Daley: Arab Americans faced 'unique hardship' in wake of 9/11

A top Obama administration official said Wednesday that Arab Americans faced a "unique hardship" in the wake of the 9/11 attacks and called the death of Osama bin Laden proof that "al Qaeda's radical ideology is on the decline."

"You have consistently supported efforts to keep our country safe, prevent terrorist attacks and oppose violent extremism," Bill Daley, President Obama's White House chief of staff, said Wednesday.  "And at the same time, your community has faced a unique hardship in the wake of Sept. 11, and many of our citizens were unfairly viewed with suspicion."

During his speech to the Arab American Institute Foundation's annual dinner, Daley singled out the killing of bin Laden by U.S. forces as a victory in the "fight for freedom."

"The United States has always made it clear that Osama bin Laden did not speak for a region, a religion or an ethnic group," he said. "But his words, nonetheless, added to the suffering caused by his deeds."

Daley called the U.S. operation carried out in Pakistan on Sunday that killed bin Laden "a clear demonstration that al Qaeda's radical ideology is on the decline."

"Osama bin Laden's death is even more striking when we compare it to the new birth of freedom across the Middle East," Daley said.

He addressed the delegation of young Egyptian activists who were invited to the gala as representatives of the movement that overthrew former President Hosni Mubarak in February.

"Your example inspires us all," he said. "In just a few short weeks you accomplished what radical extremists never could."

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