Radical Islam and its adherents remain visible in the news, but the pattern of their message appears to be changing. Increasingly, radical Islamic fundamentalists have attempted to portray their way of life as the way out for struggling populations throughout the Middle East and in surrounding regions. On Sunday, al-Qaida's leader released a video detailing the organization's support of and alleged ties with the Syrian uprising and urging those in Syria to distrust the West. That same day, Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei met with leaders of Hamas and reinforced his support for the Palestinian struggle, describing it as an "Islamic cause." On Feb. 9, Somalia's most prominent militia group, al-Shabab, announced an official merger with al-Qaida.
Radical Islamist groups recognize the potential of aligning themselves with popular movements. By attaching their movements to the struggles of others and portraying radical Islam as the best option available, organizations can reinvigorate their supporters' faith around new conflicts and bolster recruitment of their ranks. At a time when support for al-Qaida appears to be waning throughout the Middle East, latching onto popular resistance movements appears to be al-Qaida's path to resurgence. Iran is similarly searching for allies in the Middle East. The United States should be doing everything in its power to portray its own brand of secular democracy as another viable option.
Radical Islamic groups all claim to fight on behalf of peoples who otherwise have little to no political support. The people of Syria are locked in an uprising against an autocratic regime and its army. Despite the thousands and thousands of Syrian civilians that have been arrested and killed, only the Syrian rebels have taken concrete action. Similarly, al-Shabab is the only governing force in southern Somalia. During the 2011 drought one of the most severe in East Africa in 60 years al-Shabab was responsible for distributing food and other aid to almost half of Somalia. In Palestine, Hamas is famous for its wide array of social services ranging from hospitals and clinics to schools and orphanages: Many observers ascribe Hamas' popularity and recent electoral victories to the success of their welfare programs. The official Palestinian Authority, in contrast, provides almost none of the same services.
The United States needs to make similar gestures. The United States continues to hinder itself by restricting assistance and aid to afflicted areas because of a fear of terrorism. In Somalia, the United States has been legally prevented from providing direct food aid lest it potentially help any terrorist organizations (the United States is one of six countries to designate al-Shabab a terrorist group). In Palestine, the U.S. is admittedly a major donor of aid and development funds. An unwillingness to deal with Hamas and an unclear public stance has, however, limited any American appeal to the Palestinian side. Meanwhile, any potential desire for intervention or a strong position against Al-Assad's regime in Syria have, at least in part, been tempered by fear of assisting Islamists among the rebels. While Syrian civilians die in the street, the opposition calls for Western intervention.
To be fair, the United States lacks the capacity to intervene in all regions throughout the world military overstretch and significant budget crises create a limit on U.S. flexibility throughout the world. Nevertheless, the United States could do much more to promote its brand throughout the Middle East. Stronger condemnations of violence by authorities could go far in Syria and Bahrain; consistent pressure on autocratic regimes could prompt reform. By distinguishing between the civil and military sides of broad organizations such as al-Shabab and Hamas, the United States could more effectively provide aid in situations where it will make the most difference.
The United States harms its own world image and success against radical Islam by not doing more to promote its way of life as an alternative to the very people from whom radical groups draw their power. In a post-9/11 world where terrorism is a very real presence, many have begun looking at the Middle East as a place inhabited solely by various threats. It would be a grave mistake for the United States to let radical Islam claim leadership in the struggle of the oppressed throughout the Middle East. The United States should do everything in its power to demonstrate that radical Islam is not the only option.
