Negative Perception of Islam Increasing

As the war in Iraq enters its fourth year, a majority of US citizens express unfavorable views of Muslims, surpassing levels just after the 9/11 attacks, according to a Washington Post – ABC News poll. Most respondents noted that Islam contributes to violence. US citizens with an understanding of Islam stated that the religion is essentially peaceful, but were as likely as other respondents to say it harbors extremists. James J. Zogby, president of the Arab American Institute claims that anti-Muslim sentiment is intense, exploited by radio commentators and politicians, such as those who encouraged protests against proposed operations takeover of six US ports by Dubai Ports Worldwide, a United Arab Emirates company. Juan Cole of the University of Michigan suggests that anti-Arab racism has “become respectable,” and a vice president of the Heritage Foundation blames the “backlash” against Islam on a US media and political culture that consistently associates Islam with extremism. – YaleGlobal