Imam weighs options for N. Y. Islamic center

Imam weighs options for N. Y. Islamic center Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf said Monday that he and his advisers are considering "every option" for what to do about the controversial Islamic community center they plan to build two blocks from Ground Zero in New York, including however delaying its construction or relocating it.

"We are exploring all options as we speak . . . working through what will be a solution that will resolve this problem," Abdul Rauf said in an appearance before the Council on Foreign Relations. "Everything is on the table."

At the same time, he said, it is "disingenuous" of those who oppose the planned location of the center to say it is "hallowed ground" because of the people who were killed in the 2001 World Trade Center attacks by Muslim extremists. "There is a strip joint around the corner, betting parlors," Abdul Rauf said. "It is hallowed in one sense, but it doesn't add up. Let's clarify that misperception."

The planned center, he said, has been an important part of his efforts to raise the voices of what he said are "99.9 percent of Muslims in the world" who find terrorism "absolutely abhorrent." He added: "I want a space where the voice of the moderates can be amplified. It's not good enough to teach here - no students will hear you."