U.S. Dragging Europe Back To Days of White Supremacism | RealClearPolitics
RealClearPolitics
by Shada Islam, GuardianFebruary 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Shada Islam, a Brussels-based commentator on EU affairs, expresses deep concern over what he perceives as a resurgence of white supremacism in Europe, fueled by U.S. policies. In his article for RealClearPolitics, Islam reflects on the Islamophobia that emerged in the West following the U.S.-led 'war on terror,' which targeted Muslim communities and led to widespread discrimination. Now, he warns, a similar wave of fear and exclusion is gaining momentum, with parallels to the white supremacy movements of the past. His commentary raises critical questions about the long-term consequences of U.S. foreign policy on European societies.
The article highlights how the 'war on terror' created an environment where Muslims became convenient targets for political and social backlash. Islam points to specific U.S.-led actions, such as the Patriot Act and the targeting of Muslim communities through surveillance and profiling, as factors that contributed to this climate of fear. He argues that these policies not only eroded civil liberties but also legitimized anti-Muslim sentiment in Europe, where far-right groups have increasingly capitalized on these sentiments.
The significance of Islam's warnings lies in its broader implications for politics and international relations. His commentary underscores the potential dangers of conflating national security with ethnic or
Verticals
politicsnews
Originally published on RealClearPolitics on 2/19/2026