The Biden administration has announced its plans to develop a comprehensive strategy to combat Islamophobia in the United States. The decision comes after reports of widespread discontent among American Muslims regarding the US government’s support for Israel.
White House Press Secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, stated that President Biden is committed to eradicating hate in America and believes there is no place for discrimination against anyone. She acknowledged the disproportionate number of hate-fueled attacks and discriminatory incidents faced by Muslims, as well as those perceived to be Muslim, such as Arabs and Sikhs.
To address this issue, the Domestic Policy Council (DPC) and the National Security Council (NSC) will collaborate with local communities to develop a comprehensive and detailed plan. The plan aims to protect Muslims and those perceived to be Muslim from discrimination, hate, bigotry, and violence. The NSC, led by Jake Sullivan, and the DPC, led by Neera Tanden, will work together on this joint project.
It’s worth noting that Jake Sullivan recently authored an article for Foreign Affairs Magazine, where he described the Middle East as being quieter than it has been in decades, just prior to the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel. Similarly, Neera Tanden faced opposition in the Senate when President Biden initially nominated her as the head of the Office of Management and Budget.
The decision to combat Islamophobia follows President Biden’s visit to Minnesota, where he met with Muslim activists, including Attorney General Keith Ellison, a former deputy chairman of the Democratic Party. Prior to the visit, a coalition of Muslim activists in Minnesota demanded that Biden call for a ceasefire in Gaza or risk losing approximately 50,000 votes in the Midwestern state.
Muslim community organizer in Minnesota, Jaylani Hussein, expressed their frustration, stating that they feel taken for granted. Similarly, Hassan Abdel Salam, a human rights professor, described the situation as a betrayal. According to HuffPost, Muslims boycotting elections or switching sides could potentially impact Biden’s chances in swing states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Georgia. Recent polls have indicated a significant decline in approval for President Biden and the Democrats among the Muslim constituency.
President Biden has demonstrated unwavering support for Israel’s war on Gaza, despite calls for a humanitarian ceasefire and growing concerns over Israel’s indiscriminate bombing of civilians.
In conclusion, the Biden administration’s decision to develop a comprehensive strategy to combat Islamophobia highlights their commitment to address the discriminatory incidents and hate-fueled attacks faced by Muslims and those perceived to be Muslim. By partnering with local communities and working collaboratively through the DPC and NSC, the administration aims to protect individuals from discrimination, hate, bigotry, and violence. This initiative comes in the wake of widespread discontent among American Muslims regarding the US government’s support for Israel. It remains to be seen how effective these efforts will be in addressing the concerns of the Muslim community and rebuilding trust between the administration and its Muslim constituents.
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