NewsNet5.comPolitics
EducationEmploymentAutoHealthHealth ExpertsHouse And HomeWEDDINGSHomeTown ExpertsLegalCleveland247Real EstateDatingTravelFamily


E-Mail News Alerts
Get breaking news and daily headlines.
Browse all e-mail newsletters
Related To Story
Getty Images
PRESIDENTIAL RACE
  • Campaign Alerts: Sign Up Now
  • Convention Coverage: RNC | DNC
  • Interactive: Compare Candidates
  • Interactive: Track Polls
  • FROM OUR PARTNERS

    Attacking Mecca Effective, Tancredo Says

    Comments Raise Questions, Ire

    POSTED: 5:36 pm EDT August 3, 2007
    UPDATED: 6:02 pm EDT August 3, 2007

    A Republican presidential hopeful said during a campaign stop in Iowa that the best way he can think of to deter a nuclear terrorist attack on the U.S. is to threaten to retaliate by bombing Islamic holy sites.

    Attack Mecca? | Compare Candidates

    Colorado Rep. Tancredo, R-Colo., The Colorado congressman on Tuesday told about 30 people at a town hall meeting in Osceola, Iowa, that he believes such a terrorist attack could be imminent and that the U.S. needs to hurry up and think of a way to stop it.

    "If it is up to me, we are going to explain that an attack on this homeland of that nature would be followed by an attack on the holy sites in Mecca and Medina," Tancredo said at the Family Table restaurant. "Because that's the only thing I can think of that might deter somebody from doing what they otherwise might do."

    Mecca and Medina, in Saudi Arabia, are Islam's holiest cities. All able-bodied Muslims are required to make a pilgrimage there at least once in their lives. Tancredo's comments were recorded and posted on the Web site iowapolitics.com.

    By Friday, his comments had reached parts of the Muslim world. In Lahore, Pakistan, at least one U.S. flag was burned during street demonstrations against Tancredo.

    A Washington-based Islamic civil rights and advocacy group responded in anger Thursday, calling Tancredo's statement "unworthy of anyone seeking public office in the United States."

    "Perhaps it's evidence of a long-shot candidate grasping at straws and trying to create some kind of a controversy that might appeal to a niche audience of anti-Muslim bigots," said Ibrahim Hooper, spokesman for the Council on American-Islamic Relations.

    Campaign spokesman, Alan Moore, said Tancredo stands by his statement.

    This isn't the first time Tancredo has suggested taking extreme action against Mecca and Medina.

    In 2005, he drew international criticism after he told a radio talk show host that "you could take out" Islamic holy sites if terrorists ever launched a nuclear attack against the United States.




    Links We Like

    Sponsored Content
    Find out how a little planning for holiday shopping can save you cash and help you avoid big credit card bills. More Details

    Before you hire a professional inspector learn to do your own pre-inspection to spot potential problems. More Details

    Ever wonder which cars people are buying the most? Find out here as we count down America’s top 20 sellers. More Details

    Do you have concerns about the recommended vaccines for your child? Get the facts to clear up any confusion about vaccinations. More Details

    Sponsored Links

    Sponsor


    Find Local Businesses