The United States has a long history of involvement in the Middle East, and its regional policies have often been controversial. In recent years, the US has pursued a policy of non-support for fundamentalist groups in Iraq, Libya, Syria, and Palestine. However, this policy has been criticized by some for being hypocritical, given the US’s support for fundamentalist political outfits like Jamat in Bangladesh.
There are several reasons why the US might support fundamentalist groups in some parts of the world but not others. One reason is that the US may see different groups posing different threat levels. For example, the US may view fundamentalist groups in Iraq, Libya, Syria, and Palestine as posing a more significant threat to its security interests than fundamentalist groups in Bangladesh. Another reason is that the US may be more concerned about the human rights abuses of certain fundamentalist groups than others. For example, the US may view the human rights abuses of ISIS in Iraq and Syria as being more severe than the human rights abuses of Jamat in Bangladesh.
However, the US’s policy of supporting some fundamentalist groups and not others has been criticized for being hypocritical. Critics argue that the US is applying a double standard to fundamentalist groups and that this policy is undermining its credibility in the Middle East. They also say that the US’s support for fundamentalist groups is counterproductive, as it can lead to instability and violence.
The US’s policy of supporting fundamentalist groups in the Middle East is also a risky one. These groups are often hostile to the United States and its allies. They can also be unstable and unpredictable. For example, the US supported the Mujahideen in Afghanistan in the 1980s to fight the Soviet Union. However, after the Soviets withdrew, the Mujahideen turned on the US and eventually formed the Taliban.
The US’s support for fundamentalist groups could also lead to the radicalization of Muslims around the world. When Muslims see that the US is supporting groups that are hostile to their religion, it can make them more likely to support extremist groups.
The US’s policy of supporting fundamentalist groups in the Middle East is a complex one. There are many reasons why the US might pursue this policy, but there are also several risks associated with it. It is essential to weigh the risks and benefits of this policy carefully before making any decisions.
In the case of Bangladesh, the US has been criticized for its support for Jamat-e-Islami, a fundamentalist political party. Jamat is accused of being involved in the 1971 genocide of Bengalis and has been banned from participating in elections. However, the US continues to provide financial support to Jamat and has even lobbied for the party to be allowed to participate in elections.
Critics argue that the US’s support for Jamat is hypocritical, given its policy of non-support for fundamentalist groups in the Middle East. They also say that the US’s support for Jamat is counterproductive, as it undermines the credibility of the Bangladeshi government and could lead to instability and violence.
The US has defended its support for Jamat, arguing that the party is a legitimate political party that should be allowed to participate in the democratic process. However, the US has failed to provide any evidence to support this claim. In fact, the evidence suggests that Jamat is a dangerous and extremist group that should not be allowed to participate in politics.
The US’s policy of supporting fundamentalist groups in the Middle East is a risky one. These groups are often hostile to the United States and its allies. They can also be unstable and unpredictable. For example, the US supported the Mujahideen in Afghanistan in the 1980s to fight the Soviet Union. However, after the Soviets withdrew, the Mujahideen turned on the US and eventually formed the Taliban.
The US’s support for fundamentalist groups could also lead to the radicalization of Muslims around the world. When Muslims see that the US is supporting groups that are hostile to their religion, it can make them more likely to support extremist groups.
The US’s policy of supporting fundamentalist groups in the Middle East is a complex one. There are a number of reasons why the US might pursue this policy, but there are also many risks associated with it. It is crucial to weigh the risks and benefits of this policy carefully before making any decisions.
In the case of Bangladesh, the US should immediately cease its support for Jamat-e-Islami. Jamat is a dangerous and extremist group that should not be allowed to participate in politics. The US’s support for Jamat is hypocritical, counterproductive, and risky.
The United States’ complex foreign policy approach in the Middle East, combined with its seemingly inconsistent stance in South Asia, is a matter of concern that needs to be addressed. Playing with fire by indirectly supporting fundamentalist political outfits in Bangladesh could have far-reaching and potentially disastrous consequences for the region and the world at large. As global citizens, it is in our best interest to urge the U.S. to reevaluate its approach, promoting stability and security while adhering to its core values and principles. Only through such a coherent approach can the United States avoid inadvertently contributing to the path of self-destruction in the most populous Muslim-majority country in the world.
