A controversial senior adviser to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is receiving criticism for tweeting that the recent takeover of Iraqi cities by a violent terror group is proof that a Muslim "caliphate" is making an "inevitable" return.
Mohamed Elibiary, a controversial figure and member of DHS’s Homeland Security Advisory Council (HSAC), discussed what he described as the "inevitable" return of a Muslim caliphate Friday on Twitter.
"As I’ve said b4 inevitable that ‘Caliphate’ returns," Elibiary tweeted in response to a question about the terror group Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (also known as ISIS, or the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham), which is currently seeking to overthrow the Iraqi government and instate strict Sharia law in the country.
"Choice only whether we support [European Union] like Muslim Union vision or not," wrote Elibiary, who has "advised numerous federal, state and local law enforcement organizations on homeland security-related matter," according to his biography on DHS’s website.
Elibiary has come under heavy criticism in the past for claiming that America is "an Islamic country with an Islamically compliant constitution." Critics have said that such rhetoric makes him unfit to serve as an adviser for DHS, which is tasked with defending the U.S. border from terrorism.
Elibiary, in his more recent comments, went on to claims that conservatives "misread" the 9/11 terror attacks and "should reassess" their "belligerence."
The discussion began with Elibiary mocking CNN for reporting on ISIL’s implementation of strict Islamic guidelines in the Iraqi territories it has seized.
"CNN just broadcast list of ISIL hudod [restrictions] rules," Elibiary tweeted. "Reminds me of how we were outraged pre 9/11 by Taliban banning white socks 4 women."
The remark prompted Twitter user David Reaboi, a former official with the national security group Center for Security Policy (CSP), to ask Elibiary if ISIL’s actions should prompt outrage in the United States.
That led Elibiary to claim that it is "inevitable" that a caliphate return.
"So you’re in favor of supporting that ‘inevitable’ Caliphate or not?" Reaboi asked.
Elibiary responded that the United States is moving to engage with radical Islamic groups such as the Muslim Brotherhood and others.
"As I've stated b4. Y'all in the [national security] ubber hawks camp misread 9/11 & should reassess ur belligerence," wrote Elibiary, who claims that his tweets reflect on his personal opinion.
Elibiary has a history of making controversial remarks on Twitter.
In November of last year he faced a fierce backlash from critics for saying that he considers America to be "an Islamic country."
Elibiary also stated at the time that "sociologically speaking" the Christian right is "similar" to the Muslim Brotherhood, a group that he has described as "pragmatic" and "non-violent."
Elibiary also has argued in the past that the Muslim Brotherhood poses no threat to the United States and once referred to former Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi as "Egypt’s Mandela," a reference to the recently deceased South African leader.
Elibiary's controversial rhetoric and support for the Muslim Brotherhood has drawn criticism on Capitol Hill from lawmakers such as Reps. Michele Bachmann (R., Minn.) and Louie Gohmert (R., Texas).
Elibiary also has experienced financial difficulties with his non-profit group, the Freedom and Justice Foundation, which had its non-profit status revoked by the IRS due to the organization's refusal to file transparency forms revealing the sources of its funding.
Elibiary did not respond to an email request for comment and explanation of his tweets. A DHS spokesman also did not respond to a request for comment on the comments.