A new report from OMB Watch explains concerns about the impact of the war on terror on Muslim charities, and provides a detailed update on the status of U.S.-based Muslim charities that have been shut down by the Treasury Department. Muslim Charities and the War on Terror: Top Ten Concerns and Status Update notes that, "Since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, U.S.-based charities have become targets in the government's war on terror financing. Despite the sweeping implications for all domestic nonprofit organizations, the lion's share of the burden of increased scrutiny, suspicion, and pre-emptive action has fallen on Muslim groups. This imbalanced campaign raises significant legal and ethical questions." The report has been updated to reflect closure of another Muslim charity, on Feb. 19, 2006.

March 13: "Are We Safer in the Dark?" presented by the OpenTheGovernment.org coalition
To kick off Sunshine Week, a panel of experts will address open government and secrecy - the problems we face, the impacts on communities, and what the public can do. Programs at venues throughout the country will then allow participants to continue the discussion, including issues relevant to local communities.

Robert Shull, Regulatory Policy Director
Long before he came to Washington, Graham was well known as an industry-funded researcher who was actively involved in producing elaborate theories to justify weakening the government's ability to protect the public. Defenders of his nomination argued that Graham would buck that trend and place the public interest over corporate special interests in his new role. Five years later, we now know just how wrong they were.

Washington--January 9, 2005--A recent White House proposal threatens federal agency efforts to provide important information to the public and stakeholders, by opening guidance documents to politicization and industry influence, a coalition of public interest groups told the White House today.