Asking if all the above is a coincidence or somehow connected, Salma Yaqoob explores the mainstreaming of Islamophobia through policies such as Trump’s ‘Muslim ban’, arguing that this is just another, even more blatant, phase in the ‘othering’ of Muslims, which has risen since 9/11 in the so-called ‘War on Terror’. Meanwhile, sickening terror attacks in Western cities by individuals claiming the name of Islam are becoming regular news. And attacks on ordinary Muslims are also increasing, adding to a feeling of helplessness and marginalisation. Is it possible to untangle the layers of insecurity, fear, and hate? Are we doomed to repeat history or are we able to learn from it to change its course for The Common Good?
Salma Yaqoob is a community engagement manager at the Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Trust, a community activist and campaigner.
