Originally published on the CGS blog on November 18, 2015.
In the wake of the terrorist attacks that shook Paris last Friday, many have turned to analyze the alleged organizers of the event. One of the attackers from the Bataclan concert hall, Omar Ismail Mostefai, was born and raised in a Parisian suburb. Reports suggest that at least two other terrorists involved in the attack were French citizens.
In the days and weeks to come, there will undoubtedly be further assessments about radicalization and homegrown terrorism in the Western world. However, one suggested strategy for combatting terrorism has been disregarded vehemently by President Obama.
In response to some calls for a ban on Syrian refugees entering the United States, President Obama stated:
The people who are fleeing Syria are the most harmed by terrorism; they are the most vulnerable as a consequence of civil war and strife…We do not close our hearts to these victims of such violence and somehow start equating the issue of refugees with the issue of terrorism.
Though some of the Paris attackers may have arrived from Syria, they certainly do not represent the majority of refugees fleeing the unstable country’s conflict. In the aftermath of tragedy—and in the face of a foe we are still learning to fight—it is easy to close ranks and fear anyone who is not “us.” Yet we must be wary of policies that promote isolationism and disregard the very real needs of Syrian refugees.
Such actions not only deny the basic principles of a humane, democratic society, but are counterintuitive to counterterrorism measures. By denying Muslim refugees sanctuary in Western countries and creating hostile environments, we merely continue a cycle of hatred that will lead to further conflict.
Earlier this week, Australian reporter Waleed Aly perhaps said it best:
ISIL’s leaders would be ecstatic to hear that since the atrocity in Paris, Muslims have reportedly been threatened and attacked in England, America, and here in Australia because this evil organization has it in their heads that if they can makes Muslims the enemy of the west then Muslims in France and England and America will have nowhere to turn but to ISIL.
