Commentary: Muslim political influence divides the USA

The growing political influence of Muslims in the United States has become a major flashpoint in the cultural war between Democrats and Republicans. Both parties are leveraging the issue for electoral advantage, a strategy that risks undermining American democracy, according to this commentary.

The commentary highlights recent events illustrating this polarization. New York's Muslim mayor, Zohran Mamdani, is depicted denouncing Israel's prime minister as a "war criminal." Meanwhile, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has labeled the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) a "foreign terrorist organization" and restricted its ability to purchase land in the state.

This sharp division stands in contrast to the period immediately following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Back then, both major parties, despite condemning al-Qaeda, made efforts to de-escalate tensions and combat rising Islamophobia. President George W. Bush famously stated, "Islam is peace," and the Democratic Party sought alliances with moderate Muslim organizations. Religious tolerance, a cornerstone of the U.S. Constitution, appeared to prevail.

However, that unity has dissolved. The relationship with Islam, like many other issues in the U.S., is now deeply partisan. Although Muslims constitute only about 1 percent of the U.S. population (3.5 million people), both Democrats and Republicans are actively trying to court or demonize this demographic. A key driver of this polarization is the significant shift in voting patterns among American Muslims, particularly those of South Asian and Arab descent.

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