CAIR on AIR - Beyond the Courtroom and Behind the Headlines

Edward Ahmed Mitchell
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Education
  • Weekly

For years, America's largest Muslim civil rights organization has fought for justice in the courts of law and the halls of power. But the fight doesn't stop there. The court of public opinion matters just much. CAIR on Air is a brand-new weekly podcast that gives the American public an inside look at the pursuits and struggles of the American Muslim community, behind the headlines and beyond the courtroom. Hosted by civil rights attorney and CAIR Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell and a rotating line-up of co-hosts, CAIR on Air is a space for direct, unfiltered conversation with supporters, partners, and anyone in the broader American public curious about key issues impacting the Muslim community and the nation. From free speech and religious liberty to anti-Muslim hate and U.S. foreign policy, no topic is off the table. Guests include attorneys, anti-war activists, elected officials, journalists, and everyday Americans of all faiths committed to justice. Join us every week to go beyond the courtroom and behind the headlines.

  1. 6d ago ·  Video

    The FBI Watchlist: What Happens When You're Wrongly Flagged? w/ Gadeir Abbas

    Gadeir Abbas is the Deputy Litigation Director at the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), where he has spent years challenging the government’s watchlisting system and defending the constitutional rights of Americans. One of his major legal undertakings was representing Yonas Fikre in a Supreme Court case that resulted in a unanimous 9-0 ruling allowing a challenge to the federal No Fly List to move forward. In today’s episode of CAIR On AIR, Gadeir joins me to explain how the FBI watchlist works, why innocent Americans can find themselves on secret government lists, and how these designations can affect their fundamental rights. Gadeir breaks down the difference between the watchlist and the No Fly List, the consequences of being flagged as a suspected terrorist, and why being placed on a government list does not necessarily mean that a person has committed a crime. We also explore CAIR’s legal battles against the government, the challenges of holding federal agencies accountable, and how the courts have responded to efforts to restrict people’s rights through secret watchlisting decisions. Our discussion also covers how the watchlist affects Muslim communities, the consequences of being flagged as a suspected terrorist, and how watchlist information can lead to humiliating treatment at airports and dangerous encounters with law enforcement. Join us today as we discuss the truth about the FBI watchlist, how innocent Americans can be affected, the fight to protect constitutional rights, the growing risks of AI-powered surveillance, and much more.

    The FBI Watchlist: What Happens When You're Wrongly Flagged? w/ Gadeir Abbas

  2. Oct 21 ·  Video

    AI's Opportunities and Dangers: What Muslims Need to Know w/ Shaden Awad

    Shaden Awad is the founder and CEO of QUWA Labs, a product engineering studio that builds software for businesses, nonprofits, and startups. She was a software engineer at Microsoft and JPMorgan Chase, and she teaches nontechnical founders and business operators how to build with AI. In today's episode of CAIR On AIR, Shaden joins me to discuss the opportunities, risks, and ethical challenges of artificial intelligence. She also shares her background and explains how Muslims can leverage AI in major facets of their lives and businesses. Shaden explains how AI can be used for good, sharing examples of projects her company has built. She also explains how she uses technology to solve real problems while ensuring it does not cause harm. Our discussion also explores the dangers of advanced AI and why Muslim communities need to pay attention to the growing use of surveillance technology. Shaden also explains why Muslims should participate in AI development, support ethical businesses, and build economic opportunities rather than risk being left behind. We also talk about whether AI companies can be trusted to regulate themselves and whether government oversight and international cooperation actually matter. Join us today as we explore the dangers and opportunities of AI, ethical technology development, surveillance and privacy, the responsibility of Muslim businesses and individuals, and how Muslim institutions can use AI to improve their work and better serve their communities.

    AI's Opportunities and Dangers: What Muslims Need to Know w/ Shaden Awad

  3. Oct 14 ·  Video

    Why Muslim Filmmakers Need To Tell Their Own Stories w/ Akram Shibly

    Akram Shibly is a filmmaker and screenwriter whose work focuses on storytelling, community, and the power of film to capture real-life experiences. He is the director of Thank You for Thinking of Me, a documentary that follows the aftermath of a tragedy during a Black Lives Matter protest in Buffalo in 2020. In today’s episode of CAIR On AIR, Akram joins me to discuss the story behind his documentary and the tragic incident that brought two people together whose lives were forever changed. We discuss the importance of trust and care in documentary filmmaking, including how he balanced capturing the family’s experiences with respecting their privacy and personal boundaries. Our conversation covers the misrepresentation of Muslims in the media, the importance of authentic storytelling, and why Muslim filmmakers should have the freedom to tell diverse stories about their communities. Akram explains the challenges of independent filmmaking and the responsibility of Muslim institutions to support artists. He also reveals how to pursue a creative career without taking unnecessary financial risks. Join us today as we dive into the story behind Thank You for Thinking of Me, the power of community advocacy, challenging Muslim stereotypes through film, supporting Muslim filmmakers, and how storytelling can inspire meaningful change.

    Why Muslim Filmmakers Need To Tell Their Own Stories w/ Akram Shibly

  4. Oct 7 ·  Video

    Why Mainstream Media Fails Muslim Stories: An Inside Look

    In this episode, Ameer Al Khatahtbeh, founder and CEO of Muslim.co, explains how he built a leading Muslim media publication. He shares how his early internet use and a clear understanding of his Muslim and Palestinian identity led him to make a place for Muslim stories, which major news outlets often ignore.   Ameer talks about changes in Muslim media, noting the rise of many Muslim voices online and their collective impact on issues like human rights. He also covers the problem of platform censorship, telling of Muslim.com's ban in India. He stresses the need to support young Muslims in media, showing how individual efforts in their chosen areas build a strong community that can speak up for what is right.   Chapters:  01:03:00 Welcome and Guest Introduction 01:51:20 Early Internet to Journalism Calling 05:59:59 Finding Purpose in Muslim Stories 06:51:59 The Birth of Muslim.com 01:17:30 Overcoming Self Doubt and Launching 03:13:00 Evolution of Muslim Media 04:27:30 Beyond Trends: Muslim Exposure 05:10:00 Fighting Censorship and Building Protection 07:07:00 The India Ban and New Censorship 09:23:00 Encouraging Youth and Community Impact   Explore community building strategies and the fight for fair media representation.

    Why Mainstream Media Fails Muslim Stories: An Inside Look

  5. Oct 1 ·  Video

    What's Behind The Mental Health Struggles Of American Muslims? w/ Dr. Amelia Noor

    Dr. Amelia Noor, PhD, is an Associate Faculty member in the Department of International Health at Johns Hopkins University’s Bloomberg School of Public Health. Her work focuses on suicide prevention, injury and violence prevention, and understanding the social and institutional factors that contribute to mental health challenges. In today’s episode, Dr. Amelia joined me to discuss the mental health crisis affecting the American Muslim community, the growing concern surrounding suicide, and how these issues can be properly addressed. Dr. Amelia shared her personal experiences with discrimination, health challenges, and suicidal thoughts, as well as the factors that influenced her commitment to suicide prevention. We explored how Islamophobia, racism, xenophobia, and discrimination contribute to emotional stress among Muslims. We also discussed the connection between discrimination and a history of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Dr. Amelia also explained the importance of understanding different risk factors, why communities need to prioritize prevention before a crisis occurs, and how to create a culture where people feel comfortable seeking help. Join us today as we discuss suicide prevention in the American Muslim community, the relationship between discrimination and mental health, the importance of community-wide safety planning, available crisis support resources, the role of faith in finding meaning and purpose, and much more.

    What's Behind The Mental Health Struggles Of American Muslims? w/ Dr. Amelia Noor

  6. Sep 23 ·  Video

    Why Are Mosques Becoming Targets in America? Lessons From San Diego to Minnesota

    Across the U.S., mosques are being treated as soft targets—from firebombings in Minnesota to a foiled mass killing in San Diego that could have mirrored the New Zealand massacre. In this powerful live panel, we go inside the new reality of mosque security in America: how close communities have come to catastrophe, what actually prevented mass casualties, and why most masajid are still dangerously unprepared. Hosted by Nicole Foster Bradford, CAIR’s Community Advocacy Director, this conversation brings together front-line imams and civil rights leaders who have lived these crises in real time: Imam Taha Hassane – Imam, Islamic Center of San Diego, where an armed congregant and a lockdown plan saved more than 100 lives. Tazheen Nizam – Executive Director, CAIR-San Diego, a “civil rights first responder” helping communities navigate trauma, policy, and police after attacks. Jaylani Hussein – Executive Director, CAIR-Minnesota, who has faced over 50 mosque incidents and survived a mosque firebombing himself. Imam Naeem Baig – Imam, Dar Al Hijrah Islamic Center in Northern Virginia, a national interfaith leader building real community protection beyond the masjid walls.If you’ve ever assumed “it won’t happen at our masjid,” this episode will change the way you think about safety, community, and responsibility—and give you concrete steps to take back to your board, imam, and fellow congregants. Guests Imam Taha Hassane – Imam, Islamic Center of San Diego Tazheen Nizam – Executive Director, CAIR-San Diego Jaylani Hussein – Executive Director, CAIR-Minnesota Nicole Foster Bradford – Community Advocacy Director, CAIR Imam Naeem Baig – Imam, Dar Al Hijrah Islamic CenterKey Takeaways Mosque security is not just cameras and locks—it’s policy, training, neighbors, and culture. The most effective protection often comes long before an attacker reaches the door. Tawakkul demands preparation, not passivity. Every community member can (and must) play a role in keeping the masjid safe.

    Why Are Mosques Becoming Targets in America? Lessons From San Diego to Minnesota

  7. Sep 16 ·  Video

    Why Is Islamophobia Rising in America? The Real Reason w/ Dr. Hatem Bazian

    Dr. Hatem Bazian is a teaching professor at the University of California, Berkeley, and a leading scholar and expert on Islamophobia. His work examines anti-Muslim hate, political scapegoating, racism, and the forces shaping how Muslims are represented in American society and politics. In today’s episode, Dr. Hatem joins me to discuss the growing rise of anti-Muslim hate in the United States and why Islamophobic rhetoric appears to intensify during election cycles. We dive into the political and social forces behind Islamophobia, including the role of elections, media narratives, political organizations, and the ongoing war in Gaza. Dr. Hatem also explains how the fear of Muslims is used to shift public attention away from economic and foreign policy issues. We also explore the growing presence of American Muslims and whether directly confronting Islamophobia is the most effective strategy for candidates. Dr. Hatem also reveals how candidates can prevent opponents from turning Islamophobia into the central issue of a campaign. Dr. Hatem also talks about the changing attitudes among some conservatives toward Muslims, the political impact of the Epstein files, and how Islamophobia may be used when individual candidates succeed or fail. Join us today as we discuss the rise of Islamophobia in America, the politics behind anti-Muslim hate, Gaza and U.S. foreign policy, Muslim political power, and what Muslims can do to build a stronger future.

    Why Is Islamophobia Rising in America? The Real Reason w/ Dr. Hatem Bazian

  8. Sep 9 ·  Video

    25 Years After 9/11: Why Is Anti-Muslim Hate Still Rising? W/ Saher Selod

    Dr. Saher Selod, is a sociologist and researcher whose work focuses on Islamophobia, racialization, surveillance, and the experiences of Muslim Americans. She is the author of Forever Suspect: Radicalized Surveillance of Muslim Americans in the War on Terror and coauthor of A Global Racial Enemy: Muslims and 21st Century Racism. In today’s episode, Saher joins me to discuss the current state of anti-Muslim hate in America and the striking contradiction between increasing Islamophobia and the growing political and social visibility of American Muslims. Saher shares her perspective on how anti-Muslim rhetoric has evolved since 9/11, explaining how policies created during the War on Terror became institutionalized over the past 25 years. She also explains the role of political campaigns in portraying Muslims as a perceived threat and how Donald Trump made anti-Muslim rhetoric more overt. The conversation also explores surveillance, airport profiling, the USA PATRIOT Act, and the broad and sometimes ambiguous definition of “material support for terrorism.” We also discuss how these policies can affect Muslim nonprofits, charities, student organizations, and people who simply criticize U.S. foreign policy. Saher explains why these issues should concern all Americans, not only Muslims, and how policies created around counterterrorism can eventually affect other communities. Join us today as we dive into the rise of anti-Muslim hate, the legacy of 9/11, surveillance and counterterrorism policies, political rhetoric, October 7 and its impact on Muslim Americans, Muslim student experiences, and what can be done to protect both public safety and civil rights.

    25 Years After 9/11: Why Is Anti-Muslim Hate Still Rising? W/ Saher Selod
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About

For years, America's largest Muslim civil rights organization has fought for justice in the courts of law and the halls of power. But the fight doesn't stop there. The court of public opinion matters just much. CAIR on Air is a brand-new weekly podcast that gives the American public an inside look at the pursuits and struggles of the American Muslim community, behind the headlines and beyond the courtroom. Hosted by civil rights attorney and CAIR Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell and a rotating line-up of co-hosts, CAIR on Air is a space for direct, unfiltered conversation with supporters, partners, and anyone in the broader American public curious about key issues impacting the Muslim community and the nation. From free speech and religious liberty to anti-Muslim hate and U.S. foreign policy, no topic is off the table. Guests include attorneys, anti-war activists, elected officials, journalists, and everyday Americans of all faiths committed to justice. Join us every week to go beyond the courtroom and behind the headlines.

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