SYRIAN AMERICAN QUARRELS  http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2012/07/doctors_ugly_quarrel_drives_we.html

NEW BRUNSWICK — At first glance, it looked like an official website for an orthopedic surgeon.There was a photo of the Syrian-American doctor, bold text featuring his name and then, a surprising message."I am Dr. Nasser A. Ani … I have recently invited a world renowned terrorist to speak in the United States as my guest of honor."The website, clearly not created by Ani, alleged the Old Bridge physician was close to Syrian President Bashar Assad’s regime and supported "terrorism against the United States, suicide bombers, slaughter of innocent children," torture and rape, among other crimes.Accusations like these may be common in war-torn countries, but not in New Jersey, wherAN INVITATION As part of a group called the Syrian American Forum, Ani extended an invitation for the "grand mufti" of Syria, a controversial religious figure, to speak at an "interfaith" summit in Washington, D.C., according to the forum’s website. Recent videos show the grand mufti threatening to send suicide bombers to the Western world, according to translations of the clips posted on YouTube.The Syrian American Forum helps promote civil dialogue among Syrian leaders, said Khalil Matar, one of the forum’s leaders and a close friend of Ani’s.Amid growing protests, the group withdrew the invitation.Then the website was launched alleging Ani had links to terrorism. Photos also emerged of Ani with Assad from a visit last fall to Syria. The visit, according to Ani’s attorney and multiple friends of Ani, was part of a large group trip to encourage dialogue between accomplished American leaders and the Syrian president."These allegations are outrageous," Matar said. "They’re accusing him of being a terrorist. All of his activities have been legal activities. We condemn terrorism."Critics, meanwhile, say the photos and invitation are proof that Ani is an elite American supporter of the Assad regime.Early this month, Ani made a move to silence those critics.A copy of an e-mail from Bylecki starts with the banner text, "THIS LOCAL DR IS IN SUPPORT OF TERRORISTS!" At the end of the e-mail, Bylecki encourages readers to "Call Dr. Nasser Ani Now," according to court papers.In Superior Court in Middlesex County, he filed a lawsuit against Nicole Bylecki, the practice manager of the Samras’ medical office. Ani accuses her of sending an e-mail filled with false terroristic claims..Samer Araabi, Said Samra’s nephew, works for the Arab American Institute in Washington, D.C., and is well aware of his uncle’s situation."It’s a mess," he said.Araabi, 26, said the overwhelming majority of Syrian-Americans would condemn any visit with Assad or an invitation to the grand mufti. When it comes to Ani, Araabi said he understands why people are so upset."There have been hyperboles flying out all over the place," he said.As for Ani, his supporters say they’re rallying to keep his spirits up. It’s a sad situation, said Moussa, of Christ Hospital, when people in a community feel like they can’t speak their minds."In America, you feel like this is an insult," he said. "We got used to the democracy. We got used to saying what we think. What’s happened has made everyone really divided."
[ED NOTES:I WOULDN'T DOUBT IF SAMRA NEPHEW THAT WORKS AT ARAB AMERICAN INSTITUTE WAS BEHIND THE SMEAR CAMPAIGN AGAINST ANI... The Arab American Institute (AAI) was established in 1985 and is based in Washington.Organization headed by President, Dr. James J. Zogby. [1]According to their website:As part of the Democracy Coalition Project democracy roundtable, on January 18, 2005 the AAI participated in "Strengthening Palestinian Democracy" workshop along with Larry Garber from the New Israel Fund, Martin Indyk from the Saban Center for Middle East PolicyBrookings Institution and Mort Halperin from the Open Society Institute.