In an update to our story disclosing that the FBI has cut off contacts with the Council on American-Islamic Relations, U.S. Rep. Frank Wolf has written to the FBI trying to learn more.

Wolf (R-Va.), asked for verification that the FBI has severed CAIR's access and whether that decision was being reconsidered by the new administration: "If so," Wolf wrote, "what new evidence would justify a change in course?" He also asked for more information about the "certain issues" FBI spokesman John Miller has said CAIR officials must address before access is restored.

Miller's language matches an October letter obtained by the IPT that was sent by the FBI's Oklahoma City field office postponing an outreach program with area Muslim groups due to CAIR's involvement.

CAIR is an un-indicted co-conspirator in the Hamas-support case against the Holy Land Foundation for Relief and Development that ended in convictions on 108 counts last November. It is listed on internal records of a "Palestine Committee" created by the Muslim Brotherhood to help Hamas politically and financially in the United States. The FBI's case agent testified that CAIR was a front group.

In addition, CAIR founders Omar Ahmad and Nihad Awad participated in a secret 1993 meeting organized by Hamas supporters to discuss ways to "derail" U.S. peace efforts between the Israelis and Palestinians. Both men are listed on a telephone roster of Palestine Committee members.

Wolf addressed his questions to Michael Heimbach, an assistant director for the Counter Terrorism Division. See the whole letter here.