The Muslim religion is among the leading religious groups in the world. The religion has been put to the forefront in regards to the increase in its population and the rise of extremist groups such as ISIS and Al-Qaeda that are associated violence and viewed as dangers to mankind. The 9-11 attacks spread a lot of fear in the United States and the rest of the world in regards to terrorism. It can be perceived to be the precursor of the war between the United States and the Islamic World. The attack made bodies such as NGOs, and international organizations in addition to states to make new goals regarding security. The attack was a wake-up call to America in regards to its foreign policies. Trade goals became replaced with security concerns whereby focus was put on the war on terrorism (Weiss 56). Stereotyping has also been on the rise by which Muslims are often associated with terrorism. Various films and programs have also depicted the conflict between America and the Islamic world; with examples being Tyrant, American Odyssey, 24 Legacy, and Homeland. The war between the United States and the Islamic World has been on the rise over the past few years.
A survey carried out by the Pew Research Center in 2017 requested Americans to take part in the feeling thermometer where they were to rate individuals belonging to nine religious groups. The rate was between 0 and 100 where 0 reflects the coldest, most negative possible rating and 100 the warmest, most positive rating (Lipka). From the findings, Muslims have rated 48 averagely which was a value close to the atheists who had 50. The Americans were relatively warm to Catholics, Jews, Buddhists, Protestants, Hindus, Mormons, and Evangelists. According to the survey, the perception of Muslims in the U.S has improved over the past years by which in a similar survey that was carried out in 2014, the Muslims received a rating of 40 from the adults. With such an improvement, it means that Americans are slowly ceasing from stereotyping Muslims with the view that they purpose to bring about violence. Therefore, there is a potential of peace between the United States and the Islamic World. However, it needs time to be established. The Republicans and the Democrats have different views when it comes to Islam as per the survey. The research findings showed that Republicans were cooler towards Muslims when compared to Democrats; with a rating of 39 and 56 respectively (Lipka).
There are several reasons that might prompt the Muslim world to be willing to fight the United States. One of the reasons is the view that the U.S, wants complete dominance of their territories instead of allowing them to exercise their freedom. A good example is the U.S. involvement in the conflict between Saddam Hussein and his people by which some Muslims view that the U.S. had no right to interfere with its political rule. Another reason is that Islamic world has for a very long time resented the U.S. in regards to western civilization and the spread of Christianity. Therefore, the war can be perceived to be a prevailing ideology with the view that America is viewed as a dominating country such that it wants to obtain power over the Islamic world (Weiss 60). From a personal perspective, it will take plenty of years for peace to be achieved between the United States and the Islamic World.
Works Cited
Lipka, Michael. "Muslims and Islam: Key Findings in The U.S. And Around the World". Pew Research Center. N.p., 2017. Web. 6 Apr. 2017.
Weiss, Thomas G., et al. The United Nations and changing world politics. New York: Westview Press, 2016.
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