25 Years After 9/11, Muslims Are Still Politicians’ Favorite Scapegoat
Rozina Ali on the rise of Islamophobia in America and the vague terrorism laws now being wielded against dissidents like the Prairieland protesters. The post 25 Years After 9/11, Muslims Are Still Politicians’ Favorite Scapegoat appeared first on The Intercept .
As America commemorates the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, many politicians and pundits continue to exploit Islamophobia as a potent political tool. The era since George W. Bush launched the "war on terror" has seen a surge in anti-Muslim sentiment that now plays a significant role in contemporary politics, even during election cycles.
Michigan Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed, who would be the first Muslim U.S. senator, has faced numerous baseless accusations and attacks by pro-corporate and pro-Israel super PACs, illustrating the pervasive nature of Islamophobia. In New York City, the city's first Muslim mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has been suggested to skip the World Trade Center memorial, as if attending would dishonor the victims.
Journalist Rozina Ali notes that Islamophobia has become "institutionalized" in American politics, with efforts to enact laws that could outlaw Islam altogether. In the current political climate, the rhetoric has shifted to framing Islam as a political ideology rather than a religion, a dangerous shift that could lead to further marginalization and persecution of Muslims in the United States.
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