Muslims 'used as scapegoats' as Islamophobic political rhetoric rises in US

As the United States approaches its midterm elections, Republican politicians are increasingly resorting to Islamophobic rhetoric to rally support among their base. Experts report a surge in Islamophobia, with political figures often using Muslims as scapegoats for various issues such as dissatisfaction over the Iran war, rising petrol prices, and economic uncertainty.

During a committee hearing on countering the Muslim Brotherhood's influence in the U.S., Senator Ted Cruz highlighted the group's potential threat, along with other groups, in a bid to sway public opinion. The Congressional "Sharia-Free America" Caucus, founded in May, now boasts nearly 70 members, with Texas Representative Keith El-Sayed labeling adherence to "extreme" Islamic law as a "greatest threat to our nation."

The rise of Islamophobic rhetoric seems to have reached an all-time high, with experts noting that it has become a key component of Republicans' election strategy. Texas Congressman Chip Roy introduced the Inhibiting Militant Adversarial Mullahs (Imam) Act, which seeks to ban anti-American foreign clerics who preach Sharia and political Islam from entering the U.S. The California-based Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU) reports that 63% of Muslims in the U.S. experienced religious discrimination in the past year, making it the most discriminated-against group.

While some Republican politicians may be using Islamophobia as a means to gain support, experts caution that the tactics employed could potentially lead to discriminatory legislation targeting Muslims.