1629 K Street NW, Suite 300
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202-455-0063
02-10-2012
Soccer, Egypt, and SCAF-Sponsored Hooliganism
(Atlantic Council, Sahar Aziz & Khaled Beydoun) Across the world, soccer occupies a sacred space that stirs up feverish nationalism and ardent fidelity to a team. Team loyalties often mirror a nation’s social and political fault lines. Egypt’s February 2 soccer game-turned-massacre, therefore, was the SCAF’s sinister manipulation of the sport to attack the revolutionary youth and terrify Egyptians into supporting their continued rule.
01-29-2012
Confronting Discrimination in the Post-9/11 Era: Challenges and Opportunities Ten Years Later
The Civil Rights Division and the George Washington University Law School co-sponsored a conference entitled “Confronting Discrimination in the Post-9/11 Era: Challenges and Opportunities Ten Years Later.”
01-20-2012
The Importance of Muslim Women in Counterterrorism
(Huffington Post, Sahar Aziz) In December 2011, Janet Napolitano testified that lone wolf terrorists are America's primary domestic national security threat. Based on recent terrorism indictments, Napolitano was clearly referring to young Muslim men in America with unpopular political viewpoints and orthodox religious beliefs. A young man who fits this profile is susceptible to sting operations by undercover agents and shady informants. Often, the target's mother is the last to know about the circumstances leading to her son's demise. This must change.
12-19-2011
The Contradictions of Obama's Outreach to American Muslims
(Huffington Post, Sahar Aziz) On the same day that Rep. Peter King held the fourth "homegrown terrorism" hearing focused exclusively on Muslims, the White House released its Strategic Implementation Plan for Empowering Local Partners to Prevent Violent Extremism in the United States. Despite the White House's seemingly benign approach to counterterrorism, its implementation produces adverse effects similar to Mr. King's confrontational tactics.
11-26-2011
Rule of Law, Not Rule by Law For Egypt
(Huffington Post, Sahar Aziz) Egypt is forever changed. Whether ruled by a civilian government or a military junta, gone are the days when the government can blithely dismiss the will of the people or coerce them into obedience. This most recent wave of mass protests demonstrates Egyptians' refusal to go back to the dark ages of iron fisted dictatorship. Government accountability is the new normal.
11-02-2011
Time to Address Violence Against Muslim Women
Since the Ground Zero mosque controversy in 2010, Muslim women have increasingly reported being attacked in public or threats of such.
10-20-2011
On Government Civil Rights Panel, A Call to Inspect the NYPD
Sahar Aziz, a Texas Wesleyan University law professor, said the NYPD monitoring of mosques, Islamic bookstores and Muslim student groups needed to be looked into because the NYPD serves as a model for departments nationwide. She said reports by The Associated Press about the NYPD's intelligence unit have troubled Muslims around the country.
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10-07-2011
American Muslim Citizenship: A Decade After 9/11
Professor Aziz joined scholars in examining political and electoral participation of Muslim Americans; the effects of counter-terrorism and de-radicalization policies; new policing and urban zoning laws on Muslim-American communities; and how increase in profiling, racialization and mobilization have reshaped Muslim-American engagement in the public sphere.
09-24-2011
Race and Criminal Justice in the West
Professor Sahar Aziz presented her forthcoming law review article entitled "Caught in a Preventive Dragnet Ten Years Later: Selective Counterterrorism Against Muslims, Arabs, and South Asians" at a legal conference at Gonzaga School of Law.
09-15-2011
Navigating a Post-9/11 World: A Decade of Lessons Learned
Sahar Aziz joins a panel of academics to discuss the legal and socioeconomic impact of 9/11 on America a decade later. The panel is sponsored by the Center on Religion and Politics at the Washington University in St. Louis.
09-08-2011
Sahar Aziz Presents at ADC Policy Conference: 10 Years After 9/11
With the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 tragedies drawing upon us, the ADC policy conference features multiple panel discussions centered around the impact of 9/11 on civil rights and liberties.
09-07-2011
Countering Religion or Terrorism: Selective Enforcement of Material Support Laws
The past ten years have shown a disproportionate focus on Muslim charities by counterterrorism policy. As a result, the largest Muslim charities have shut down sending shockwaves through the Muslim community. At a time when millions of Somalis are dying from starvation, such charities could have sent millions of dollars in food aid but for Muslims' fear of giving international aid through Muslim charities.
08-18-2011
What's Behind the Egyptian Military's Attacks on Civil Society?
Sahar Aziz published an article in the online version of Foreign Policy Magazine analyzing the Egyptian military's attacks on civil society as a means of eliminating political competition during the ongoing democratization process.
07-06-2011
Citizens, Not Subjects: Debunking the Sectarian Narrative of the Pro-Democracy Movement in Bahrain
Sahar Aziz co-authored a policy report published by the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding that debunks on the merits the mischaracterization of the pro-democracy momvement in Bahrain as a mere sectarian narrative.
07-01-2011
Sahar Aziz Discusses the Egyptian American Rule of Law Association on True Talk Radio
Sahar Aziz was interviewed on the True Talk Radio Show about the role of Egyptian American lawyers in supporting Egyptian civil society in efforts to promote rule of law after Egypt's historic revolution. Ms. Aziz highlighted the work of the Egyptian American Rule of Law Association.
06-22-2011
Sahar Aziz Speaks at Congressional Briefing on Democratic Transition in Egypt
In a Congressional briefing where she represented the Egyptian American Rule of Law Association, Sahar Aziz emphasized the importance of structural reforms to the Egyptian legal system including access to information, an independent judiciary, and a transparent and fair electoral process.
06-11-2011
Sahar Aziz Recieves Pro Bono Attorney of the Year Award
The Arab American Anti-Discrimination Committee awarded Sahar Aziz the Pro Bono Attorney of the Year award for her commitment to civil rights. Upon receiving the award, Ms. Aziz delivered a speech encouraging all Americans to be vigilant against the erosion of their rights under the guise of national security.
05-24-2011
Sahar Aziz Presents At SAIC Thought Leadership Conference
Professor Aziz joined Former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff, Former Congresswoman Jane Harman, and other leading national security experts to present at the SAIC Thought Leadership Conference. Ms. Aziz discussed the civil liberties implications of suspicionless border searches and questioning.
05-22-2011
It's Time to Take Back Our Civil Liberties
Sahar Aziz published an op-ed in the Sunday edition of the Houston Chronicle where she argued that false stereotypes of Muslims, Arabs, and South Asians are exploited to justify stripping all Americans of civil liberties. She called on all Americans to debunk the stereotypes and unite to preserve America's fundamental values.
05-17-2011
Sahar Aziz Discusses Civil Rights and Homeland Security on CSPAN
Sahar Aziz discussed the importance of protecting civil rights and civil liberties against infringement by homeland security policies and practices.
04-25-2011
The Egyptian Revolution and Its Implications for an Awakened Middle East
The New York City Bar Association hosted a panel of experts to discuss the regional implications of Egypt's January 25th revolution and the challenging transition to meaningful democracy.
04-14-2011
The Tahrir Promise: The Challenges for Democracy
ISPU Fellows Sahar Aziz and Hisham Hellyer recently discussed post-Mubarak Egypt in an event held by ISPU and The Aspen Institute in Washington, DC.
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03-31-2011
The People's Movement in Egypt and Ripple Effects
World renown Middle East historian Professor Rashid Khalidi and Sahar Aziz, founder of the Egyptian American Rule of Law Working Group, discussed the significant implications of Egypt's historic January 25th revolution.
03-28-2011
AU Conference on New Racism: The State of Hate in the United States
Sahar Aziz presented a forthcoming book chapter addressing the impact of post-9/11 discrimination on Muslim women and the unique challenges they face ten years after the September 11th attacks.
03-04-2011
The Continuing Impact of 9/11 on National Security and Civil Liberties
Professors Sahar Aziz, Steve Vladeck, Tung Yin, and Brian Foley disccussed the latest developments in national security law and policy at a Law Symposium at the Florida Coastal School of Law
03-02-2011
Briefing on Capitol Hill: Transition to Meaningful Democracy in Egypt
Sahar Aziz joined a panel of Egyptian American intellectuals to discuss rule of law reforms necessary for the success of Egypt's transition to democracy after its extraordinary January 25th revolution.
03-01-2011
Montgomery County Council to Host "The Egyptian Revolution: What Happened? And What Happens Next?"
Sahar Aziz discussed the key events that led up to the historic 2011 Egyptian Revolution and the challenging transition phase ahead. Topics addressed include constitutional, electoral, and economic reforms necessary to ensure a meaningful transition to democracy for the Egyptian people. Ms. Aziz also discussed how Americans can play a constructive role in the ongoing democratization of the Middle East.
02-11-2011
Since When Has Democracy Been Antithetical to Stability by Sahar Aziz
(Huffington Post) - If we seek stability in Egypt we should unequivocally support democracy for the Egyptian people. Not a diluted or superficial democracy based on a mere reshuffling of the usual suspects, but a fair and transparent system where the best and the brightest are elected by a people who will hold them accountable. And if they do not deliver, they will be expelled them from power through elections.
02-11-2011
Sahar Aziz on Law Talk Radio Hours Before Mubarak Resigns
Just hours before Hosni Mubarak was forced to step down as a result of a peaceful revolution by the Egyptian people, Sahar Aziz provided an update of the situation in Egypt.
02-09-2011
Sahar Aziz on Free Speech Radio Discusses Misuse of Informants in Counter Terrorism
Sahar Aziz critiques the misuse of informants at the expense of preserving public safety and highlights the need for legislative reform to anti-terrorism laws to preserve constitutional rights.
02-04-2011
Sahar Aziz Discusses Egyptian Revolution on Law Talk Radio
Sahar Aziz provided her assessment of the 2011 Egyptian Revolution and its impact on the United States and the broader Middle East.
02-03-2011
Sahar Aziz Joins US Attorney Barbara McQuad to Discuss Community Relations With Law Enforcment
Sahar Aziz participated in a Congressional Briefing at the U.S. Capitol addressing the successes and failures of law enforcement outreach to Muslim communities across the country.
02-02-2011
Sahar Aziz on NPR's Morning Edition
Aziz says this uprising is about the young people. Most Egyptians live in poverty or immigrate because economic opportunity doesn't exist except for those who are rich and connected.
01-31-2011
Sahar Aziz Speaks to PBS Newshour
Activist Sahar Aziz said the administration has been moving in the right direction, but wants the American government to do more. "I think that our government could do more. We have an obligation to do more. Because we are the superpower, we are the beacon of freedom, and we spend $1.5 billion of taxpayers' money on this regime," said Aziz.
01-29-2011
Citizens' Hearing on Loss of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (Washington, D.C.)
Sahar Aziz provided testimony at Citizens' Hearing on Loss of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties in Washington, DC. Ms. Aziz critiqued the government's preventive counter terrorism strategy as effectively criminalizing free speech, religion, and assembly. Ms. Aziz also highlighted the disparate impact of selective prosecution and immigration enforcement against Muslims, Arabs, and South Asians over the past ten years and how this undermines community relations with law enforcement.
01-26-2011
Legal Seminar on Anti-Muslim Bigotry at American University Washington College of Law
Sahar Aziz participated on a panel of distinguished lawyers and government officials to address the rise of Anti-Muslim bigotry in various contexts including employment, public accommodation, law enforcement, mosque constructions, public discourse, and racial violence.
01-12-2011
Why Isn't Jared Lee Loughner a Homegrown Terrorist?
How many more members of Congress have to be victims of politically motivated violence before we acknowledge terrorism is defined by the act and not the identity of the actor? Any person who "use[s] violence (or the threat of violence) against civilians in order to attain goals that are political or religious or ideological in nature ... through intimidation or coercion or instilling fear" is a terrorist.
01-07-2011
Sahar Aziz Interviewed About Civil Rights on Al-Arabiya
Sahar Aziz was interviewed in connection with the recent controversy surrounding Representative Peter King's call for hearings on homegrown terrorism.
11-15-2010
Sahar Aziz Presents at Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding at Georgetown University
Sahar Aziz discussed the civil rights and socio-economic challenges faced by Somali Americans and contextualized the issues within the ongoing "War on Terror."
10-20-2010
Sahar Aziz Receives Patriot Award from the Bill of Rights Defense Committee
The Bill of Rights Defense Committee recognizes Sahar Aziz for her outstanding work in support of civil liberties and the rule of law by honoring her with the Patriot Award.
10-12-2010
Sahar Aziz Speaks at New America Foundation Conference in Washington, DC
Sahar Aziz spoke on a panel with John Bellinger III and Peter Bergen addressing contemporary policy issues at the intersection of civil liberties and national security. The conference entitled "Cutting the Fuse: Beyond the War on Terrorism" included nationally recognized leaders in their fields that offered a sophisticated analysis of terrorism, counter terrorism theory and practice, and the importance of civil liberties.
10-04-2010
Sahar Aziz Conducts Educational Seminar to the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Dvision
Sahar Aziz conducted an educational seminar about religious freedom rights to lawyers and staff in the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice.
09-24-2010
Sahar Aziz Presents at the National Network of Arab American Communities on Profiling Post-9/11
Sahar Aziz participated in a public policy forum at the Annual Conference of the National Network of Arab American Communities where she discussed the legal, policy, and political implications of racial and religious profiling by law enforcement.
09-15-2010
Sahar Aziz Presents at City University of New York School of Law
Sahar Aziz addressed law faculty and law students at the City University of New York School of Law in connection with her recent law review publication examining the increase in racial, ethnic, and religious harassment against Arabs, Muslims, and South Asians over the past nine years.
09-02-2010
New Law Review Article Examines Employment Discrimination Against Muslims, Arabs, and South Asians
Notwithstanding the passage of eight years, “post-9/11 discrimination” persists, most profoundly in the workplace. While the volume of cases has seemingly decreased, negative stereotypes of Muslims and Arabs have become entrenched into popular culture and consequently more prevalent in the workplace.
08-24-2010
Turning Our Backs on Religious Freedom Hurts All Americans by Sahar Aziz
The political backlash and opportunism surrounding President Obama's defense of Muslims' First Amendment rights jeopardizes religious freedom for all Americans. The integrity of our Constitution depends on a meaningful enforcement of the Bill of Rights.
08-13-2010
Sahar Aziz Joins the Charity and Security Network as Senior Counsel
Sahar Aziz is working with the Charity and Security Network to develop and implement reforms to laws that unduly restrict American charitable giving and protect the constitutional right to counsel, due process of law, and First Amendment free speech.
07-31-2010
Sahar Aziz Presents at Somali Diaspora Youth National Conference
Sahar Aziz addressed Somali American youth from across the United States about their civil and constitutional rights as well as how to become more civically engaged in their communities.
07-16-2010
Delegitimizing Civil Society by Sahar Aziz
Days before Secretary Clinton urged foreign governments to promote rule of law through an independent civil society; the U.S. Supreme Court struck a blow to American civil society's commitment to international human rights. In Holder v. Humanitarian Law Project (HLP), the Court ruled it is unlawful to train organizations designated as terrorist on how to resolve their disputes through peaceful means. Rather than bolster national security, the HLP ruling ultimately undermines America's leadership in the international community.
07-01-2010
Taking it to the Court From Material Support to the No Fly List
Sahar Aziz, civil rights attorney and advisory member of the Charity and Security Network and Shayana Kadidal, senior attorney at the Center for Constitutional Rights discuss the recent Supreme Court decision to uphold the material support laws, which criminalize the provision of humanitarian assistance as well as teaching and advice to anyone tied to a Foreign Terrorist Organization.
06-04-2010
Ease Restrictions on Charitable Giving by Sahar Aziz
A year ago on June 4 in Cairo, Egypt, President Obama pledged to ease rules that impede American Muslims' ability to engage in charitable giving. His laudable commitment was in response to donors' fears of donating to humanitarian causes abroad, especially in conflict zones where aid is most needed.
04-02-2010
Protecting Speech, Preserving Charity by Sahar Aziz
The Supreme Court should require a showing of specific intent in criminal laws prohibiting material support to terrorism. Existing law unduly criminalizes the fundamental American tradition of charity. As a result, many American charities have refrained from providing humanitarian aid abroad.
02-16-2010
Free Muslims From Collective Punishment by Sahar Aziz
The recent discovery of attempted terrorist plots by Muslims in America has prompted overreaching accusations of radicalisation of an entire religious group. But rather than spend limited resources on programmes that assume collective guilt, efforts are better spent redirecting existing grievances towards the exercise of constitutionally protected dissent.
09-03-2009
KindHearts Ruling Exposes Treasury's Unconstitutional Freezing of Assets by Sahar Aziz
A recent ruling [PDF file] by a federal district court signifies an encouraging shift for Muslim charities in the United States. For many such non-profits, mere investigation by the Department of Treasury's Office for Asset Control (OFAC) into their humanitarian activities abroad has become a kiss of death.