Why Trump’s Policies May Increase Terrorism

An executive order that restricts visa-holders from seven Muslim-majority from entering the United States and blocks refugees temporarily, Syrians indefinitely, threatens security on many levels. Allies in the Middle East will struggle to cooperate with the United States. The order signals a general mistrust for Muslims, holding them to higher standards than those for other citizens. Successful counterterrorism efforts rely on good relations between the community and investigators, but many Muslims may be wary of cooperating with US authorities. The order also triggers uncertainty and fear even though “Syrian refugees are linked to zero terrorist attacks in the United States,” notes Daniel Byman for Lawfare. “Yet if terrorism does increase, support for Trump and for harsh and self-defeating policies are likely to grow.” In the United States and elsewhere, citizens often assume that tough-talking conservatives are the most capable for confronting terrorism. “Once an attack happens, Trump will probably tweet that he called for vigilance and tough measures only to be opposed by bleeding heart liberals…,” Byman notes. “The fact that his policies made the attacks more likely will be lost in the uproar.” – YaleGlobal