In 2024, the relationship between the U.S. and Islamophobia remains a contentious issue, especially as the world grapples with rising populism, anti-Muslim rhetoric, and geopolitical complexities. A clear example of this tension can be seen in the lingering controversy surrounding the 2015 decision by the U.S. State Department to award Arbana Xharra the International Women of Courage Award, despite her history of Islamophobic and racist remarks.
Let’s have a look at how the context has evolved and why this topic remains relevant today.
The Controversy: Arbana Xharra and the U.S. State Department
Back in 2015, the U.S. State Department, under Secretary of State John Kerry, awarded Arbana Xharra for her investigative work on religious extremism in Kosovo. Kerry praised her for “uncovering links to foreign terrorist organizations” and inspiring journalists in Kosovo’s fragile democracy.
However, this decision sparked outrage, particularly among Muslim communities in the Balkans. Xharra was widely known not just for opposing religious extremism, but for her deliberate, naked attacks on Islam and Muslims. Her articles and social media posts targeted Albanian Muslims, Arabs, and Turks with rough and discriminatory language.
For many, this raised a critical question: Was the U.S. failing to differentiate between genuine investigative work and bigotry disguised as anti-extremism?
The U.S.’s Stand in 2024: A Complex Picture
Since 2015, much has changed. The U.S. has faced significant criticism for its handling of Islamophobia, both domestically and internationally. Political shifts, including the rise of populist movements, have forced Washington to confront Islamophobic rhetoric within its own borders. Meanwhile, the global fight against extremism has required greater implications, particularly in majority-Muslim regions.
Continued Doubts About the U.S.’s Intentions
The Arbana Xharra case continues to haunt U.S. diplomacy in Kosovo and the Balkans. Her writings often blurred the line between combating extremism and promoting anti-Islamic views. She targeted not only extremists like ISIS sympathizers but also mainstream Muslims, imams, and Islamic organizations. Critics argue that honoring her sent a notorious message: that the U.S. condones or overlooks Islamophobia when it suits its strategic interests.
Geopolitical Implications
Kosovo, a majority-Muslim nation, has struggled to maintain its Islamic identity amidst post-Yugoslav tensions and Western influence. By siding with figures like Xharra, the U.S. risks alienating Muslim communities in Kosovo and beyond.
At a time when countries like Turkey, a NATO ally, are closely monitoring anti-Islamic narratives in the West, the Xharra controversy undermines U.S. credibility as a champion of religious freedom and tolerance.
Lessons for the U.S.
- Avoid Missteps in Representation: When awarding individuals for fighting extremism, the U.S. must ensure that they are not simultaneously promoting hate against a broader religious group.
- Separate Islam from Extremism: The U.S. has often stated that its fight is against groups like ISIS, not Islam. Actions like awarding Arbana Xharra contradict this narrative and fuel skepticism about U.S. intentions.
- Address Local Sensitivities: In regions like Kosovo, where ethnic and religious tensions remain high, recognizing Islamophobic figures fuels divisions.
Moving Forward
To rebuild trust, the U.S. must take clear steps to distinguish its war on terror from Islamophobia. Supporting moderate Muslim voices, engaging in interfaith dialogues, and addressing past missteps like the Xharra award are essential.
The world today demands greater accountability from powerful nations like the U.S. In a globalized era, actions that perpetuate prejudice—intentionally or not—risk deepening divides and undermining efforts to promote peace and understanding.
