What’s happening

Some Democrat lawmakers are facing criticism for their historical praise of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), following inflammatory remarks by CAIR’s co-founder Nihad Awad. Awad expressed satisfaction over a Hamas attack on Israel and claimed Israel does not have the right to self-defense as an occupying power. This has prompted a range of responses, including outright condemnation and silence from different political figures.

Why it matters

The comments by Nihad Awad have sparked a political backlash, with implications for both domestic and international relations. The White House has distanced itself from CAIR, denouncing Awad’s remarks as shocking and Antisemitic. Such statements can affect the dynamics of political support and the perceived alignment with advocacy groups among U.S. lawmakers.

The response

Senators such as Tammy Baldwin and Sherrod Brown have condemned the statements made by Nihad Awad. Baldwin expressed her strong disapproval and disappointment, while Brown reaffirmed his support for Israel’s right to self-defense. Meanwhile, Senator Kyrsten Sinema, who previously praised CAIR, did not respond to requests for comment.

Broader implications

The controversy has rekindled discussions about the complex relationship between advocacy groups, elected officials, and foreign policy stances. It also underscores the sensitive nature of political endorsements and the potential for previous associations to resurface in light of new developments.

Next steps

With upcoming elections and ongoing international tensions, politicians may be more cautious in their affiliations and statements. The fallout from Awad’s comments may continue to influence political discourse and the stances politicians take on issues relating to Israel and the Middle East.

This story was first published on foxnews.com.