How Islamic Group's Ties Reveal Europe's Challenge.

This article focuses on the challenges facing the continent of Europe, which is home to 20 million Muslims, from the spread of radical Islam. Greater scrutiny is falling on several Islamic groups, the largest and most important of which is the Federation of Islamic Organizations in Europe, a lobbying group that represents Muslims in 22 countries. Federation leader Ahmed al-Rawi, who has advised national politicians and testified before the European Parliament, has little-noticed ties to radical groups aiming to establish fundamentalist Islam across the Continent. Rawi, whose aides have funnelled millions of dollars to radical groups across Europe, in an interview endorsed suicide bombings in Iraq and Israel, saying Muslims "have the right to defend themselves." The restive Muslim minority populations have become a top agenda item in Europe, which is reaching out to the Federation, but a closer look at the groups within the organization reveals complicated ties to radical groups and idealogues.