TWO PRESIDENTS, TWO APPROACHES: ASSESSING THE LEGACY OF BUSH AND OBAMA ON AMERICAN MUSLIMS

Abstract

Since the tragic events of September 11, the American Muslim community has been significantly impacted by changes in government policies, particularly during the Bush and Obama administrations. This paper examines the evolution of these policies and their effects on the American Muslim community, shedding light on the contrasting approaches taken by the two administrations. The Patriot Act, a prominent legislative measure, imposed restrictions on visas and authorized racial profiling for the apprehension of suspected terrorists, resulting in increased surveillance of Muslim American citizens. These measures had profound and adverse consequences on the Muslim American communities, leading to feelings of discrimination and marginalization.

In contrast, the Obama administration adopted a different stance on national security and counterterrorism, which, while still evolving during its initial years, exhibited some positive changes with potential implications for the American Muslim community. Notable examples include the recognition of the right of Muslims to establish organizations and mosques across the United States, including a mosque near "Ground Zero." Furthermore, the Obama administration made efforts to prevent the desecration of the Qur'an, a move aimed at fostering goodwill and preventing negative sentiments within the American Muslim community toward the broader public.

The American Muslim community's response to the policies of these two administrations has been divergent. The Bush administration's policies, characterized by restrictive measures and heightened surveillance, led to a lack of support from the Muslim community, ultimately affecting electoral choices. In contrast, many in the American Muslim community placed their hope in President Obama, anticipating positive changes in policy direction.

To comprehensively understand the nuanced impact of government policies in the post-9/11 environment on the American Muslim community, this paper conducts a thorough analysis of the policies and actions undertaken during each administration. By exploring the differences and consequences of these policies, we aim to provide a comprehensive perspective on the evolving relationship between the American Muslim community and the U.S. government in the context of national security and counterterrorism measures