First Black Saudi Appointed as Imam of the Haram Mosque in Mecca Accuses Shiites of Apostasy, Discusses the Driving Out of Jews
Sheik Adel Al-Kalbani: I believe that my appointment to the position of imam [of the Haram Mosque] is much more significant.
Interviewer: More significant than the election of Obama?
Sheik Adel Al-Kalbani: in other positions, there may have been [black] people in the past, but with regard to this position, my appointment was a courageous decision. I believe that it is more significant than the election of Obama.
Interviewer: In what sense?
Sheik Adel Al-Kalbani: This is part of democracy, part of the world.
Interviewer: But more people elected him.
Sheik Adel Al-Kalbani: The Haram Mosque is the place of all Muslims.
Interviewer: The Haram Mosque?
Sheik Adel Al-Kalbani: Yes. This is more all-encompassing than the White House, which, as important as it may be, is restricted to the Americans.