Blaming Muslims and scapegoating Syrian refugees for the attacks in Paris, plays into the hands of ISIS
18 November 2015
Caabu is incredibly concerned about the reactions following the atrocious attacks in Paris that have blamed Muslims and scapegoated Syrian refugees. A climate in which Muslim communities and refugees are held collectively responsible will only divide at a time when we need to stand united the most. Our division heralds a success for ISIS. Our lack of unity serves as a publicity boost for the far-right.
In the UK, a Muslim cultural centre in East Dunbartonshire as been firebombed, a Muslim couple attacked as they closed their takeaway shop in Fife, and a young woman wearing a hijab abused on the Underground in London. Sadly, there will be more incidents such as these to come. Some of the rhetoric about Muslim communities from the media, politicians and across social media, only entrench this hostility and create a new status quo of division and suspicion.
There are increasingly worrying signs suggesting that British compassion for refugees is declining. A recent YouGov poll suggests that sympathy for Syrian refugees in the wake of the attacks in Paris, has plummeted. 49% of those surveyed said that the UK should not accept any refugees from Syria, or accept fewer numbers. This is a 22% increase from September 2015. Millions of Syrian refugees must not be held collectively responsible, or their displacement and need for resettlement conveniently used in an anti-refugee narrative.
The media also has a responsibility. We utterly deplore a cartoon in the Daily Mail which equates refugees coming to Europe with terrorists and rats. After the attacks in Paris, Syrian refugees in particular have become double targets. Hostility towards them across Europe is increasing, yet they still face the barrel bombs of Assad and the atrocities of ISIS back at home. An apology is required.
Commenting in the media, Caabu’s Chris Doyle has urged politicians to stand up for Muslims and refugees:
“Across the world Muslims are watching how Europe reacts. So are ISIS recruiters. Politicians would be best advised to remind their constituents, some of whom are genuinely scared, that Muslims have been the greatest victims of Al-Qaeda and ISIS. Highlight how ISIS violates Islamic principles and values every single day. Point out that Muslims are fully pledged citizens and the overwhelming majority are genuinely patriotic. A 2011 survey in Britain showed that patriotic feelings averaged higher in Muslim communities than in the overall population. The huge outpourings of solidarity with Paris must be replicated when non-western cities are similarly blighted. They are not lesser victims.
The best antidote to ISIS and Al-Qaeda is our unity and our values. Ditch either of these and they start to win. Stand firm and these merchants of death have no chance.”
Ends…
Notes to editors:
1) For more information or interviews contact Chris Doyle, on + 44207 832 1321 or +447968 040281.
2) YouGov poll on Syrian refugees https://yougov.co.uk/news/2015/11/18/brits-less-accepting-syrian-refugees-wake-paris-at/
3) Daily Mail cartoon http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3321431/MAC-Europe-s-open-borders.html
4) Chris Doyle’s article in Al Arabiya English https://english.alarabiya.net/en/views/2015/11/18/This-is-no-World-War-III-ISIS-is-still-weak.html
