yet?

114 sngnsgt  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:35:40pm

re: #111 HoosierHoops

Oh Crap! The SuperBowl halftime band is going to be..Wait for it..Wait for it..
The Who!
Please...That's the best they got?
Come on man! The Who is so 60's rock...Hello.. it's the 2010 Superbowl...That's the best you got? crap

The Why?

115 RightOnTheLeftCoast  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:36:16pm

re: #111 HoosierHoops

Oh Crap! The SuperBowl halftime band is going to be..Wait for it..Wait for it..
The Who!
Please...That's the best they got?
Come on man! The Who is so 60's rock...Hello.. it's the 2010 Superbowl...That's the best you got? crap

Well, I suppose if they wanted to be more contemporary they could go for a Kanye West/Taylor Swift "Dueling Concerts" format...

/sowhaddayagotagainstthe60s? ;o)

116 Cannadian Club Akbar  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:36:21pm

FOUND MY NEW JOB!!! Tropical beach and all...

[Link: cbs4.com...]

117 Cato the Elder  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:36:28pm

re: #111 HoosierHoops

Oh Crap! The SuperBowl halftime band is going to be..Wait for it..Wait for it..
The Who!
Please...That's the best they got?
Come on man! The Who is so 60's rock...Hello.. it's the 2010 Superbowl...That's the best you got? crap

Seems about right for the Stupor Bowl's target demographic...

118 ROP?LOL  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:36:54pm

re: #111 HoosierHoops

So you're the guy that watches the half time show...

119 Political Atheist  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:36:56pm

re: #111 HoosierHoops

The Who never had a wardrobe malfunction.

A list of halftime foibles.

[Link: www.stubpass.com...]

120 Cannadian Club Akbar  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:37:19pm

re: #111 HoosierHoops

Oh Crap! The SuperBowl halftime band is going to be..Wait for it..Wait for it..
The Who!
Please...That's the best they got?
Come on man! The Who is so 60's rock...Hello.. it's the 2010 Superbowl...That's the best you got? crap

The Who is in my top 3 concerts of all time. Number 1 being TOOL.

121 iceweasel  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:37:33pm

re: #107 sattv4u2

I already miss his self depricating humor!

had my disagreements with him on some issues, but I really beleive he's a decent man and I also think history will vindicate him

I think he'll be vindicated for his role in Africa. He did more than any POTUS ever has to stop the spread of AIDS there, and I don't think he's been given proper credit for it yet at home: the left because they wouldn't praise him for anything, and the right because they didn't want to alienate the theocrat/socon/homophobic fringe in the base.

I won't agree with you about him as POTUS, but I do think he is a decent man as a person.

122 sattv4u2  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:38:05pm

re: #114 sngnsgt

The Why?

The Huh ?

123 Cato the Elder  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:38:57pm

re: #122 sattv4u2

The Huh ?

The Wot?

124 Bubblehead II  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:39:49pm

re: #113 MandyManners

Nope. Cair's web site is still mum on this.

125 MandyManners  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:40:37pm

The WTF?

126 albusteve  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:40:40pm

re: #117 Cato the Elder

Seems about right for the Stupor Bowl's target demographic...

oh fuck off you uncongenial bag o wind

127 bosforus  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:40:56pm

re: #116 Cannadian Club Akbar

FOUND MY NEW JOB!!! Tropical beach and all...

[Link: cbs4.com...]

From the article:

As for the restaurant itself, customers include sailors and their families stationed on the base, hundreds of base workers and two hundred plus terror suspects and their guards.

The suspects get to go to McDonalds? WTF? And no torture jokes, McDonalds isn't that bad.

128 Vicious Babushka  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:41:08pm

re: #54 Cannadian Club Akbar

Na, sell them to the Jooos.
/

Make sure to include a Chabad House in each building and a mezuzah on all the doorways.

129 MandyManners  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:41:12pm

re: #124 Bubblehead II

Nope. Cair's web site is still mum on this.

Give 'em time. They're probably still hyperventilating over Hasan.

130 Cato the Elder  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:41:35pm

re: #126 albusteve

Wha?

131 sattv4u2  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:41:38pm

re: #121 iceweasel

Thanks , and BTW ,, congrats are in order, from what I gather

One silver lining for us

Now that you and jimmah are together, it won't be long before the two of you stop agreeing on EVERYTHING!!

//

As for Pres Bush, we'll have to agree to disagree. I'm not of the camp that he is THE best Pres ever, but he doesn't rate anywhere near the bottom either imho

132 Vicious Babushka  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:42:20pm

re: #75 Pepper Fox

Did anyone see South Park take on Glenn Beck last night?
[Link: www.southparkstudios.com...]

OMG, they killed Sharmuta! You bastards!

133 Sharmuta  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:42:53pm

re: #132 Alouette

LOL!

134 sattv4u2  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:43:25pm

re: #111 HoosierHoops

Oh Crap! The SuperBowl halftime band is going to be..Wait for it..Wait for it..
The Who!
Please...That's the best they got?
Come on man! The Who is so 60's rock...Hello.. it's the 2010 Superbowl...That's the best you got? crap

well,, they DO have those electric scooters at the stadiums, so getting them to the stage won't be an issue!

135 albusteve  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:43:38pm

re: #130 Cato the Elder

Wha?

I'm the target audience...are you insulting me?

136 Cannadian Club Akbar  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:43:42pm

re: #128 Alouette

Make sure to include a Chabad House in each building and a mezuzah on all the doorways.

I wish I knew what that meant.:(

137 sattv4u2  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:43:57pm

re: #135 albusteve

I'm the target audience...are you insulting me?

Who??

138 sattv4u2  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:44:54pm

re: #111 HoosierHoops

Oh Crap! The SuperBowl halftime band is going to be..Wait for it..Wait for it..
The Who!
Please...That's the best they got?
Come on man! The Who is so 60's rock...Hello.. it's the 2010 Superbowl...That's the best you got? crap

(( last one ,, I promise))

What ,, Lawrence Welk was booked already???

139 abolitionist  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:45:01pm

The AP/LA Times story is being significantly updated/fleshed out -- 1:59pm, 2:15pm, 3:18pm, 3:23pm.

And I noticed this link at the bottom, just before the copyright notice:
www.alavifoundation.org

140 HoosierHoops  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:45:13pm

re: #120 Cannadian Club Akbar

The Who is in my top 3 concerts of all time. Number 1 being TOOL.

I'm guessing that was about 40 years ago...They can't find a smoking hot band from the last 10 years? The last 5 years? Even if the Boss played I'd be ok with it...But the Who?
Jeez folks..Grandpa is playing the Superbowl halftime...A million choices and they trot out has beens

141 Bubblehead II  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:45:46pm

re: #129 MandyManners

No, actually they are doing their normal shuffle and jive.

U.S. Muslims Condemn Attack at Fort Hood

In a statement, the Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) said:

“We condemn this cowardly attack in the strongest terms possible and ask that the perpetrators be punished to the full extent of the law. No religious or political ideology could ever justify or excuse such wanton and indiscriminate violence. The attack was particularly heinous in that it targeted the all-volunteer army that protects our nation. American Muslims stand with our fellow citizens in offering both prayers for the victims and sincere condolences to the families of those killed or injured.”

// Along with innumerable condemnations of terror, CAIR has in the past launched an online anti-terror petition drive called “Not in the Name of Islam,” initiated a television public service announcement (PSA) campaign against religious extremism and coordinated a “fatwa,” or Islamic religious ruling, against terrorism and extremism.

The sarc tags are mine

142 Cannadian Club Akbar  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:45:56pm

re: #140 HoosierHoops

I'm guessing that was about 40 years ago...They can't find a smoking hot band from the last 10 years? The last 5 years? Even if the Boss played I'd be ok with it...But the Who?
Jeez folks..Grandpa is playing the Superbowl halftime...A million choices and they trot out has beens

Adam Lambert?
/

143 HoosierHoops  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:46:04pm

re: #126 albusteve

oh fuck off you uncongenial bag o wind

I think if we are going old school.. Go with the Stones...

144 Cato the Elder  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:46:29pm

re: #135 albusteve

I'm the target audience...are you insulting me?

Nossir. I'm insulting football. Pantywaist game for wussies afraid to play rugby.

145 McSpiff  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:46:41pm

re: #143 HoosierHoops

Already did a half time show recently if I remember correctly.

146 Cannadian Club Akbar  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:46:52pm

re: #143 HoosierHoops

I think if we are going old school.. Go with the Stones...

Either way, U2 was the best...2001.

147 albusteve  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:46:53pm

re: #143 HoosierHoops

I think if we are going old school.. Go with the Stones...

they already have, and were probably as good as any band, musically

148 Vicious Babushka  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:48:09pm

re: #136 Cannadian Club Akbar

I wish I knew what that meant.:(

Now you can be initiated into the seekrit rituals of the Zionist elders.

Mezuzah collection at the Zionist Mall.

149 Cannadian Club Akbar  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:50:20pm

re: #148 Alouette

Very nice.:)

150 albusteve  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:50:42pm

re: #144 Cato the Elder

Nossir. I'm insulting football. Pantywaist game for wussies afraid to play rugby.

okay, I take back the uncongenial part...rugby?, yeah the thinking man's sport for Neandertals...rugby?, I love those high speed, thrilling scrums or whatever you call them...any game with a scrum oughta be outlawed

151 albusteve  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:51:28pm

re: #146 Cannadian Club Akbar

Either way, U2 was the best...2001.

bah...I sooner watch BananaRama

152 HoosierHoops  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:51:53pm

re: #144 Cato the Elder

Nossir. I'm insulting football. Pantywaist game for wussies afraid to play rugby.

You have no idea what you are saying..The NFL is the fastest most violent game known to man.. They are bigger and faster and more athletic than anyone on the planet...It isn't pantywaist and no one steps on the field is a wussie..Find me a 330 lb man that runs a 5.4/40 then we'll talk about Rugby

153 sattv4u2  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:52:37pm

re: #150 albusteve

okay, I take back the uncongenial part...rugby?, yeah the thinking man's sport for Neandertals...rugby?, I love those high speed, thrilling scrums or whatever you call them...any game with a scrum oughta be outlawed

In football you have one guy putting his hands under one other guys ass

In Rugby you have both teams putting their heads on each others asses
NTTAWWT
whats not to like!?!?!
//

154 albusteve  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:54:13pm

RUGBY?...are you SERIOUS?

155 The Sanity Inspector  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:55:37pm

re: #152 HoosierHoops

You have no idea what you are saying..The NFL is the fastest most violent game known to man.. They are bigger and faster and more athletic than anyone on the planet...It isn't pantywaist and no one steps on the field is a wussie..Find me a 330 lb man that runs a 5.4/40 then we'll talk about Rugby

George Will said that football combined two of the worst aspects of American culture: violence and committee meetings.

156 Bubblehead II  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:55:49pm

Looks like the afternoon open is just about as exciting as this one. Think I will just stay here.

157 Cannadian Club Akbar  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:56:37pm

Speaking of football, my favorite college team is on ESPN tonight. GO BULLS!!! The winner of the game is Bowl eligible.

158 albusteve  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:58:00pm

re: #155 The Sanity Inspector

George Will said that football combined two of the worst aspects of American culture: violence and committee meetings.

Geo Will is a baseball puss...what the hell does he know...probably played golf in high school

159 Cato the Elder  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:58:01pm

re: #150 albusteve

okay, I take back the uncongenial part...rugby?, yeah the thinking man's sport for Neandertals...rugby?, I love those high speed, thrilling scrums or whatever you call them...any game with a scrum oughta be outlawed

Any sport called "football" in which a player's foot touches the ball maybe five times per game ought to get a name-change.

160 Cannadian Club Akbar  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 3:59:45pm

re: #159 Cato the Elder

Any sport called "football" in which a player's foot touches the ball maybe five times per game ought to get a name-change.

We need Combative Curling!
///

161 albusteve  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 4:00:12pm

re: #159 Cato the Elder

Any sport called "football" in which a player's foot touches the ball maybe five times per game ought to get a name-change.

whatever...they wear SHORTS to play rugby!...what about that?

162 McSpiff  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 4:00:41pm

re: #161 albusteve

much less manly than all that protective gear

///

163 HoosierHoops  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 4:00:54pm

re: #159 Cato the Elder

Any sport called "football" in which a player's foot touches the ball maybe five times per game ought to get a name-change.

*shakes Head*
I'm going to dinner and having mercy on you...Be well Cato

164 Cato the Elder  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 4:02:18pm

re: #161 albusteve

whatever...they wear SHORTS to play rugby!...what about that?

Yeah, because they're not afraid to get bruises on their legs, like the sissy-boys in the NFL in their pretty tights.

165 albusteve  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 4:03:23pm

re: #164 Cato the Elder

Yeah, because they're not afraid to get bruises on their legs, like the sissy-boys in the NFL in their pretty tights.

Tights?...I saw a rugby match once...at halftime all the players were doing their NAILS!

166 Bubblehead II  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 4:06:30pm

re: #161 albusteve

re: #164 Cato the Elder

re: #163 HoosierHoops

// You are all a bunch of wimps.


Youtube Video
167 Cato the Elder  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 4:06:44pm

re: #165 albusteve

Tights?...I saw a rugby match once...at halftime all the players were doing their NAILS!

Whereas in the NFL each playa has his own manicurist...!

168 Right Brain  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 4:07:07pm

650 Fifth Ave. is the building that was seized. It has been in the news for nearly a year as a front for Alavi. Originally the building was built by the Shah of Iran (Pahlavi).

[Link: newyork.fbi.gov...]

This is a trophy property, the first step in the overdue pruning of Iran. Stay tuned, its all downhill from here.

169 albusteve  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 4:07:52pm

re: #167 Cato the Elder

Whereas in the NFL each playa has his own manicurist...!

Cato, you're helpless...I gotta go find my bartender, maybe do my hair

170 captdiggs  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 4:21:37pm

This action was begun by the Bush administration, not Obama.
Legal action was begun by the Bush Department of Justice.

In December ( 2008 ), the Department of Justice charged the building's co-owners, the Assa Corporation and Assa Limited, of being front companies for Iran 's national bank, Bank Melli. The bank had been sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department for allegedly helping fund Iran 's nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
...In 2002, David Cohen, a former top level CIA official and current chief of intelligence for the NYPD, claimed in a court document that "The Alavi Foundation is a non-profit charitable organization ostensibly run by an independent board of directors but totally controlled by the government of Iran ." He also claimed the foundation "funds a variety of Anti-American causes."
[Link: www.foxnews.com...]

171 Bubblehead II  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 4:41:58pm

Time to call it a night. Lizards have a good night. I will leave you with this.

Youtube Video
172 _RememberTonyC  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 5:47:51pm

GoBama
GoBama

173 Solomon2  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 6:15:08pm

I'm not impressed. Why? Because the Islamic Center in Potomac is next to a Maryland State Police station. All the police have to do is roll down the window of their office and they can hear what's going on. Can you imagine a more unlikely place for terrorist activities of any sort?

174 bittermelon  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 10:02:29pm

The article states that "they are taking steps" and "seeking forfeiture" of properties. That is about as far as it will go. After that, apologies and large compensations.

175 mm  Thu, Nov 12, 2009 10:59:32pm

The article mentions that the Alavi Foundation used the rent from the Piaget building to fund it's Islamic Centers and other ventures such as sending educational literature to imprisoned Muslims in the U.S.

It could be interesting to review these educational materials.

176 Sully33  Fri, Nov 13, 2009 5:24:21am

I sure hope the administration has the follow through to finish what they sta

177 Jerusalemyte  Mon, Nov 16, 2009 4:01:33pm

I don't believe that the Administration is capable of following through on this.


This article has been archived.
Comments are closed.

Jump to top

Create a PageThis is the LGF Pages posting bookmarklet. To use it, drag this button to your browser's bookmark bar, and title it 'LGF Pages' (or whatever you like). Then browse to a site you want to post, select some text on the page to use for a quote, click the bookmarklet, and the Pages posting window will appear with the title, text, and any embedded video or audio files already filled in, ready to go.
Or... you can just click this button to open the Pages posting window right away.
Last updated: 2023-04-04 11:11 am PDT LGF User's Guide RSS Feeds

Help support Little Green Footballs!

Subscribe now for ad-free access!Register and sign in to a free LGF account before subscribing, and your ad-free access will be automatically enabled.

Donate with
PayPal Cash.app
Recent PagesClick to refresh
Texas County at Center of Border Fight Is Overwhelmed by Migrant Deaths EAGLE PASS, Tex. - The undertaker lighted a cigarette and held it between his latex-gloved fingers as he stood over the bloated body bag lying in the bed of his battered pickup truck. The woman had been fished out ...
Cheechako
Yesterday
Views: 86 • Comments: 0 • Rating: 0