Effects of Counterterrorism on American Muslims

Abstract

Since the war against terrorism started, ethnic profiling of Muslims settled in Western countries has occurred. Mapping and monitoring routine life of Muslim communities have devastated their confidence and sense of community. This paper discusses how the counterterrorism measures are affecting the life of the Muslim communities living in Western countries, especially American Muslim community. Furthermore, it is also discussed that how American policy makers and law enforcement agencies are violating the law of United States.

Introduction4

Discussion5

Ethnic Profiling of Muslims5

Free Practice of Religion Meddled by the State6

Mapping American Muslims6

Stop & Search7

Airport Investigations8

Effects of Muslims' Ethnic Profiling8

Devastating Trust and Openness of American Muslims9

Social marginalization of Muslim Community9

Stigmatization of Muslim Community10

Torture on Terrorism Suspects11

Violation of States' Laws11

Conclusion12

References13

Effects of Counterterrorism on American Muslims

Introduction

States have a right as well as a responsibility to take efficient counterterrorism measures when necessary. But it is important to make sure that the counterterrorism measures do not disturb any group or community or ethnicity in any manner.

The terrorist attacks of 9/11 deteriorated the image of Islam and Muslims across the world, which resulted into racial profiling of Muslim communities settled in Western countries. Facts suggested that from 2004 onwards, the verbal abuse and physical attacks against Muslims have been occurring frequently, increasing worse the ethnic tensions. An investigation in the police department pointed to discrimination and racism within the police department (U.S. Report on Human Rights, 2004).

It is estimated that 5,000 Muslims have been interrogated after 9/11attacks (Farragher & Cullen, 2011). Being treated as 'terrorist suspects', some Muslims have had engaged themselves in clearing the misperceptions about them. On the other hand, most of them feel isolated or discriminated, which raise concerns and vulnerability in them. Some antiterrorism measures specifically target Muslims and may violate human rights and laws of equality.

Race profiling also brings risk of undermining trust in the police and FBI. In addition, the experience of counterterrorism measures lower the level of importance of other social issues within such communities and they mostly pay attention to issues related to terrorism (Choudhury & Fenwick, 2011).

Discussion

Ethnic Profiling of Muslims

Racial profiling includes suspicion on a community's race, or religion and law enforcement actions against people of the community without any confirmed information or visible suspicious behavior demonstrating any criminal activity (U.S. Department of Justice, 2003).

The findings of “Forum Against Islamophobia and Racism” (FAIR), estimated around 85 incidences of ethnic profiling against Muslims had occurred in 2004. (U.S. Country Report on Human Rights, 2004). The British Muslims have also been affected. According to Muslims Council of Britain, incidents against Islam had increased and police seems to be biased against the Muslim community. In 2004, the leader and several member of the British National Party got arrested by the police as he was suspected for provoking racism among people (U.S. Country Reports, 2004).

Many civil rights organizations and NGOs assert that this king of treatment can lead to further mistrust and disbelief among Muslims as it is a violation of communities' constitutional ...