In the thick green rainforest at the triple frontier of Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina, a Muslim Arab community stands accused — yet again — of complicity in international terrorism. So far, investigations have turned up empty, but the community is learning to live with a target on its back. Reporter Kris Kitto and filmmaker Gabrielle Weiss traveled to the area to talk to local leaders and residents about how they maintain normalcy in the face of ongoing accusations.
Iguaçu: Beyond the Rumors
The chant-like call for Friday's mid-day prayer rings from the loudspeaker, breaking through the humid jungle air. Worshipers file into the shiny, white mosque, chatting in Arabic, Portuguese and Spanish as they take their spots on the soft, blue carpet.
A hush settles over the dome when Sheik Taleb Jomha, the spiritual leader, or imam, enters and climbs to his perch on the altar. He quickly commands the group's attention, leading this community of Muslim Brazilians as they turn towards Mecca and pray.
Clouds Over Iguaçu
Reporter: Kris Kitto
Filmmaker: Gabrielle Weiss
Produced by the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting and Azimuth Media.
Oct/Nov South America Discussion Series
South America Discussion Series
October/November 2007
Presented by: Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting / Virginia Quarterly Review
South America : Untold Stories
Journalists Bring their Stories Home
Peru's Petroleum Play
Soybean Wars
Argentina's "Ghost Train"
November 5 : Washington University in St. Louis
In partnership with Sigma Iota Rho, Washington University's International Studies Honorary Society, International & Area Studies and Latin American Studies