The Council on American–Islamic Relations (CAIR) is the largest U.S.-based national nonprofit Muslim American civil liberties and advocacy organization, founded in 1994. It focuses on anti-discrimination efforts, protecting the rights of American Muslims, promoting human and civil rights, combating Islamophobia, defending civil liberties, and advancing the interests of American Muslims. CAIR monitors discrimination, civil rights violations, and anti-Muslim activities; advocates for policy changes on issues such as surveillance and discrimination; challenges policies perceived as anti-Islamic; promotes understanding of Islam; litigates against perceived anti-Muslim policies; provides legal services to the Muslim community; and counters Islamophobic campaigns through legal and media efforts. The organization has publicly challenged Walid Shoebat's claims and associated foundations, condemning his rhetoric and protesting his speaking engagements. CAIR has also consistently criticized AIPAC and its affiliated foundation. It is often criticized by conservative, pro-Israel, and far-right groups for alleged ties to Islamist or extremist organizations and its positions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and it is frequently targeted by far-right and anti-Islam activists.