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In Washington, D.C., I just attended a disconcerting conference on libel lawfare. "Libel lawfare" refers to radical Islam's manipulation of our legal system. The Middle East Forum, the Center for National Security Law, the Federalist Society, and the Thomas Jefferson Center sponsored the conference, which drew attendees from the world over.

Renowned Harvard law professor Dr. Alan Dershowita lectured first, followed by Dr. Daniel Pipes, a former military academy professor. Lawyer Elizabeth Samson and other legal professionals proved enlightening. US Senator Arlen Specter was supposed to speak, but an alleged "scheduling snag" kept him away. Jill Bandy reported the next day on townhall.com that Muslims had circlulated a petition in his home state decrying his anticipated participation -- perhaps a more accurate reason for his absence than a supposed scheduling gaffe.

The term "libel lawfare" was new to me. It refers to warfare that uses legal and political pressure to discourage and silence criticism. Understanding how libel lawfare works makes it an important term to remember.

Attorney Brooke Goldstein heads both the Middle East Forum's Legal Project and the Children's Rights Institute. To explain libel lawfare, she referred to an al-Qued training manual that instructs militants to file lawsuits against their American captors. Claim torture, it says; put the infidels (like us Americans) on the defensive. Their strategy is simple: make the terrorists the victiims and the terrorized the offenders. This tactic -- and lableing legitimate criticism of radical Islam a "hate crime" -- is meant to discourage freedom of speech.

A limitless supply of petrodollars funds these savvy Islamic belligerants and enables them to intimidate with ease. They file frivolous and predatory lawsuits against anyone who criticizes Islam -- even in a civil manner. Libel lawfare bleeds the energy, finances, will, and the free speech of those without limitless finances to defend themsleves in court. Too many well meaning spokespeople are being bullied -- and silenced.

The April/May 2009 edition of The Counter Terrorist -- the official journal of Homeland Security professionals -- ran a startlilng article entitled "Lawfare: How Islamist Tactics are Targeting Free Speech." Our society is gradually becoming wise to this dawning and darkening problem. Libel lawfard victims include authors, politicians, analysts, journalists, and almost anyone wh dares to utter a critical peep about radical Islam.

My heart goes out to anyone who is oppressed in the courts and pummeled into submission. Anyone who has been victiimized by a frivolous lawsuit knows all too well how truth can be the first casualty. As you know, I routinely speak out for the Bible and Israel on television, in newsletter articles, and in books such as The Iranian Menace in Jewish History and Guns and Moses. Consequently, I am a walking target for this sort of tactic.

I try to be as gentlemanly and fair as possible, but Muslims routinely criticize what I've said or how I've said it. Fortunately, I have yet to be sued by anyone. Unfortunately, however, increasing numbers of journalists and commentators have received notice and been put on the defensive -- many who do not enjoy a platform as broad as this ministry's, with the communication power of nationally-syndicated television networks.

Jeff Seif
excerpted from the July 2009 newsletter of Jeffrey Seif

Dr. Seif is Zola’s successor at the teaching helm of Zola Levitt Minstries and is the ministry’s principal spokesperson. He is teaching on television, writing books and articles, and ministering in churches across America.