Education

The Islamic Education Center is seen in Rockville, Maryland on November 13, 2009. US federal prosecutors said November 12, 2009 they were moving to seize four mosques and a 36-story New York skyscraper from a non-profit Muslim group suspected of being under the Iranian government's control. The Alavi Foundation has been illegally funneling funds to the Iranian government, according to the office of US Attorney for the Southern District of New York Preet Bharara. The seized Islamic centers -- the Islamic Institute of New York in the city's Queens borough, the Islamic Education Center of Houston, Texas, the Islamic Education Center in Rockville, Maryland and the Qoba Foundation in Carmichael, California -- house mosques and schools. But US officials were quick to stress that the complaint targeted specific properties, irrespective of what is built on them, and that the tenants and occupants remained free to use the sites.'No action has been taken against any tenants or occupants of those properties,' said Bharara spokeswoman Yusill Scribner.'There are no allegations of any wrongdoing on the part of any of these tenants or occupants.'

MADISON, WI - NOVEMBER 04: President Barack Obama addresses a group of teachers, students and school officials about strengthening America's education system during a visit to Wright Middle School November 4, 2009 in Madison. Wisconsin. Obama, accompanied by Education Secretary Arne Duncan, announced the release of $4 billion in competitive grants to be awarded to schools throughout the United States.

MADISON, WI - NOVEMBER 04: President Barack Obama addresses a group of teachers, students and school officials about strengthening America's education system during a visit to Wright Middle School November 4, 2009 in Madison. Wisconsin. Obama, accompanied by Education Secretary Arne Duncan, announced the release of $4 billion in competitive grants to be awarded to schools throughout the United States.

MADISON, WI - NOVEMBER 04: U.S. President Barack Obama greets a group of teachers, students and school officials following an address about strengthening America's education system during a visit to Wright Middle School November 4, 2009 in Madison. Wisconsin. Obama, accompanied by Education Secretary Arne Duncan, announced the release of $4 billion in competitive grants to be awarded to schools throughout the United States.

MADISON, WI - NOVEMBER 04: Students listen as President Barack Obama delivers an address about strengthening America's education system during a visit to Wright Middle School November 4, 2009 in Madison. Wisconsin. Obama, accompanied by Education Secretary Arne Duncan, announced the release of $4 billion in competitive grants to be awarded to schools throughout the United States.

MADISON, WI - NOVEMBER 04: President Barack Obama addresses a group of teachers, students and school officials about strengthening America's education system during a visit to Wright Middle School November 4, 2009 in Madison. Wisconsin. Obama, accompanied by Education Secretary Arne Duncan, announced the release of $4 billion in competitive grants to be awarded to schools throughout the United States.

MADISON, WI - NOVEMBER 04: President Barack Obama addresses a group of teachers, students and school officials about strengthening America's education system during a visit to Wright Middle School November 4, 2009 in Madison. Wisconsin. Obama, accompanied by Education Secretary Arne Duncan, announced the release of $4 billion in competitive grants to be awarded to schools throughout the United States.

MADISON, WI - NOVEMBER 04: President Barack Obama addresses a group of teachers, students and school officials about strengthening America's education system during a visit to Wright Middle School November 4, 2009 in Madison. Wisconsin. Obama, accompanied by Education Secretary Arne Duncan, announced the release of $4 billion in competitive grants to be awarded to schools throughout the United States.

MADISON, WI - NOVEMBER 04: President Barack Obama addresses a group of teachers, students and school officials about strengthening America's education system during a visit to Wright Middle School November 4, 2009 in Madison. Wisconsin. Obama, accompanied by Education Secretary Arne Duncan, announced the release of $4 billion in competitive grants to be awarded to schools throughout the United States.

MADISON, WI - NOVEMBER 04: U.S. President Barack Obama greets a group of teachers, students and school officials following an address about strengthening America's education system during a visit to Wright Middle School November 4, 2009 in Madison. Wisconsin. Obama, accompanied by Education Secretary Arne Duncan, announced the release of $4 billion in competitive grants to be awarded to schools throughout the United States.

MADISON, WI - NOVEMBER 04: President Barack Obama addresses a group of teachers, students and school officials about strengthening America's education system during a visit to Wright Middle School November 4, 2009 in Madison. Wisconsin. Obama, accompanied by Education Secretary Arne Duncan, announced the release of $4 billion in competitive grants to be awarded to schools throughout the United States.

MADISON, WI - NOVEMBER 04: U.S. President Barack Obama greets a group of teachers, students and school officials before giving an address about strengthening America's education system during a visit to Wright Middle School November 4, 2009 in Madison. Wisconsin. Obama, accompanied by Education Secretary Arne Duncan, announced the release of $4 billion in competitive grants to be awarded to schools throughout the United States.

MADISON, WI - NOVEMBER 04: President Barack Obama addresses a group of teachers, students and school officials about strengthening America's education system during a visit to Wright Middle School November 4, 2009 in Madison. Wisconsin. Obama, accompanied by Education Secretary Arne Duncan, announced the release of $4 billion in competitive grants to be awarded to schools throughout the United States.

MUNICH, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 17: A poster on the mock nose that has been put on the statue depicting Luitpold, Prince Regent of Bavaria, reads 'Education lies' inside the Ludwig Maximilians univerity on November 17, 2009 in Munich, Germany. Following massive protests this summer German students across the country return to the streets to demonstrate against the alleged failings of the educational system.

MUNICH, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 17: A student sits next to a statue depicting Luitpold, Prince Regent of Bavaria, inside the Ludwig Maximilians univerity on November 17, 2009 in Munich, Germany. The poster on the mock nose of the statue reads 'Education lies'. Following massive protests this summer German students across the country return to the streets to demonstrate against the alleged failings of the educational system.

WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 23: U.S. President Barack Obama smiles at an event highlighting initiatives designed to boost science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on November 23, 2009 in Washington, DC. Obama launched the 'Educate to Innovate' campaign to help boost US students in science and math achievement. The initiative includes a partnership with the television program Sesame Street which will air science driven episodes.

WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 23: U.S. President Barack Obama (R) looks at an an invention made by students Steven Harris and Bryan Hortellano from Oakton High School, Vienna, Virginia at an event highlighting initiatives designed to boost science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on November 23, 2009 in Washington, DC. Obama launched the 'Educate to Innovate' campaign to help boost US students in science and math achievement. The initiative includes a partnership with the television program Sesame Street which will air science driven episodes.

WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 23: U.S. President Barack Obama (R) looks at an an invention made by students Steven Harris and Bryan Hortellano from Oakton High School, Vienna, Virginia at an event highlighting initiatives designed to boost science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on November 23, 2009 in Washington, DC. Obama launched the 'Educate to Innovate' campaign to help boost US students in science and math achievement. The initiative includes a partnership with the television program Sesame Street which will air science driven episodes.

WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 23: U.S. President Barack Obama poses for a photograph with students from Longfellow Hight School and Oakton High School, Fairfax, VA. at an event highlighting initiatives designed to boost science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on November 23, 2009 in Washington, DC. Obama launched the 'Educate to Innovate' campaign to help boost US students in science and math achievement. The initiative includes a partnership with the television program Sesame Street which will air science driven episodes.

Iran's new Minister of Education Hamid Reza Hajibabai addresses lawmakers ahead of a confidence vote during a parliament session in Tehran on November 15, 2009. Iran's parliament approved President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's nominations for the final three posts in his 21-member cabinet after rejecting his initial candidates as being unqualified.

MUNICH, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 17: A female protestor covers her face as she holds a poster reading ' Sex, drugs and education' during a protest march on November 17, 2009 in Munich, Germany. Following massive protests this summer German students across the country return to the streets to demonstrate against the alleged failings of the educational system.

MUNICH, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 17: A female protestorholds a poster reading 'Education ends in itself' as she walks past the university of technology during a protest march on November 17, 2009 in Munich, Germany. Following massive protests this summer German students across the country return to the streets to demonstrate against the alleged failings of the educational system.

WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 23: U.S. President Barack Obama speaks at an event highlighting initiatives designed to boost science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on November 23, 2009 in Washington, DC. Obama launched the 'Educate to Innovate' campaign to help boost US students in science and math achievement. The initiative includes a partnership with the television program Sesame Street which will air science driven episodes.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 11: Golfer Tiger Woods (L) and cricketer Michael Clarke pose for a photograph during the launch of the Gillette Champions Junior Education Grant at the Crown Entertainment Complex on November 11, 2009 in Melbourne, Australia.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 11: Golfer Tiger Woods (L) and cricketer Michael Clarke pose for a photograph during the launch of the Gillette Champions Junior Education Grant at the Crown Entertainment Complex on November 11, 2009 in Melbourne, Australia.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 11: Golfer Tiger Woods (L) and cricketer Michael Clarke pose for a photograph during the launch of the Gillette Champions Junior Education Grant at the Crown Entertainment Complex on November 11, 2009 in Melbourne, Australia.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 11: Golfer Tiger Woods (L) gestures as he helps young children play golf during the launch of the Gillette Champions Junior Education Grant at the Crown Entertainment Complex on November 11, 2009 in Melbourne, Australia.

POTOMAC, MD - NOVEMBER 13: A sign is posted near the Islamic Education Center November 13, 2009 in Potomac, Maryland. Federal prosecutors have moved to seize assets in the United States allegedly controlled by organizations linked to the government of Iran, including the Islamic Education Center in Maryland.

US First Lady Michelle Obama hugs students while passing out fresh fruit to students during a visit to Hollin Meadows Elementary School on November 18, 2009 in Alexandria, Virginia. Obama was promoting the Healthier US Schools Challenge which focuses on three core principles: nutritious meals, nutrition education, and physical education.

POTOMAC, MD - NOVEMBER 13: A sign is posted near the Islamic Education Center November 13, 2009 in Potomac, Maryland. Federal prosecutors have moved to seize assets in the United States allegedly controlled by organizations linked to the government of Iran, including the Islamic Education Center in Maryland.

POTOMAC, MD - NOVEMBER 13: The Islamic Education Center stands behind a gate November 13, 2009 in Potomac, Maryland. Federal prosecutors have moved to seize assets in the United States allegedly controlled by organizations linked to the government of Iran, including the Islamic Education Center in Maryland.

US First Lady Michelle Obama (L) with Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack (R) calls out to a student who forgot to pick up a piece of fruit from her during a visit to Hollin Meadows Elementary School on November 18, 2009 in Alexandria, Virginia. Obama was promoting the Healthier US Schools Challenge which focuses on three core principles: nutritious meals, nutrition education, and physical education.

US First Lady Michelle Obama (L) listens to school gardener Shawn Akard (R) during a visit to Hollin Meadows Elementary School on November 18, 2009 in Alexandria, Virginia. Obama was promoting the Healthier US Schools Challenge which focuses on three core principles: nutritious meals, nutrition education, and physical education.

US First Lady Michelle Obama hugs students while passing out fresh fruit to students during a visit to Hollin Meadows Elementary School on November 18, 2009 in Alexandria, Virginia. Obama was promoting the Healthier US Schools Challenge which focuses on three core principles: nutritious meals, nutrition education, and physical education.

US President Barack Obama waves alongside Secretary of Education Arne Duncan (R) as they disembark from Air Force One after arriving at Dane County Regional Airport in Madison, Wisconsin, November 4, 2009. Obama is Madison to speak about education.

POTOMAC, MD - NOVEMBER 13: A sign is posted near the Islamic Education Center November 13, 2009 in Potomac, Maryland. Federal prosecutors have moved to seize assets in the United States allegedly controlled by organizations linked to the government of Iran, including the Islamic Education Center in Maryland.

POTOMAC, MD - NOVEMBER 13: The Islamic Education Center stands behind a gate November 13, 2009 in Potomac, Maryland. Federal prosecutors have moved to seize assets in the United States allegedly controlled by organizations linked to the government of Iran, including the Islamic Education Center in Maryland.

POTOMAC, MD - NOVEMBER 13: The Islamic Education Center stands behind a gate November 13, 2009 in Potomac, Maryland. Federal prosecutors have moved to seize assets in the United States allegedly controlled by organizations linked to the government of Iran, including the Islamic Education Center in Maryland.

POTOMAC, MD - NOVEMBER 13: A car is parked near the Islamic Education Center November 13, 2009 in Potomac, Maryland. Federal prosecutors have moved to seize assets in the United States allegedly controlled by organizations linked to the government of Iran, including the Islamic Education Center in Maryland.

US President Barack Obama talks with Secretary of Education Arne Duncan (R) as they disembark from Air Force One after arriving at Dane County Regional Airport in Madison, Wisconsin, November 4, 2009. Obama is traveling to speak about education.

US First Lady Michelle Obama (C) with Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack (L) watch students harvest lettuce during a visit to Hollin Meadows Elementary School on November 18, 2009 in Alexandria, Virginia. Obama was promoting the Healthier US Schools Challenge which focuses on three core principles: nutritious meals, nutrition education, and physical education.

US First Lady Michelle Obama (L) makes remarks during a visit to Hollin Meadows Elementary School on November 18, 2009 in Alexandria, Virginia. Mrs. Obama was there to high light the Healthier US Schools Challenge which focuses on three core principles: nutritious meals, nutrition education, and physical education.

US First Lady Michelle Obama (L) makes remarks during a visit to Hollin Meadows Elementary School on November 18, 2009 in Alexandria, Virginia. Mrs. Obama was there to high light the Healthier US Schools Challenge which focuses on three core principles: nutritious meals, nutrition education, and physical education.

POTOMAC, MD - NOVEMBER 13: A sign is posted near the Islamic Education Center November 13, 2009 in Potomac, Maryland. Federal prosecutors have moved to seize assets in the United States allegedly controlled by organizations linked to the government of Iran, including the Islamic Education Center in Maryland.

US First Lady Michelle Obama (C) with Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack (L) watch students harvest lettuce during a visit to Hollin Meadows Elementary School on November 18, 2009 in Alexandria, Virginia. Obama was promoting the Healthier US Schools Challenge which focuses on three core principles: nutritious meals, nutrition education, and physical education.

US First Lady Michelle Obama hugs students while passing out fresh fruit to students during a visit to Hollin Meadows Elementary School on November 18, 2009 in Alexandria, Virginia. Obama was promoting the Healthier US Schools Challenge which focuses on three core principles: nutritious meals, nutrition education, and physical education.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy (L) watches French pharmaceutical firm Sanofi Aventis CEO Chris Viehbacher (foreground) signing an agreement after a meeting with Health industries managers at the Elysee Palace in Paris, on October 26, 2009. From right standing behind are: Health Minister Roselyne Bachelot, Finance Minister Christine Lagarde, Industry Minister Christian Estrosi, High Education and Research Minister Valerie Pecresse, and an unidentified man.

BERLIN - OCTOBER 28: German President Horst Koehler (R) confirms new Education Minister Annette Schavan at Bellevue Palace on October 28, 2009 in Berlin, Germany. Koehler confirmed the new German government cabinet, which officially launches the new German coalition government of Christian Democrats (CDU/CSU) and Free Democrats (FDP).

BERLIN - OCTOBER 28: (L-R) The new German cabinet including Family Minister Ursula von der Leyen, Health Minister Philipp Roesler, Economy Minister Rainer Bruederle, Minister of Work and Social Issues Franz Josef Jung and Education Minister Annette Schavan attend the start of their meeting on October 28, 2009 in Berlin, Germany.

Students of Slovenia prepare a banner at Vienna's main university courtyard ahead of a demonstration on October 28, 2009. Some 1000 students occupied the Auditorium Maximum from October 22 until now as a protest against plans for education reforms in Austrian universities.