In recent years, a growing wave of disillusionment has swept through the Arab American community. Once staunch supporters of progressive causes and Democratic candidates, many now find themselves grappling with a profound sense of betrayal. The promises of change and advocacy that once inspired their votes have given way to a harsh reality of unmet expectations and political stagnation.
This evolving discontent has profound implications for the upcoming 2024 election, as Arab Americans reassess their political affiliations and question the future of their engagement in U.S. politics.
The Disillusionment with Biden
Anger among Arab and Muslim Americans towards President Biden has been simmering for months. A recent New York Times-Siena College poll revealed Trump leading Biden 57-25 among Arab and Muslim voters in key battleground states. This shift stems from profound disappointment with Biden’s handling of the Israel-Gaza conflict and broader Middle East policies. Many who voted for Biden in 2020, hopeful for significant change, now feel betrayed by his administration’s lackluster performance and unmet promises.
In Michigan, a state with a substantial Muslim population, 94% of Muslims voted “uncommitted” in February’s Democratic primary. This indicates deep dissatisfaction, pushing some Arab American donors and activists to consider not only sitting out the race but actively supporting Trump. A private dinner in Oakland Hills, Michigan, organized by Trump’s former ambassador to Germany, Richard Grenell, underscores this strategic push to woo Arab American leaders.
High Hopes, Deep Disappointments
In a recent meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, a group of Arab-American leaders expressed profound frustration and disillusionment with the current administration's approach to the ongoing crisis in Gaza. This sentiment is reflective of a broader discontent among Arab Americans, who are finding it increasingly difficult to see any meaningful action or commitment to resolving the conflict.
This past Friday, a group of Arab-American leaders, including Bilal Hammoud, Executive Director of the American Arab Chamber of Commerce, met with Secretary Blinken. The meeting, scheduled for 45 minutes, extended to nearly two hours. However, the extended time did not translate into substantive outcomes.
Hammoud and others present were clear in their demands: they wanted immediate action towards a ceasefire, respect for Palestinian statehood, and a plan to restore the U.S.'s reputation as a peacemaker. Unfortunately, their efforts met with resistance and vague assurances rather than concrete commitments.
Participants left the meeting feeling that the administration was more interested in maintaining the status quo than in taking bold steps towards peace. Hammoud highlighted that despite decades of partnership and support from the Arab-American community, the administration seemed unprepared to honor these relationships with tangible actions.
One particularly disappointing moment came when Blinken rationalized the U.S.'s opposition to Palestinian statehood at the UN. He claimed that recognizing Palestinian statehood would lead to a cut in U.S. funding for the UN, which would, in turn, force cuts to programs like the World Food Program. This comparison, suggesting that Palestinian statehood would result in global hunger, was not only insensitive but also reflective of a deeply flawed policy stance.
Trump's Hollow Pitch
As the 2024 election looms, former President Donald Trump is making a calculated bid to win over Arab Americans disillusioned with President Biden’s Middle East policies. However, while Trump's overtures might appear enticing to some, his track record reveals a troubling reality for those who genuinely care about Palestinian rights and broader Arab American concerns.
Trump's pitch to Arab Americans rests on the claim that his presidency brought unprecedented peace to the Middle East, citing the Abraham Accords as a cornerstone achievement. The normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab nations are portrayed as a breakthrough in regional diplomacy. However, this narrative ignores the continued suffering and displacement of Palestinians, a central issue for many Arab Americans. The accords, rather than addressing the root causes of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, have been criticized for sidestepping Palestinian rights and aspirations for statehood.
Moreover, Trump's administration recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and moved the U.S. embassy there, a move that was met with widespread condemnation from the international community and was seen as a direct affront to Palestinian claims to East Jerusalem. This decision, along with the cut in aid to Palestinian refugees and support for Israeli settlements, starkly contradicts the interests and values of many Arab American voters.
Islamophobia and Discrimination
Perhaps the most glaring contradiction in Trump's overtures to Arab Americans is his track record on immigration and civil rights. The infamous "Muslim Ban," which targeted travelers from several Muslim-majority countries, stands as a stark symbol of his administration's discriminatory policies. For many Arab Americans, this ban was a personal and painful reminder of the hostility they faced under Trump's leadership.
The rise in hate crimes and Islamophobic rhetoric during Trump's presidency further alienated Arab Americans. The community, which includes Muslims, Christians, and other religious groups, has long struggled against stereotypes and prejudice. Trump's often inflammatory language and policies exacerbated these challenges, creating an atmosphere of fear and division.
Economic Concerns and Social Justice
Trump's economic policies also failed to resonate with many Arab Americans, who, like other minority communities, were disproportionately affected by issues such as unemployment, lack of healthcare, and systemic inequality. His tax cuts favored the wealthy, while cuts to social programs hurt working-class families. Arab Americans, many of whom are small business owners and entrepreneurs, saw little benefit from Trump's economic agenda.
Social justice issues, particularly concerning police brutality and systemic racism, are also critical to Arab American voters. Trump's response to the Black Lives Matter movement and his stance on law and order often dismissed legitimate grievances and perpetuated injustice. Arab Americans, who have faced their own struggles with racial profiling and discrimination, found little solace in his approach.
A False Hope for Palestinian Rights
While some Arab Americans are now contemplating a second Trump term, it's crucial to remember Trump’s first-term policies that were detrimental to the Arab and Muslim communities. Trump's administration enforced harsh immigration restrictions targeting Muslim-majority countries and cut funding for humanitarian aid to Palestinians. His unwavering support for Israeli policies, including moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem, further alienated many in the Arab world.
Despite these realities, some Arab American activists are willing to take a gamble on Trump, driven by Biden’s perceived failures. However, this perspective overlooks the inherent dangers of a Trump presidency for Palestinian rights and broader Arab American interests.
The current dissatisfaction with Biden should not blind Arab Americans to the broader implications of supporting Trump. Trump’s administration was marked by policies that consistently favored Israeli interests at the expense of Palestinian rights. His so-called “peace plan” was a blatant attempt to legitimize Israeli annexation of Palestinian territories. Re-electing Trump could embolden such policies, further eroding any hope for a just resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Moreover, Trump’s divisive rhetoric and policies have historically targeted minority communities, including Muslims. His administration’s track record includes a long list of racist and Islamophobic statements and actions. Betting on Trump to be a better ally for Arab Americans is not only misguided but dangerously shortsighted.
His rhetoric extended beyond U.S. borders, as evidenced by his remarks at a campaign rally in Wisconsin, where he claimed that British "culture" had been eroded by tolerance of pro-Palestine protesters in London and Paris. This statement not only highlighted his divisive stance but also underscored his broader pattern of alienating those who support Palestinian rights.
A Crisis of Confidence
The lack of action and the dismissive responses from the administration have led to a growing crisis of confidence among Arab Americans. This frustration is not limited to Arab Americans but is echoed by allies and partners across various communities who feel equally betrayed.
The upcoming election should serve as a wake-up call for the Biden administration. Ignoring the legitimate grievances of Arab Americans risks alienating a vital constituency. Biden must take decisive steps to address their concerns, starting with a more balanced and just approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The Arab-American community's demands transcend electoral politics. They are calling for a reorientation of U.S. foreign policy that prioritizes human rights and genuine peacemaking efforts over geopolitical calculations and empty rhetoric. The sentiment is clear: enough with the discussions and political posturing; it's time for decisive, humane action that respects the dignity and rights of all people involved.
This form of politics or say oligarchical tyranny is worth whatever to people, all be it they who still believe in a system, which in reality fails them, again and again and again…Wow!
I just read that when polled, 70% of Arab Americans are going to vote for Jill Stein. Only makes sense.