Washington Watch Articles From 2020
Arab American Attitudes Toward Their Heritage and the Middle East
Any discussion of Arab Americans must consider, at the outset, both the deep diversity as well as the shared attitudes and concerns that exist within the community. As is the case with most ethnic groups, Arab Americans are not a monolith.
Poll: How Arab Americans Will Vote and Why
When they go to the polls to cast their ballot for President of the United States, 59% of Arab Americans say they will vote for Democratic candidate Joseph Biden with only 35% supporting the reelection of President Trump. This is one of the findings of a nationwide poll of 805 Arab American voters conducted by the Arab American Institute during the second week of October 2020.
Using Arabs or Muslims as Scapegoats Has a History
During the past century, we have witnessed a long and tragic history of domestic policies that have targeted persons of Arab descent. We’ve been subjected to discriminatory treatment by law enforcement, immigration authorities, and by both Democratic and Republican Administrations. In addition to these hurtful policies, it is important to note the role played by the scapegoating of Arabs in American politics.
Policies Targeting Arabs and Muslims Didn’t Just Start With Donald Trump
Donald Trump isn’t the first politician to use demonization of foreigners, whether Arabs or Muslims, as a campaign tactic. And his administration isn’t the first to implement policies that have adversely affected these communities. But while we have a century of such policies, the Trump era has elevated them to a level so dangerous it is imperative that they now finally be confronted and defeated.