Dr. Omar Suleiman, a prominent Islamic scholar, civil rights activist, and President of the Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research, recently shared his insights on the deep-rooted issue of Islamophobia in American politics and the moral implications of U.S. foreign policy, particularly in the context of the ongoing genocide in Gaza. In a thought-provoking interview on the Current Affairs podcast, Dr. Suleiman shed light on how systemic dehumanization shapes American policies and discussed strategies to combat this pervasive issue.
The conversation began with a reflection on the current political climate in the United States, characterized by the return of Donald Trump to the White House. Dr. Suleiman expressed deep concern over the impact of Trump’s presidency on American Muslims, citing the Muslim ban as a horrifying introduction to his administration. He highlighted the tragic shooting in Quebec, where six worshipers were killed due to fearmongering fueled by Trump’s rhetoric.
As a Palestinian American with relatives affected by the ongoing genocide in Gaza, Dr. Suleiman emphasized the dire consequences of Trump’s aggressive policies towards the Palestinian people. He underscored the need to address the fractures within American society that have led to the demonization of marginalized communities, including Muslims and Palestinians.
The conversation then delved into the normalization of Islamophobia in mainstream discourse, with Dr. Suleiman pointing out the racialized and ideological elements that contribute to the dehumanization of Muslims. He highlighted the dangerous rhetoric used by individuals like Pete Hegseth, whose extreme views on Islam would be deemed unacceptable if directed towards other religious or ethnic groups.
Dr. Suleiman emphasized the importance of challenging both Republican and Democratic parties for perpetuating Islamophobia in their policies. He called for a critical examination of the failures of the political establishment that have enabled bigotry to thrive. He also highlighted the need to address the moral inconsistencies in how certain communities are treated and perceived.
The conversation shifted towards the moral implications of U.S. foreign policy, particularly in the context of the genocide in Gaza. Dr. Suleiman criticized the Biden administration for its complicity in the violence and highlighted the need for a more nuanced understanding of the Palestinian struggle. He underscored the importance of solidarity across communities and the need to humanize those affected by oppressive policies.
In discussing strategies for activism and resistance, Dr. Suleiman emphasized the power of building relationships and understanding the interconnectedness of domestic and foreign policies. He called for a broader perspective that considers the global implications of American actions and urged activists to resist echo chambers and algorithm-driven worldviews.
Drawing on his experiences in New Orleans post-Hurricane Katrina, Dr. Suleiman highlighted the resilience of communities in times of crisis. He emphasized the importance of staying the course, building coalitions of virtue and justice, and fostering a sense of solidarity across diverse communities.
In conclusion, Dr. Suleiman’s insights shed light on the urgent need to address Islamophobia, challenge oppressive policies, and build bridges of understanding and solidarity in the face of systemic dehumanization. His words serve as a powerful call to action for individuals to stand up against injustice and work towards a more just and compassionate society.
