Radical Islam, Terrorism, and the Impact of September 11 on the Muslim Community

Abstract

Muslim resentment and sporadic acts of terrorism arising from this sentiment have been seen as a serious threat which the US has had to face even during the period of the Cold War. Apart from the Palestinian issue, resentment may partly be attributed to the duality of US relations with the Muslim world. Despite its declared global mission of spreading democracy, human rights, and the market economy the strategic necessities and convenience of the Cold War impelled the US to tolerate and support Muslim regimes which had only a limited regard for democracy and human rights. This policy brought a number of Muslim governments closer to but significantly distanced their citizens from the US. While the cause of democracy and human rights was actively pursued in regard to the countries under the Soviet sphere of influence, similar rights were denied to the people of the Muslim countries due to a US policy of tacit tolerance of violations of the principles of democracy by the ruling regimes. The existing resentment toward the US may have its roots in this policy. Despite US awareness of such sentiments, the necessity to deal with more pressing strategic issues crucial to the maintenance of US supremacy over the Soviet Union pushed the problem lower on the list of US foreign policy priorities. The US remained still anchored in its Cold War strategic mindset when the September 11 disaster struck.