Religion & intelligence

Some eyebrows were raised after US President Barack Obama said on Friday that Europe must do more to better integrate its Muslim citizens – especially in light of the fact that only 0.6 percent of the US population is Muslim. However, the appointment of a Muslim congressman, Andre Carson, to the House Intelligence Panel could show that Obama backs his words with actions.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi appointed Carson to the position, which oversees government intelligence departments and activities. The appointment caused an anti-Muslim response on the Internet – especially on Twitter. Some web surfers said they feared government secrets being shared with Carson.

Carson is the first Muslim to be a member of the lucrative panel – he was the second Muslim appointed to Congress after Minnesota democrat Keith Ellison, who was appointed in 2006. Carson has already attended one meeting of the intelligence panel – which discusses highly classified matters.

First Muslim appointed to US House Intelligence Panel