# Imam Behind NYC Mosque Plan Sees Hope After Fury December 09, 2010 Author: David Caruso Source: The Washington Post Wire Service: AP Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf saw his plans for an Islamic center near ground zero derided as a victory mosque for terrorists, exploited as campaign fodder and used as a bargaining chip by a Florida pastor who vowed to burn the Quran. After that summer of mistrust and raw feeling, he's looking on the bright side. See also:- [ Park51/Cordoba House ](/news-stories/park51cordoba-house) - [ Center Openings/Milestones ](/news-stories/center-openingsmilestones) - [ Islam ](/religions/islam) - [ Civic ](/tags/civic) Share on:- [ Facebook ](#) - [ Twitter ](#) - [ Linkedin ](#)