South Africa’s Ambassador to the U.S. Expelled Over Terrorism Links

Ebrahim Rasool, South Africa’s ambassador to the U.S., was declared persona non grata and expelled following concerns raised by the Middle East Forum about his extremist ties. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed his expulsion due to Rasool’s associations with terrorist organizations. MEF documented Rasool’s history of extremist behavior, prompting his isolation in Washington and raising alarms among U.S. officials.

Ebrahim Rasool, South Africa’s ambassador to the United States, has been declared persona non grata and expelled from Washington following findings by the Middle East Forum (MEF) regarding his alleged connections to terrorism. Secretary of State Marco Rubio made this declaration, highlighting serious concerns about Rasool’s extremist links and previous inflammatory statements.

Rasool had faced increasing isolation in Washington prior to this expulsion, being unable to secure meetings with State Department officials and prominent Republicans since President Trump’s inauguration. Reports indicate this estrangement was a source of frustration for South African officials in Pretoria.

The MEF’s Islamist Watch director, Sam Westrop, had previously detailed Rasool’s extremist positions, documenting his meetings with officials of Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad and his backing of Iran’s regime and Hezbollah. Rasool also has connections with U.S. Islamist organizations linked to investigations of international terrorism.

Rasool’s credentials were accepted by President Biden without significant media coverage at the end of his administration. Before his tenure, Rasool played a role in persuading the International Court of Justice that Israel aimed to commit genocide in Gaza.

The MEF alerted U.S. officials about Rasool’s extremist ties, including controversial social media posts against President Trump. As such information circulated among Capitol Hill staffers, Rasool’s likelihood of engagement with policymakers diminished significantly.

Westrop commented, “Ambassador Rasool’s extremism and close involvement with entities… hostile to the United States afford perfectly reasonable grounds for the Trump administration to send him home.”

Baird, director of MEF Action, stated, “The United States is not a playground for diplomats who cozy up to foreign adversaries and fraternize with terrorist leaders.” He expressed approval for the administration’s decision to remove Rasool from his position as representative to the U.S.

In summary, Ebrahim Rasool’s expulsion from the United States highlights the significant concerns regarding his affiliations with extremist groups and hostile regimes. The intervention by the Middle East Forum and subsequent actions taken by Secretary of State Marco Rubio reflect a commitment to safeguarding American interests in the realm of international diplomacy. The case underscores the importance of scrutinizing the backgrounds of foreign diplomats and holding them accountable for their actions and associations.

Original Source: www.meforum.org