Western Perception of Islam and Muslims

Background and Acknowledgments
Western Perception of A Study of Public Opinion and

the Role of the Media in the
Islam and Muslims United States and Western
Europe
A Study by:
Communique Partners
A Market Intelligence Consultancy
822 D Street
San Rafael, California, 94901 USA
415-453-9030
Contact: Chris Yalonis, President
Copyright © 2005 by Communique Partners LLC

Page 1
The Western Perception of Islam and Muslims
BACKGROUND AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Authorship and Editing: Surveys:

This book was researched and assembled The US and Europe Public Opinion Poll survey
by Chris Yalonis, President of Communique was written by Communique Partners. The sur-
Partners, Gabrielle Mogannam, Project Di- vey programming, translations and fielding were
rector, and Katy Milton, Project Assistant. managed by Nikki Berlack, and Doug Haynes
from Research Resolutions.
The Secondary Public Opinion Polls were con-

Origins:
ducted by The Pew Research, USA Today,
This report is the result of a study done by Cornell, Gallup polls, Zogby International, CAIR
Communique Partners, a leading San Fran- (Council on American-Islamic Relations) and
cisco-based market intelligence consultancy, The Muslim Association of Brittan.
commissioned by The Kuwaiti Ministry of Is-
lamic and Cultural Affairs, with the guidance
of New Future/4M Advertising, a leading Ku- Editorial Team:
waiti media and communications firm. The
research for this report was done between Chris Yalonis, Gabrielle Mogannam and Katy
Milton
January-September, 2005.
Design:
Funding:
Gabrielle Mogannam
Throughout the period of January 2005 and
September 2005, the production and com-
missioning of this report was generously Book Cover:
funded by The Kuwaiti Ministry of Islamic
and Cultural Affairs, with the guidance of Gabrielle Mogannam
New Future/4M Advertising, a leading Ku-
waiti media and communications firm.
Website:
www.islamperceptions.org
Page
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2
BACKGROUND AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Communique Partners would like to © 2005 Communique Partners, LLC

thank the following for their contribu-
All rights reserved. No part of this publication
tions and consultations: may be reproduced or transmitted in any
1. Jocelyne Cesari form or by any means, electronic or me-
chanical including photocopying, recording,
2. Nihad Awad or any information storage or retrieval sys-
3. Sulayman Nyang tem, without prior permission in writing from
the publishers.
4. Zahid Bukahri
5. Bruce Lawrence
Communique Partners LLC
6. Amir Hussain
A Market Intelligence Consultancy
7. Salam Al-Marayati 822 D Street
8. John Esposito San Rafael, California 94901 USA
Phone: 1-415-453-9030
9. Laurent Murawiec
Fax: 1-415-480-2089
10. Carl Ernst Chris Yalonis, President
11. Trevor Mostyn info@communiquepartners.com
www.communiquepartners.com
12. Tudor Lomas
13. Akbar Ahmed

Please go to www.islamperceptions.org
14. Robin Richardson
for a full book version of this study.
15. Laila Al-Qatami
16. Meyrav Wurmser
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CONTENTS
INSIDE THIS BOOK
Background and Objectives 2
I. Executive Summary 7
II. Expert Commentary and Background 19
A Historical Perspective 20
The 9/11 Attacks 22
Legacy of Stereotypes 23
A Paradox 24
Islamophobia 25
Drivers of Perception of Islam and Muslims 27
Role of the Western Media in Portraying Arabs and Muslims 31
The Nature of Muslim Communities in Europe and the US 33
What can be Done to Improve the Image of Muslims and Islam 34
III. Results of Public Opinion Surveys in the US Western Europe 38
Key Findings 39
Attitudes about Religious Groups, Islam and Muslims 42
Overall Opinion of Muslims who live inside my Country 42
Overall Opinion of Muslims who live outside my Country 43
Importance of Religion and Opinions of Various Religious Groups 44
Violence and Religion 45
Knowledge of Islam and its Commonality with other Religions 46
General Opinion of Islam 47
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Executive Summary
INSIDE THIS BOOK

War on Terrorism or Islam? 48
Knowledge of Arabs (Middle Eastern) 49
Overall Opinion of Arab Muslims 50
Interaction Comfort Level with Arab Muslims 50
Difference between Arab Muslims and non-Arab Muslims 51
Media Influences on feelings about Arab Muslims 51
publications, Websites, or TV Regarding Muslims or Islam 52
Accuracy of Media’s Depiction of Arab Muslims and Islam 52
Personal Influences on Feelings about Arab Muslims 53
Exposure to Islam and Arab Muslims 54
Personal Experience with Arab Muslims 55
What do most Arab Muslims Believe? 55
Perceptions of Arab Muslims in their own Country 56
Terms Associated with Islam and Arab Muslims 57
Perceptions of Middle Eastern Counties and Interest in Visiting 58
Countries Desired to Visit 59
How to improve the perception of Arab Muslims 60
IV. Secondary Public Opinion Polls 61
Plurality Sees Islam as More Likely to Encourage Violence 62
Religion and Politics: Contention and Consensus 64
Americans Struggle with Religion's Role at Home and Abroad 66
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INSIDE THIS BOOK

Views of a Changing World 2003 68
A Year After Iraq War 70
Great divide splits U.S., Islamic cultures, poll finds 72
Restrictions on Civil Liberties, Views of Islam, & Muslim Americans 74
Survey finds American distrust of Muslim world 76
American Muslim Poll 2004 77
Islam and Muslims: A Poll of American Public Opinion 79
Survey Into Attitudes Towards Islam 81
V. Media Scan Analysis 82
Summary of Findings 83
TERM SET ONE: Politics, Society and Economics Themes 85
TERM SET TWO: Extremism and Violence Themes 87
TERM SET THREE: Religious themes 89
TERM SET FOUR: Culture and customs themes 91
VI. Reference and Sources 93
Public Opinion Polls on Islam in the West 94
Articles 96
Media Relations Guidelines 99

Books 100
White Papers/Reports 103
Islamic Websites 106
Islamic Websites/Academia/Universities 112
Islamic Websites/UK Muslim Organizations 115
Profiles of Experts Interviewed 117
Page 6
Executive Summary
I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Introduction:
This report is the result of a study done by Communique Partners, a leading San Francisco-
based market intelligence consultancy, commissioned by The Kuwaiti Ministry of Islamic and
Cultural Affairs, with the guidance of New Future/4M Advertising, a leading Kuwaiti media and
communications firm. The report covers research done from January-September, 2005, as a
part of ongoing research done by Communique Partners on the Western Perception of Islam,
the role of the media, and multicultural communications and understanding.
Study objectives:
• Better understand the image and perception of Islam and Muslims, as well as Arab
Muslims in Western Europe and the US
• Understand how Islam is perceived versus other religions
• Identify the key drivers and influences of that perception, and how they are shaped
• Uncover the role of the media in shaping the perception
• Identify the stereotypes and filters of thought that affect how Muslims and Arabs are
perceived
• Identify means of improving perception and intercultural understanding between Muslims

and the Western public
Study components:
The study included the following components:
• Public opinion poll (online) of 1010 US

adults and 1410 Western Europe adults.
This used random sampling from a
multi-million person database, balanced
for general population representation.
The survey results have a margin of
error of +/- 3% with a 95% confidence
level.
Page 7
EXECUTIVE SAMMARY
• Interviews of Islamic and media experts in government,

academia, industry, public affairs, and media
• A quantitative analysis of online and offline media articles

and topical association with Islam
• A review and summary of important research sources,

reports and books on the topic
• A review and summary of other third party public polls taken by other research firms
A Historical Perspective:
W estern Perception of Islam and Muslims has long been dominated by confrontation and
negativity. In Europe, Islam was a direct military threat for centuries. Christian thought-
leaders saw Mohammed in a lowly state. European colonialism rooted in Islamic territory.
Europe had a direct experience with Islam, but never welcomed it in Europe.
In the US, there has been little experience or representation of Islam up to the 1980’s. Today,
Muslims represent between 1-2% of the US population, 3% in the UK and 7-10% in France
and between 5-10% of the other EC countries. The US embassy hostage crisis defined much
of America’s perception of political Islam. In the 1990’s, US perception continued to be
dominated by militant, extremist and political issues. These were reinforced by the attacks on
US embassy’s and military bases in Africa, and the Middle East. The general perception was
that the primary public face of Islam was anti-American and militant.
The 9/11 attacks in the US dramatically increased the

visibility of Islam. “The image of Islam is not something that a
lot of people thought about prior to 9/11. But after 9/11, a
broad new group of Americans sought out books on Arabs
and Muslims, and there emerged many news talk radio and
TV programs and lectures on Islam and Muslims”, says Akbar
Ahmed, Chairman of Islamic Studies at American University.
“Experts”, some legitimate and some questionable as to

credentials, emerged to speak on Islam, often incorrectly, in
media interviews. The biggest question on most American’s
minds was “Why do Muslims hate us so much?” President
George Bush early in the immediate days after 9/11 made a
concerted effort at communicating to the public that Islam
was a religion of peace and that the vast majority of Muslims
are not anti-American or terrorists. Yet, in the years following, that message has not been
adequately reinforced by the Bush administration.
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Executive Summary
EXECUTIVE SAMMARY
Drivers of Perception of Islam and Muslims:
M uch Western literature and popular culture has portrayed Arabs and Muslims negatively
over the past 200 years. This has occurred in the absence of really positive and hopeful
and accurate images of Muslims that include everyday people but also heroes, people who are
extraordinary people.
TV coverage of terror and war
Most people’s perceptions of Islam and Muslims in Europe and the US are shaped by media
coverage. The media has been slow to cover ordinary Muslims and Islamic culture, preferring
to show graphic images of fiery imams, gun toting militants, and anti-American demonstrations,
with emotions and actions taken in the name of Islam. “If it bleeds, it leads”. News directors will
lead news coverage with terror attacks, anti-American demonstrations, and hostage images to
shock and engage jaded viewers. The absence of a countering view contributes to the
selecting of these stereotypes and people start to believe them.
Stereotyping in movies, TV shows, cartoons, and other media
Some cartoonists say the easiest way to describe a Muslim is a guy in a funny headdress. Few
western TV programs and movies have characters of Middle Eastern descent. If they do, they
have been often been stereotypical, wide-eyed, bumbling, radical militants.
Public Perception Stereotyping
The perception of Muslims and Islam varies by country, ethnic group, and whether the
discussion is about Muslims as individuals or Islam as a political movement. The majority of
people in the US and Europe have a favorable opinion of Muslims as individuals, as neighbors,
friends and work colleagues. But in a politicized context, Muslims and Islam are viewed mostly
negatively, especially those of Arab descent. Common stereotypes include:
• Terrorist
• Anti-American
• Religious zealot, using Islam to justify militant extremism
• Anti-modern
• Anti-women rights
• Anti-democracy
• Shady rich, oil sheik
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EXECUTIVE SAMMARY
Yet, peaceful and non-politicized images mix with negative ones. This study’s public opinion
survey showed that the most common terms associated with Islam and
Arab Muslims include (in order of most prominently mentioned):
• Mosques
• Veiled women
• Devote observers of their faith
• Bearded man with turban and robe
• Imam or holy man
• Oil
• Terrorists
• Men with guns
• Good members of their community
Robin Richardson, Director of Instead Consultancy, Editor of UK’s

Islamophobia Report, highlights what he believes to be one of the
paradoxes. “On the one hand there are the stereotype terrorists or
primitive people who are opposed to the West. But simultaneously
there is this image of Muslims as civilized, courteous, moral, principle
people and that would be a recurring experience of people in British
cities who interact with Muslims. The Muslim people they meet are
good reliable citizens. The Muslims they read about in the
newspapers are terrorists.”
Common mindset of Islam as a monolith
Islam and extremism often are linked inextricably, with no commensurate linkages done with
Christianity or Judaism examples. Most Americans and Europeans do not understand the
multi-cultural and the diversity of the 1.2 billion Muslims in the world.
Page 10
Executive Summary
EXECUTIVE SAMMARY
Conservative “experts” and pundits
U ntil recently, there has been a predominance of mostly conservative, anti-Arab leaning
“experts” and pundits that make themselves available for news and media interviews. For
example, there are about 300 think tanks in the US, mostly in the Washington-Boston corridor.
The large majority of them are conservative-leaning and many of them have set up Middle
Eastern sections and Islam studies groups. Some of these groups tend to write and speak
publicly on the dangers and threat of Islamic fundamentalism and extremism. Many see Islam
increasingly as a monolith and cultural and security threat. These conservative think tanks are
often funded by wealthy conservative and pro-Israeli donors and foundations. The members of
the think tanks, or “fellows”, have an academic aura in their reputation and positioning, but in
truth, their writings and talks are not held to the peer review as in university circles. But they
are often on TV and radio and lecture circuits, placed by highly paid professional speaker
bureaus and public relations firms. There has been few countering Islamic
spokespeople.
Israeli-Palestinian conflict
About 70% of Americans are slightly or very pro-Israel. Jewish interest

groups have been active in American politics and opinion making for over
40 years. They are well funded and have relationships with news
professionals and journalists. Many other ethnic, religious and industry
groups have successfully funded PR and lobbying efforts. Relative to
these groups, the European and American Muslim communities do not
have strong PR or lobbying efforts.
Christian Fundamentalists
Leading spokesmen, such as Pat Robertson, Billy Graham, and Jerry Falwell have made anti-
Muslim public comments and even hold well formed anti-Muslim positions in their lectures and
preaching.
Silencing of Muslim self-criticism
Relative to other ethnic groups, Muslims in the West do not tend to speak up and write editors
or call in to news organizations or TV shows when anti-Muslim and anti-Arab broadcasts are
made. This contrasts with the Jewish, Hispanic or African American communities, which are
much more vocal. Muslims do not want to appear openly critical of fellow Muslims, lest they be
seen as contributing to the extensive forces of condemnation.
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EXECUTIVE SAMMARY
Public Opinion Survey Results
P ublic opinion surveys (2420 online interviews) were run in the

US, Germany, UK, Netherlands and France in the March-
August, 2005 timeframe and included some of the most detailed
coverage of opinions ever done on Muslims and drivers of that
perception.
Muslims rated the lowest in overall favorability among

various religious groups.
• 27% overall had a very or somewhat unfavorable opinion of

“Muslims who live inside my country”
• 25% of US respondents-unfavorable opinion
• 25% and 28% and 27% of UK, French and German respondents respectively
• Most negative: Netherlands, 33% very or somewhat unfavorable
• For “Muslims who live outside my country” and “Arab Muslims”, 3-10% more
respondents (depending on the respondent country) had a unfavorable opinion than
for “Muslims in my country”
• 32% overall had a somewhat or very unfavorable opinion of Islam, 40% in Netherlands
(highest)
• Protestants and Catholics had the highest favorability ratings at approximately 40%
• 20% of respondents had a very or mostly favorable opinion of “Muslims who live inside my
country”, but 5% less for “Muslims outside my country” and “Arab Muslims”
Perception of Arab-Muslims and Islamic Countries
• A quarter of the respondents believe that all or most Arab Muslims are anti-American, but
only 7% believe that all or most Arab Muslims favor terrorism
• Only 17% believe that all or most Arab Muslims favor modernity and only 7% believe that
they are in favor of equal rights for women
• The countries most favorably viewed included: Egypt, Morocco, Turkey and Kuwait. Most
disliked were: Iran, Syria, Libya, Afghanistan, and Saudi Arabia
Page 12
Executive Summary
EXECUTIVE SAMMARY
Ignorance of and lack of empathy with Islam is widespread
• Half of the respondents say they had very little or no knowledge at all of Islam or Arab
Muslims, although only 20% of the Netherlands
respondents indicated little knowledge
• 76% said that “my religion and Islam are very

different” or that they “do not know enough to
determine if their religion and Islam have a lot in
common”
• 49% believe that Islam is more likely than other

religions to encourage violence
• 38% believe that the US is fighting a war on Islam or both Islam and terrorism
Among those who had unfavorable opinions of Arab Muslims, the most common open ended,
unprompted sentiments included:
• “Arab Muslims are radical/violent/extremists/terrorists”
• “Religious zealots who have twisted their religion”
• “Anti-Semitic and closed minded”
• “Treat women badly”
• “Do not like or trust them”
Among those who had favorable or neutral opinions of Arab Muslims, the most common open
ended, unprompted sentiments included:
• “They are people just like everyone else and do not deserve discrimination”
• “Deserve to live how and believe in what they choose”
• “Generally good opinion”
• “A minority cause the problems”
• “Some are good and some are bad-I judge based on the individual”
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EXECUTIVE SAMMARY
Media is influential in shaping the perception of Arab Muslims.
• TV documentaries and news are the most influential media in influencing feelings about
Arab Muslims, followed by newspapers
• Each of the other media outlets, such as books, magazines, movies, Websites have half
the influence of TV
• A quarter of the all respondents read or watch TV regarding Islam and Muslims at least 1
or more times a week, mostly news about the war on terror and in Iraq
• About 37% have very limited exposure to news and information about Islam and Muslims
(once every 2 months or more or never in the past year)
• Nearly three quarters of the respondents believe that the media depicts Arab Muslims and
Islam accurately only half of the time, not often or never
Other Drivers of Perception
• On a personal level, two thirds of respondents are comfortable with having a Arab Muslim
as a friend, interacting with their family, having them as neighbors.
• As important in shaping feelings, is a personal experience with Arab Muslims, their

religious beliefs and their education
Only a quarter of the US and UK respondents have Arab Muslims friends, colleagues or family
members; the German and Dutch respondents slightly more; (versus 59% of the French) and a
very small percentage have ever participated in an Islamic activity (such as Ramadan)
What can be done to improve the perception of Arab Muslims and Islam?
• The most common responses to this open-ended, unprompted question were:
• Increased education and communication
• More media balance and more positive coverage, not just negatives
• Less religious zealotry by radical Muslims-return to peaceful teachings
• Reduction in terrorism
• Increased interaction, more acceptance of other religions
• Government leaders restraining their extremists and refusing to condone violent behavior
Page 14
Executive Summary
EXECUTIVE SAMMARY
Other Third Party Opinion Poll Results
The study also reviewed other third party opinion polls done by other research organizations
and found consistent results.
A Year After Iraq War, Mistrust of

America in Europe Ever Higher, Mus-
lim Anger Persists, Pew Research, Feb-
ruary 19-March 3, 2004
American Muslim Poll 2004, Zogby International, August 5 to September 15, 2004
Very Soon Never
Great divide splits U.S.,

USA 3% 19%
Islamic cultures, USA Today, March 04, 2002
Iran 10% 21%
Do you think a better understanding between Western
Jordan 6% 47%
countries and Muslim countries will occur?
Kuwait 5% 22%
Lebanon 5% 40%
Pakistan 6% 14%
Saudi Arabia 11% 28%
Turkey 5% 15%
Page 15
EXECUTIVE SAMMARY
Plurality Sees Islam as More Likely to

Encourage Violence/ VIEWS OF ISLAM
REMAIN SHARPLY DIVIDED, Pew Re-
search Center, July 2004
Page 16
Executive Summary
EXECUTIVE SAMMARY
What can be done to Improve Perception and Understanding?
Build consensus among Muslims

across the board between American
Muslims and European Muslims as to
what the problems are and what best to
do to affect change.
Create balanced content on Islam.
• Supply proper information nationwide

to counter the “lack of good, objective
books about Islam.”
• Create intelligent, savvy websites

that are informative, cover serious
issues and provide a resource for young and old, and to introduce a broader awareness.
Get the right spokespeople and work with the media.
• Hire the people that have contacts with the media.
• Individual experts and those in academia who are independent are sometimes best to
present the message.
Communicate a more balanced view of Islam in the West.
• Western media organizations must see normal Muslims in everyday life, as professionals,
educators, parents, community leaders and participants.
• Heroic and human interest stories featuring American, British and French Muslims must
increase.
• Muslims must call and write their local media when they see/hear erroneous or bias
reporting and shows.
Depict Muslims in day-to-day types of things in media-relations.
• Example: The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) had a nationwide television

and radio public service announcement (PSA) campaign, called "I am an American
Muslim," designed to help reduce anti-Muslim discrimination and stereotyping.
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EXECUTIVE SAMMARY
• CAIR's 30 and 60-second PSAs feature American Muslims of European, African-American,

Hispanic, and Native American heritage. Each person in the spots states how they and
their families have served America and ends by saying, "I am an American Muslim." 1
Invest in Academia, think tanks and lobbying.
• Endow a Chair in a Islamic or Religious Studies department or institute
• Interested donors from the West as well as in the Middle East and Asia need to fund think
tanks and lobbying groups to counter the anti-Muslim and anti-Arab think tanks and talk
show pundits.
Invest in Western media-relations.
• “Newspapers, radio, television, all these venues are shaping the views and attitudes
around the world. So it’s very important to have presence. Not to influence, not to control,
not to have monopoly, but to be present.”
• “The media for whatever reason is not interested in the moderate voice.” It is important to
create a balanced view in the media rather than continuing with the stereotypical portrayal
of Muslims.
• “Always complain about biased coverage.”
• “Telephone television and radio

stations and complain about any
sort of bias coverage and secondly
write letters to the press every time
one feels something is being
covered with a bias.”
Support and use the Muslim

Community.
• “Your greatest asset is your local

Muslim community.”
• Western Muslims can act as a

bridge between the West and the
Muslim World. “They know the language and they know the people and the culture.”
____________________________________
1
CAIR's 30 and 60-second, “I am an American Muslim” public service announcement campaign.
Page 18
Expert commentary and analysis
II. EXPERT COMMENTARY AND ANALYSIS

This chapter is based on an analysis of books, reports, articles, and secondary research on the
topic of Islam and the West, as well as a series of expert interviews. Chris Yalonis, President of
Communique Partners, the study authors, interviewed a group of US and European experts in
Islamic and Middle Eastern studies, media relations and diplomatic relations. The experts
came from leading universities, media, business, and think tanks in the US and Europe.
Communique Partners identified, through literature and Web based searches and networking,
some of the top experts on the topic of Islam and Muslims in the West. A list of some 75
experts were winnowed down to several dozen. Based on their availability and interest and the
study project schedule, we were able to collect personal interviews with 16 experts from a
variety of institutions and perspectives. Biographies of the contributors are available in the
reference section.
Experts who contributed to this chapter included:

1. Jocelyne Cesari, Fellow at Harvard’s Center for Middle Eastern Studies
2. Nihad Awad, Executive Director, CAIR, USA
3. Sulayman Nyang, Director of MAPS (Muslims in American Public Square). Howard University
4. Zahid Bukahri, Director of American Muslim Studies, Georgetown University
5. Bruce Lawrence, Duke University, Chair of Religion
6. Amir Hussain, Islamic scholar, California State University
7. Salam Al-Marayati, Executive Director, Muslim Public Affairs Council
8. John Esposito, Professor, Center for Muslim Christian Understanding, Georgetown University,
9. Laurent Murawiec, Fellow, Hudson Institute
10. Carl Ernst, Chair of Religious Studies, University of North Carolina,
11. Trevor Mostyn, Journalist, expert on European media coverage
12. Tudor Lomas, Director of Jemstone, BBC correspondent, Middle East media consultant
13. Akbar Ahmed, Chairman of Islamic Studies, American University
14. Robin Richardson, Director of Insted Consultancy, Editor of UK Islamophobia report
15. Laila Al-Qatami, Communications Director, ADC (American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee)
16. Meyrav Wurmser, Director of the Center for Middle East Studies, Hudson Institute
Page 19
A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE
Perceptions of Islam in the US and Europe:
T he perception of Islam and Muslims in the West has had a long history marked by confron-
tation and negativity. In Europe, Islam was a direct military threat to Europe for centuries
and during the Middle Ages and Renaissance, Islam was a problem for Christian thinkers, who
saw it and its prophet Mohammed in a very lowly state. But this standing religio-cultural chal-
lenge did not prevent European imperialism from building its institutions on Islamic territory in
the colonialism era. Europeans had a direct experience with Islam and did express a sense of
what Islam meant to them. Nonetheless, Islam was never welcomed in Europe.
In America, there was neither experience with nor the solid representation of Islam. Up until
World War II, there was very little contact with Islam and there was no distinct place in America
for Islam. Americans began to know about Islam because of the news about oil, Iran, Afghani-
stan and terrorism in the late 1970s and through the 1980’s. Whereas in Europe, a major
newsprint story might include a cultural representation of a bearded imam in a minaret on its
cover, in the US news story, a quiet scene like this would be emblazoned with a caption such
as “Islam, The Militant Revival.” This merging of cultural Islam with terror and extremism
evolved into an American obsession.
Page 20
A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE
Perceptions of Islam in the US and Europe:
D uring the 1990’s, the US perception of Islam continued to be

dominated by militant, extremist and political issues. Attacks
on US embassies and military bases in Africa, and the Middle East
Europeans had a di-
rect experience with
Islam and did express
continued to reinforce the general American public perception that a sense of what Islam
the primary public face of Islam was anti-American and militant. meant to them. None-
theless, Islam was
never welcomed in
Europe.
In America, there was

neither experience with
nor the solid represen-
tation of Islam. Up until
World War II, there
was very little contact
with Islam and there
was no distinct place in
America for Islam.
Page 21
THE 9/11 ATTACKS:
T he attacks on US soil on September 11, 2001 dramatically in-

creased the visibility of Islam in the press and in public and
private discussion among Americans and Europeans. Many Ameri-
“the image of Islam is
not something that a
lot of people thought
cans, up to that point, had little interest or knowledge of Islam, be-
about prior to 9/11”.
sides what they read in the news when there was a story about
Akbar Ahmed, Ameri-
Islamic extremist attacks abroad or a US business event in the
can University, Chair-
Middle East. According to Akbar Ahmed, American University,
man of Islamic Studies
Chairman of Islamic Studies, “the image of Islam is not something
that a lot of people thought about prior to 9/11.” But after 9/11, a
broad new group of Americans sought out books on Arabs and Muslims, and there emerged
many news, talk radio, and TV programs and lectures on Islam and Muslims. Experts, some
legitimate and some questionable as to credentials, emerged to speak on Islam, often incor-
rectly, in media interviews.
The biggest question on most American’s minds was “Why do Muslims hate us so much”?
President George Bush, early in the immediate days after 9/11, did a good job communicating
to the public that Islam is a religion of peace and that the vast majority of Muslims are not anti-
American or terrorists. Terror in the name of Islam was a
gross anomaly, a horrific warping of the tenets of the
Faith.
In spite of this, anti-Muslim feelings increased in the gen-

eral American public and were reflected in the press and
in public policy circles. Robin Richardson, Director of In-
stead Consultancy, Editor of the UK Islamophobia Report
suggests that the negative views in the US are the views
of a closed mind, specifically in regard to the media. He
further explains that a typical characteristic of the “closed
mind” is a feeling that all Muslims are the same. Bruce
Lawrence, Chair of Religion, Duke University refers to “a
general American perception - the equation of Islam
equals Arabs equals anti-western, sometimes anti Jewish
or anti Semitic (opponents, violence, terrorist). A lot of
Americans have this ready-made equation in their heads
or more often just simply in their day to day experience that Islam is Arab is terrorist.”
Page 22
LEGACY OF STEREOTYPES
J ocelyne Cesari, Fellow at Harvard’s Center for Middle

Eastern Studies makes a connection between significant
historical events and the presence of stereotypes. “You have this
“The common person
does not have a real
huge legacy of stereotypes and they are reactivated long grasp of Islam. The per-
throughout centuries at different times and events that are ception is that we just
triggering the use of these stereotypes. Some of these are but follow these clerics and
not limited to; assuming that women must wear the hijab and the whatever they say, we
abaya, women are not well represented in the workplace, honor do. We have lost the
killings, polygamy, etc. As Salam Al-Marayati, Muslim Public ability of critical thinking”.
Affairs Council suggests, “The common person does not have a Salam Al-Marayati, Ex-
real grasp of Islam. The perception is that we just follow these ecutive Director, Muslim
clerics and whatever they say, we do. We have lost the ability of
critical thinking.”
The perception of Muslims and Islam varies by country, ethnic group, and whether the
discussion is about Muslims as individuals or Islam as a political movement. The majority of
people in the US and Europe have a favorable opinion of Muslims as individuals, as neighbors,
friends and work colleagues. But in a politicized context, Muslims and Islam are viewed mostly
negatively. Common stereotypes include:
• Terrorist
• Anti-American
• Religious zealot, using Islam to justify militant extremism
• Anti-modern
• Anti-women rights
• Anti-democracy
• Islam politicized
Page 23
I s the media in Europe more balanced? Trevor Mostyn, Journalist, expert on European Me-
dia coverage feels that Europeans are more understanding of the situation in the Middle
East and “the perceptions of the Islamic world in Europe have been in many ways changing for
the better”. John Esposito feels that in general Europeans have been ahead of the US and are
more sensitive to the problem than the US.
A PARADOX
R obin Richardson, Director of Instead Consultancy, Editor of UK’s Islamophobia Report,

highlights what he be-
lieves to be one of the para-
doxes. “On the one hand
there are the stereotype
terrorists or primitive people
who are opposed to the
West. But simultaneously
there is this image of Mus-
lims as civilized, courteous,
moral, principled people
and that would be a recur-
ring experience of people in
British cities who interact
with Muslims. The Muslim
people they meet are good
reliable citizens. The Mus-
lims they read about in the
newspapers are terrorists.”
“The Muslim people they meet are good reliable citizens.
The Muslims they read about in the newspapers are terror-
ists.” Robin Richardson, Director of Instead Consultancy,
Editor of UK’s Islamophobia Report
Page 24
ISLAMOPHOBIA
A s stated recently by the

Secretary of the UN,
Kofi Annan, "Islam's tenets
“No one should underestimate the resentment and sense of
injustice that members of one of the world's great religions,
cultures and civilizations felt as they looked at unresolved
are frequently distorted and
conflicts in the Middle East, the situation in Chechnya and
taken out of context, with
the atrocities against Muslims in the former Yugoslavia.” Kofi
particular acts or practices
Annan, Secretary of the UN
being taken to represent or
to symbolize a rich and com-
plex faith," he said in an address entitled "Confronting Islamophobia: Education for Tolerance
and Understanding," part of a UN-sponsored series on "Unlearning Intolerance."
"Some claim that Islam is incompatible with democracy, or irrevocably hostile to modernity and
the rights of women. And in too many circles, disparaging remarks about Muslims are allowed
to pass without censure, with the result that prejudice acquires a veneer of acceptability."
“No one should underestimate the resentment and sense of injustice that members of one of
the world's great religions, cultures and civilizations felt as they looked at unresolved conflicts
in the Middle East, the situation in Chechnya and the atrocities against Muslims in the former
Yugoslavia,” Mr. Annan said.
"But we should remember that these are political reactions - disagreements with specific poli-
cies. All too often, they are mistaken for an Islamic reaction against Western values, sparking
an anti-Islamic backlash," he said.
Together modernizers and traditionalists believe the most populous Muslim countries are not
Arab, but are located in non-Arab Asia, from Indonesia to part-Asian, part-European Turkey.
“In analyzing Islamophobia, therefore, it was important to take into account not only the role of
extremism in Islam, but also the role of extremism among Christians and Jews,” he said. 1
__________________________________
1 Islamophobia, issues, challenges and action. A report by the Commission on British Muslims and Islamophobia, Chaired by Dr Richard Stone
Page 25
ISLAMOPHOBIA
Examples of Islamophobia in the West include:
• verbal and physical attacks on Muslims in public places
• attacks on mosques and desecration of Muslim cemeteries
• widespread and routine negative stereotypes in the media, including the broadsheets, and
in the conversations and ‘common sense’ of non-Muslims – people talk and write about
Muslims in ways that would not be acceptable if the reference were to Jewish people, for
example, or to black people
• negative stereotypes and remarks in speeches by political leaders, implying that Muslims in
Britain and the US are less committed than others to democracy and the rule of law – for
example, the claim by a UK government minister that Muslims more than others must
choose between ‘the British way’ and ‘the terrorist way’
• discrimination in recruitment and employment practices, and in workplace cultures and cus-
toms
• bureaucratic delay and inertia in responding to Muslim requests for cultural sensitivity in
education and healthcare and in planning applications for mosques
• lack of attention to the fact that Muslims in Britain and Europe are disproportionately af-
fected by poverty and social exclusion
• non-recognition of Muslims in particular, and of religion in general, by the law of the land,
since up until recently discrimination in employ-
ment on grounds of religion has been lawful and
discrimination in the provision of services is still
lawful
• anomalies in public order legislation, such that

Muslims are less protected against incitement to
hatred than members of certain other religions
• Laws curtailing civil liberties that disproportion-

ately affect Muslims 1
__________________________________
1 Islamophobia, issues, challenges and action. A report by the Commission on British
Muslims and Islamophobia, Chaired by Dr Richard Stone
Page 26
DRIVERS OF PERCEPTION OF ISLAM AND MUSLIMS
T here are several key drivers of US and European perception and attitudes about Islam and
Muslims.
Literature and Popular Culture: The legacy of literature News coverage focusing on
and popular culture portraying Arabs and Muslims negatively sensationalism, terror and
over the past 200 years has had an effect on today’s dramatic imagery. “If it
perception for the Western public. According to Bruce bleeds, it leads.”
Lawrence, “there is both a long record of too many negative
events: political, economic, social events that describe Muslims in a bad light. The other side
of the coin is the absence of what I would say are really positive and hopeful and accurate
images of Muslims that include everyday people but also heroes, people who are extraordinary
people.”
News coverage focusing

on sensationalism, terror
and dramatic imagery: “If
it bleeds, it leads.” We cover
this topic in more detail in
this section.
Conservative “experts”
from think tanks and
pundits: There are about
300 think tanks in the US,
mostly in the Washington-
Boston corridor. The large
majority of them are
conservative and many of them have set up Middle Eastern sections and Islam studies groups.
Some of these groups tend to write and speak publicly on the dangers and threat of Islamic
fundamentalism and extremism. Many see Islam increasingly as a monolith and cultural and
security threat. These conservative think tanks are often funded by wealthy conservative and
pro-Israeli donors and foundations. The members of the think tanks, or “fellows”, have an
academic aura in their reputation and positioning, but in truth, their writings and talks are not
held to the peer review as in university circles. But they are often on TV and radio and lecture
circuits, placed by highly paid professional speaker bureaus and public relations firms.
Page 27
A cademics, Muslim interest groups, military experts: There are very few countering
views coming from any other think tanks. Any pro-Muslim or Arab viewpoints in TV or ra-
dio debates typically come from academics from Islamic studies centers at universities or from
Muslim lobbying groups, such as ADC, CAIR or MPAC in the US. Sulayman Nyang, Director
of MAPS (Muslims in American Public Square) at Howard University believes that the people
who can affect the most significant change are the people in academia, who are independent.
He feels that they are the ones that most want to see a balance.
Stereotyping in movies, TV
shows, cartoons, and other
media: Arabs and Muslims
have long been negatively
stereotyped in Western movies,
TV shows and cartoons. Bruce
Lawrence, Chair of Religion,
Duke University, suggests that
the media is still representing
Muslim images as that of 40
years ago when the majority of
Muslims were Arabs. These
images are immediately recog-
nizable and draw readers/
viewers attention. He states, “I
have cartoonist friends and they
say the easiest way to describe
Muslim is a guy in a funny
headdress.” Carl Ernst, Chair “I have cartoonist friends and they say the easiest way to
of Religious Studies at the Uni- describe Muslim is a guy in a funny headdress.” Bruce
versity of North Carolina, refers Lawrence, Chair of Religion, Duke University,
to the lack of positive Muslim
images in the movies, “in the movies Arabs are the equivalent of Hollywood Indians.”
A main driver is television and the influence it has over people’s opinions of Muslims. Trevor
Mostyn, journalist, expert on European media coverage uses the Palestinian example. “There
has been this perception created by television that you have soldiers with guns and tanks on
one side and children with stones on the other side.” He further states that “television loves
the image of the ugly, ferocious blood curdling Muslims” and that the very articulate, main-
stream, Muslims are rarely seen on television in Britain.
According to Nihad Awad (CAIR) the absence of a countering view contributes to the selecting
Page 28
of these stereotypes and that people start to believe them. He

feels that the role of the media is growing, and the media takes The European and
over more and more from our thinking. This also contributes to American Muslim com-
the bias against Muslims and Arabs. munities do not have
Common mindset of Islam as a monolith: Islam and extremism strong PR or lobbying
often are linked inextricably, with no commensurate linkages done efforts.
with Christianity or Judaism examples. Many Americans and
Europeans do not understand the multi-cultural and the diversity Muslims in the West do
of the 1.2 billion Muslims in the world. not tend to speak up
and write editors or call
Israeli-Palestinian conflict: About 70% of Americans are slightly in to news organiza-
or very pro-Israel. They view Muslims through the filter of violence tions or TV shows when
anti-Muslim and anti-
Arab broadcasts are
made.
and the pro-Israeli view

that most US news
programming provides. In
spite of this, there is
little evidence of a
Jewish conspiracy in the
Western media. The vast
majority of media
organizations seek to be
balanced. At the same
time, Jewish interest
groups have been active
in American politics and
Electric Fence at Baka-El-Garbia, Israel-Palestine 2004. opinion making for over 40
years. They are well
funded and have relationships with news professionals and journalists. Many other ethnic,
religious and industry groups have funded PR and lobbying efforts. The European and
American Muslim communities do not have strong PR or lobbying efforts.
Christian Fundamentalists: In the past 5 years, there has been a rise in Christian
fundamentalist TV and radio programs on the air, especially with the rise in cable and satellite
subscribers. Some of their leading spokesmen, such as Pat Robertson, Billy Graham, and
Jerry Falwell have made anti-Muslim public comments and even hold well formed anti-Muslim
positions in their lectures and preaching.
Page 29
Silencing of Muslim self-criticism: Muslims in the West do not tend to speak up and write
editors or call in to news organizations or TV shows when anti-Muslim and anti-Arab
broadcasts are made. This contrasts with the Jewish, Hispanic or African American
communities, which are much more vocal. Muslims do not want to
appear openly critical of fellow Muslims, lest they be seen as The European and
contributing to the extensive forces of condemnation. Brotherhood American Muslim com-
is genuine. But, as one Muslim scholar says, “instead of using munities do not have
Islam as a critical reasoning framework, many Muslims fall into a strong PR or lobbying
rationale to become reactive and complaining and blaming, which efforts.
serves only to increase the powerlessness and frustration of being
a Muslim.” Muslims in the West do
not tend to speak up
and write editors or call
in to news organiza-
tions or TV shows when
anti-Muslim and anti-
Arab broadcasts are
made.
Page 30
ROLE OF THE WESTERN MEDIA IN PORTRAYING

ARABS AND MUSLIMS
T he portrayal of Arabs
and Muslims varies by
media type but it is typically
stereotypical and negative,
although improving
especially in certain
prestigious news
organizations. Terrorism,
anti-Americanism and the
Iraq occupation dominate
TV news coverage of the
Middle East. There is an
expression in the US about
TV news: “If it bleeds, it
leads.” News directors will
lead news coverage with
terror attacks, anti-
American demonstrations,
and hostage images to
shock and engage jaded viewers.
In American movies, stereotypes of Arabs and Muslims have In the majority of movies
been common for 50 years. In the majority of movies that that include an Arab char-
include an Arab character, it is a negative portrayal. Arabs are acter, it is a negative por-
terrorists, bumbling wide-eyed extremists, rich businessmen- trayal. Arabs are terror-
sheiks, or crass neighbors and undesirable outsiders. In some ists, bumbling wide-eyed
cases in TV shows, they are depicted as seemingly ordinary extremists, rich business-
citizens but in quiet terrorist sleeper cells, waiting for an order to men-sheiks, or crass
strike or sabotage on American soil. neighbors and undesir-
In the past 30 years of thousands of TV show series, there have able outsiders. In some
been less than 10 characters who have been Arab-Americans. cases in TV shows, they
are depicted as seem-
In print, stereotypes are not so obvious, except in cartoon ingly ordinary citizens but
caricatures, but they still occur and anti-Muslim bias is more in quiet terrorist sleeper
insidious. The terms Islamic or Muslim are linked to extremism, cells, waiting for an order
to strike or sabotage on
American soil.
Page 31
ROLE OFTHE WESTERN MEDIA IN PORTRAYING ARABS AND MUSLIMS
militant, jihads as if they belonged together inextricably and naturally (Muslim extremist, Islamic
terror, Islamic war, Muslim time bomb). In many cases, the press talks and writes about Mus-
lims in ways that would not be acceptable if the reference were to Jewish, black or fundamen-
talist Christians.
Page 32
THE NATURE OF MUSLIM COMMUNITIES IN EUROPE AND THE US

The nature of Muslim Communities in Europe and the US
M uslim communities in Western

Europe are characterized by large
immigrant populations which are fairly
Western media organizations must see normal
Muslims in everyday life, as professionals, edu-
cators, parents, community leaders and partici-
homogenous ethnicities. Muslim pants. Heroic and human interest stories featur-
communities are largely Turkish in ing American, British and French Muslims must
Germany, North African in France, and increase.
Pakistani/Indian in the UK. This can lead
to ethic bigotry and ethnic stereotyping.
In the US, there is a heterogeneous Muslim population. About two thirds of the estimated 2-3
million American Muslims are immigrants or descendents of immigrants. The other one third
are African American converts to Islam along with smaller numbers of white American converts
and Hispanic Muslims. The largest Muslim communities are in Boston, New York City, Detroit,
Toledo, Chicago, Houston and Los Angeles. The Arab American community is about 40%
Muslim.
Until a few decades ago, American Muslims

were mostly invisible in the West. But the
Iranian revolution, hijackings, hostage taking,
9/11 were all events that raised the visibility of
Muslims in the West. Some saw these events
as signs of an Islamic threat or a clash of
civilizations, Islam versus the West. America’s
relationship with Muslims was seen within a
context of conflict and confrontation. Islam was
seen as a foreign religion, distinct from Judeo-
Christian tradition.
American Muslims as well as European

Muslims have been challenged to define their
place in western culture. They struggle with the
relationship of faith to national identity,
intermarriage, gender relationships, and
education. Muslims tend to fall outside the
American circle of pluralism.
Page 33
WHAT CAN BE DONE TO IMPROVE THE IMAGE

OF MUSLIMS AND ISLAM?
Build Consensus among Muslims
F irst and foremost there must be a consensus across the board between American Muslims
And European Muslims as to what the problems are and what best to do to affect change.
There is a real need to communicate a more balanced view of Islam in the West. Western
media organizations must see normal Muslims in everyday life, as professionals, educators,
parents, community leaders and participants. Heroic and human interest stories featuring
American, British and French Muslims must increase. American and European Muslims must
become more active in the media as professionals (cameramen, journalists, editors,
broadcasters). Muslims must call and write their local media when they see/hear erroneous or
bias reporting and shows. Interested donors from the West as well as in the Middle East and
Asia need to fund think tanks and lobbying groups to counter the anti-Muslim and anti-Arab
think tanks and talk show pundits.
Changing the Image
S ulayman Nyang, Director of

MAPS (Muslims in American
Public Square), asks “How do you
move from the basement to the
ground floor to the penthouse”? The
image of Muslims in the West is
tainted by the stereotypes which have
become all too familiar. Time and time
again these stereotypes are used to
portray Muslims throughout the media
because they are so recognizable.
Meyrav Wurmser, Director of Center
for Middle East at the Hudson
Institute, states that “American pop
culture has simplified it to its very
basic element of good versus evil.”
There are several areas where efforts
can be concentrated to help affect
change. There is a definite need for a
public relations campaign in order to
change what Sulayman Nyang refers
to as the “global negative Image.”
Page 34

OF MUSLIMS AND ISLAM
Academia
Laila Al Qatami, Communications Director, ADC (American-Arab Anti Discrimination

Committee) suggests endowing a chair at a strategic university, such as Harvard or Columbia.
“It is a great way to reach a lot of people and entrench yourself in academia and in academic
spheres.”
The Written Word
Supply proper information nationwide with objective materials to libraries; books written by
Christians like John Esposito, and by Jewish writers and so on. According to Nihad Awad,
CAIR, there is “a lack of good objective books about Islam. Many of the positive or balanced
books are not published by the biggest publishing houses. The libraries need sometimes an
organization to tell the librarian that the books contribute to the understanding of the leaders
and it’s a service. These books are not missionary or preachy type of books.”
Another excellent way to reach a large amount of people is to

“The media for whatever
create savvy intelligent websites that are informative, cover
reason is not interested in
serious issues and provide a resource for young and old and
the moderate voice. It is
to introduce a broader awareness.
important to create a bal-
The Spoken Word anced view in the media
rather than continuing with
Get the right spokespeople; hire the people that have contacts the stereotypical portrayal
with the media. Consider who is presenting the message. of Muslims.” Salam Al
Individual experts and those in academia who are Marayati
independent are sometimes best to present the message.
Speakers who are directly affiliated with a key organization will be, as John Esposito states,
“bringing all the baggage of the organization along.” The independent’s voice is just that, not
the voice of the organization and may well be better received. It is important to as Salam Al
Marayati, Muslim Public Affairs Council says, “bridge the gap” between Muslims who want to
talk about civil liberties and Americans who want to talk about national security.
Media
T here is a need to invest in Western media. Nihad Awad, CAIR, explains “Newspapers,
radio, television, all these venues are shaping the views and attitudes around the world.
So it’s very important to have presence. Not to influence, not to control, not to have monopoly,
but to be present, to be able to present it. Empowering their brothers and sisters in the world,
in the modern community because there are services that are available to Muslims and Arabs.”
Page 35

Salam Al Marayati, Muslim Public Affairs Council feels “the media for whatever reason is not
interested in the moderate voice.” It is important to create a balanced view in the media rather
than continuing with the stereotypical portrayal of Muslims.
The first thing to do according to Trevor Mostyn, Journalist, Expert Muslims are very dis-
of European Media Coverage, is “to always complain about bias united…they are very
coverage…to pick up the receiver and phone … it is a very impor- bad at lobbying. They
tant point…to telephone television and radio stations and com- feel that it is pointless
plain about any sort of bias coverage and secondly to write letters and they will not
to the press every time one feels something is being covered with achieve anything,
a bias.” Trevor Mostyn, Jour-
nalist, expert on Euro-
In addition to the above, Amir Hussain of California State, feels pean media coverage
that getting more Muslims involved on a grass roots level, such
as, cameramen and writers could have a great impact. Depicting
Muslims in day-to-day types of things will also help to eliminate the stereotypical images of
Muslims being portrayed as terrorists. A good example of this came from The Council on
American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) who launched a nationwide television and radio public ser-
vice announcement (PSA) campaign, called "I am an American Muslim," designed to help re-
duce anti-Muslim discrimination and stereotyping.
CAIR's 30 and 60-second PSAs feature American Muslims of European, African-American,

Hispanic, and Native American heritage. Each person in the spots states how they and their
families have served America and stereotyping. CAIR's 30 and 60-second PSAs feature
American Muslims of European, African-American, Hispanic, and Native American heritage.
Each person in the spots states how they and their families have served America and ends by
saying, "I am an American Muslim." Nihad Awad, CAIR’s Executive Director, said the PSAs are
a result of growing demand for accurate and objective informa-
tion about Islam and Muslims in America. 1
John Esposito, Georgetown University, Center for Muslim Chris-

tian Understanding, makes the following argument; “People ask
me, why don’t more Muslims speak out against terrorism and
what went on at 9/11 and what continues to go on. The fact is
Muslims do speak out. The fact is that MPAC had a major con-
ference in Long Branch a couple of months ago that I spoke at.
The whole thing was on terrorism and yet the next day, I had a
woman physician who is a Muslim, assistant professor at a
teaching hospital, write me in frustration – she heard me speak.
____________________________________
1
CAIR's 30 and 60-second, “I am an American Muslim” public service announcement
campaign.
Page 36
WHAT CAN BE DONE TO WHAT CAN BE DONE TO IMPROVE THE IMAGE

IMPROVE THE IMAGE OF
MUSLIMS
She AND is
said, Why ISLAM?
it that the media reports
that we don’t speak out, - here, we have a
John Esposito, Georgetown
major Muslim group, 1,000 people show up
University, Center for Mus-
at their convention and we don’t get major
lim Christian Understanding,
media coverage”. C-Span did run some of
makes the following argu-
it, but they did not get major media
ment; “People ask me, why
coverage. In fact, even in the California,
don’t more Muslims speak
Los Angeles papers, they didn’t get quite
out against terrorism and
the coverage. So you got the other side of
what went on at 9/11 and
it. In other words, you’ve got the way in
what continues to go on.
which Islam is often portrayed by equating
The fact is Muslims do
Islam too often with extremism and violence
speak out. The fact is that
rather than distinguishing as the President says, “between Islam and Muslim extremists.” But
you also have the other side of it which is the extent to which stories are not run or enough
stories on the Muslims who are really out there doing what needs to be done.”
Community
“Your greatest asset is your American Muslim community”, says Akbar Ahmed, Chairman of
Islamic Studies, American University. Mr. Ahmed feels that the Western Muslims can act as a
bridge between the West and the Muslim World. “They know the language and they know the
people and the culture.” There is a lack of presence in the West of the positive images of
Islam.
Nihad Awad, CAIR, suggests that supporting institutions and organizations is an important step
Western Muslims can take. “After 9/11 there was, and still there is, a great interest among
students, researchers, to learn about this religion.”
Trevor Mostyn thinks “one of the problems is with the Islamic Arab communities in Britain and
I’m sure it is true in America too. Muslims are very disunited…they are very bad at lobbying.
They feel that it is pointless and they will not achieve anything…they will become unpopular…
there is no excuse.…the Islamic and Arab community are very, very bad at lobbying in the way
that other ethnic groups are able to do it. They need to improve and change…they need to
behave with aggression. There are these huge marches against the war in Iraq…again…I think
the vast majority were whites and British people.”
Page 37
III. RESULTS OF PUBLIC OPINION SURVEYS

IN THE US AND WESTERN EUROPE
The following chapter contains a summary of the results of surveys taken in February, 2005
of the general public in the US, UK and France and in August, 2005 of the Netherlands and
Germany.
This was an internet based survey of 2420 individuals, with 1010 completed interviews in the
US, 351 in the UK and 350 in France, 356 in Netherlands, and 352 in Germany. The data
was collected from February 15-28, 2005 in the US, UK and France and from August 29-
September 8, 2005 in the Netherlands and Germany.
The study was conducted using random sampling from a opt-in multi-million person database
and was balanced for general population representation. Margin of error is +/- 3% with 95%
confidence level.
Page 38
Public Opinion Survey in the US and Western Europe
KEY FINDINGS
• For “Muslims who live outside my country”, and “Arab Muslims”, 3-10% more respondents
(depending on country) had a unfavorable opinion than for “Muslims in my country”
• 32% overall had a somewhat or very unfavorable opinion of Islam, 40% in Netherlands
(highest)
• Protestants and Catholics had the highest favorability ratings at approximately 40%
country”, but 5% less for “Muslims outside my country” and “Arab Muslims”
• Ignorance of and lack of empathy with Islam is widespread
• Half of the respondents say they have very little or no knowledge at all of Islam or
Arab Muslims, although only 20% of the Netherlands respondents indicated little
knowledge
• 76% said that “my religion and Islam are very different” or that they “do not know
enough to determine if their religion and Islam have a lot in common”
• 49% believe that Islam is more likely than other religions to encourage violence
• 38% believe that the US is fighting a war on Islam or both Islam and terrorism
• Muslims rated the lowest in overall favorability among various religious groups.
• 27% overall had a very or somewhat unfavorable opinion of “Muslims who live in-
side my country”
• 25% and 28% and 27% of UK, French and German respondents respec-
tively
• Most negative: Netherlands, 33% very or somewhat unfavorable
• Among those who had unfavorable opinions of Arab Muslims, the most common open
ended, unprompted sentiments included:
• “Arab Muslims are radical/violent/extremists/terrorists”
• “Religious zealots who have twisted their religion”
• “Anti-Semitic and closed minded”
Page 39
KEY FINDINGS
• “Treat women badly”
• “Do not like or trust them”
• Among those who had favorable or neutral opinions of Arab Muslims, the most common
open ended, unprompted sentiments included:
• “They are people just like everyone else and do not deserve discrimination”
• “Deserve to live how and believe in what they choose”
• “Generally good opinion”
• “A minority cause the problems”
• “Some are good and some are bad-I judge based on the individual”
• On a personal level, two thirds of respondents are comfortable with having a Arab Muslim
as a friend, interacting with their family, having them as neighbors.
• Media is influential in shaping Perception of Arab Muslims
• TV documentaries and news are the most influential media in influencing feelings
about Arab Muslims, followed by newspapers
• Each of the other media outlets, such as books, magazines, movies, Websites have
half the influence of TV
• A quarter of the all respondents read or watch TV regarding Islam and Muslims at
least 1 or more times a week, mostly news about the war on terror and in Iraq
• About 37% have very limited exposure to news and information about Islam and
Muslims (once every 2 months or more or never in the past year)
• Nearly three quarters of the respondents believe that the media depicts Arab Mus-
lims and Islam accurately only half of the time, not often or never
• As important in shaping feelings, is a personal experience with Arab Muslims, their reli-
gious beliefs and their education
• Only a quarter of the US and UK respondents have Arab Muslims friends, col-
leagues or family members; the German and Dutch respondents slightly more;
(versus 59% of the French) and a very small percentage have ever participated in
an Islamic activity (such as Ramadan)
Page 40
KEY FINDINGS
• A quarter of the respondents believe that all or most Arab Muslims are anti-American, but
only 9% believe that all or most Arab Muslims favor terrorism
• Only 17% believe that all or most Arab Muslims favor modernity and only 6% believe that
they are in favor of equal rights for women
• The countries most favorably viewed included: Egypt, Morocco, Turkey and Kuwait. Most
disliked were: Iran, Syria, Libya, Afghanistan, and Saudi Arabia
• Recommendations on Improving Perception of Arab Muslims and Islam
• Increased education and communication
• More media balance and more positive coverage, not just negatives
• Less religious zealotry by radical Muslims-return to peaceful teachings
• Reduction in terrorism
• Increased interaction, more acceptance of other religions
• Government leaders should restrain their extremists and refuse to condone violent
behavior
Page 41
Detailed Findings: Attitudes about

Religious Groups, Islam and Muslims
country”
• Enjoyed a 5% higher favorability rating than Muslims outside the country and Arab Muslims
• 27% overall had a very or somewhat unfavorable opinion of “Muslims who live inside my
country” (versus 30% unfavorable for Muslims outside the country or Arab Muslims (34%)
• Little difference in percentages between respondent countries, except in Netherlands,

which has a higher unfavorable percentage and where there was little distinction in unfa-
vorable ratings between Muslims in or out of country or Arab Muslims
Overall Opinion of Muslims who live inside my Country
“Now thinking about some specific religious groups... What is your overall opinion of”:
Page 42
Overall Opinion of Muslims who live outside my Country
• 15% of respondents had a very or mostly favorable opinion of “Muslims who live outside
my country”
• 30% overall had a very or somewhat unfavorable opinion
• 21% and 28% of UK and French respondents respectively-unfavorable
• 29% of Netherlands and German respondents held unfavorable opinions
Page 43
Importance of Religion and Opinions of Various Religious Groups
• Religion is much more important in American’s lives (68% say very or somewhat important)
than in Europe (range of 27-31% across countries)
• Protestants, Catholics, Jews have the highest favorability ratings at approximately 35-40%
of respondents
• The middle tier of favorable ratings include Evangelical Christians, Atheists and the non-
religious. (25-30%)
• Muslims rated the lowest in favorability among various religious groups, at 14-20%
• A higher percentage (by 10-15%) of Americans rated Jews, Evangelical Christians, and
Protestants higher than the European respondents. Americans rated atheists and the non-
religious lower than the British and the French. (10-20% fewer).
Page 44
Violence and Religion
• Nearly 60% of all respondents agree with the statement that “some religions are more likely
than others to encourage violence.”
• About 25% believe that “religions are all about the same in this regard.”
• The French respondents were unique among respondent countries in that an equal per-
centage felt that “some religions are more likely than others to encourage violence” and
that “religions are all about the same in this regard.”
• 46% overall believe that the Islam religion is more likely than others to encourage violence.
An even greater percentage of Germans and Dutch respondents agreed. (55%). A smaller
percentage of the French agreed
“Tell me whether the FIRST statement or the SECOND statement comes closer to your
own views even if neither is exactly right.”
Page 45
Knowledge of Islam and its Commonality with other Religions
• Just over half of the respondents across all countries said that they have a great deal or
some knowledge of Islam. The other half said that they know very little or nothing at all.
Netherlands and German respondents indicated that they had more knowledge about Is-
lam than the other country groups.
• 22% said that their religion and Islam have a lot in common.
• US and UK respondents were much less likely to think that their religion and Islam have a
lot in common than those in The Netherlands, Germany and France.
• Twice as many said that their religion and Islam are very different.
• Respondents knowledge of Arab Muslims, was also limited, with half saying that they had
very little or no knowledge at all of Arab Muslims. Dutch respondents indicated a slightly
higher knowledge level as a group.
“How much would you say you know about the Muslim religion (Islam) and its prac-
tices?”
Page 46
Knowledge of Islam and its Commonality with other Religions
“Do you think that the Muslim religion (Islam) and your own religion have a lot in com-
mon?”
General Opinion of Islam
• 16% of all respondents had a very or somewhat favorable opinion of Islam, a consistent
proportion across all three countries.
• However, 32% had a very or somewhat unfavorable opinion of Islam.
• A higher percentage of Netherlands and US respondents had an unfavorable opinion than

in Germany, UK and France.
Page 47
War on Terrorism or Islam?
• 59% of American respondents feels that the US is fighting a war on terrorism versus only
5% who believe that it is a war against Islam.
• A smaller percentage of European respondents (28-46%) believe that the US is fighting a

war on terror. 10% believe that it is a war on Islam.
“Do you feel that the United States is fighting a war on terrorism or a war against Islam
(the religion followed by Muslims)”?
Page 48
ATTITUDES ABOUT ARABS AND MUSLIMS

Knowledge of Arabs (Middle Eastern)
• 47% of all respondents have a great deal or some knowledge of Arabs
• 42% said they knew very little or nothing at all about Arabs
• Dutch respondents, percentage-wise, had a higher level of knowledge than those in other
countries
“How much would you say you know about Arabs (Middle Eastern, Arabic speaking de-
scent) and their culture?”
Page 49
Read publications, Viewed Websites, or Watched TV Regarding Muslims or Islam
• A quarter of the all respondents read or watch TV regarding Islam and Muslims at least 1
or more times a week, mostly news about the war on terror and in Iraq
• Another quarter of all respondents read or watch Islam-related content 1-2 times a month
• 37% have very limited exposure to news and information about Islam and Muslims (once
every 2 months or more or never in the past year)
• Of all the respondent countries, German respondents were the most exposed to Islam and
Muslim content and French respondents were the least exposed.
Accuracy of Media’s Depiction of Arab Muslims and Islam
• Nearly three quarters of the respondents believe that the media depicts Arab Muslims and
Islam accurately only half of the time, not often or never.
“How often does the media accurately depict Islam and Muslims?”
Page 50
Personal Influences on Feelings about Arab Muslims
• There are a variety of equally important influences on feelings about Arab Muslims includ-
ing:
• Personal experience
• What they have seen on TV or read in the newspaper
• Religious beliefs
• Education
• Views of friends (lesser influence)
“Rate the following influences on how they have affected your feelings about Arab Mus-
lims?“ (Use a scale of 1-5 with 1 being very strong influence and 5 being no influence).”
Page 51
Exposure to Islam and Arab Muslims
• French respondents were twice as likely (59%) to have Arab friends, colleagues or family
members as were US (24%) or UK (28%) respondents.
• 38% of Germany and Netherlands respondents have Arab friends, colleagues or family
members.
• A very small percentage (3-10%) in any country have participated in an Islamic activity
(such as Ramadan) or community activities like fund-raising, organized by Arab Muslims
• 60% of the US and UK respondents had no personal experience with Arab Muslims in the
past 2 years, twice the percentage as the French
“In the past 2 years, what exposure, if any, have you had to Islam and Arab Muslims
(Middle Eastern descent-followers of Islam)? (Select all that apply)”
Page 52
Personal Experience with Arab Muslims
• While as many as one third of Americans and British respondents have not had a personal
experience with an Arab Muslim, about a quarter of them have had very or somewhat posi-
tive experiences overall (43% for France, 39% and 36% for Germany and Netherlands, re-
spectively.
• Small percentage (13%) have had a very or somewhat negative experience.
DETAILED FINDINGS: WESTERN PUBLIC PERCEPTIONS OF

ARABS MUSLIM BELIEFS AND VALUES
What do most Arab Muslims Believe?
• Overall, a quarter of the respondents believe that all or most Arab Muslims are anti-
American. Only 20% of Americans believe that, but a greater percentage of Europeans be-
lieve that most Arab Muslims are anti-American.
• 18% of the respondents believe that all or most Arab Muslims are in favor of modern val-
ues and lifestyles. A greater percentage of French respondents (28%) believe that.
• Only 7% of the respondents overall believe that all or most Arab Muslims are in favor of
equal rights for women.
• Only 9% of the respondents believe that all or most Arab Muslims are in favor of terrorists.
• A quarter of the respondents believe that “ just a few” are pro-terrorist.
Page 53
Perceptions of Arab Muslims in their own Country
• Relative to Arab Muslims in their own country, just over half of all respondents believe that
most Arab Muslims disagree with terrorist and militant methods.
• Half of the American respondents believe that Arab Muslims share common beliefs and
values with other citizens in the US and fit in well with their community, whereas a smaller
percentage (10-20% less depending on the country) of the European respondents felt that
way.
• Only 25% of respondents felt that Arab Muslims in their country support equal rights for
women. German respondents had the lowest percentage (14%) of any country regarding
Arab Muslim support for equal rights for women.
Page 54
Terms Associated with Islam and Arab Muslims
• The terms most associated with Islam and Arab Muslims are: “mosques”, “a veiled
women”, “devote observers of their faith” (67-78% of respondents indicating association)
• A second tier of terms included: “terrorists”, “imam or holy man”, “bearded man with turban/
robe”, “oil” (39-51% of respondents indicating association)
• The least associated groups of terms included: “pro-American”, “pro-democracy”, “pro-

women”, “pro-modernity”.
Page 55
Perceptions of Middle Eastern Counties and Interest in Visiting
• Countries most favorable viewed by respondents include (in order of favorability): Egypt,
Turkey, Morocco, Dubai, Kuwait
• French respondents had a more favorable view overall than the US and UK respondents of
Egypt, Turkey, Tunisia, Morocco, and Lebanon
• British respondents liked Dubai, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia more than the Americans or
French did
• Americans overall had a more favorable view of Afghanistan than the French or British did
• Countries viewed most unfavorably included (in order of most unfavorably viewed): Iran,
Libya, Syria, and Yemen
Page 56
Countries Desired to Visit
• Respondents were given a list of Islamic countries and asked which ones that they would
like to visit. Egypt, Morocco, Turkey, Malaysia, Dubai and Tunisia received the most men-
tions for places desired to visit. The primary reasons for visiting included (in order of # of
mentions):
• Architecture/historical/archeological sites
• History/ancient history
• Culture/people
• Sounds good/great/interesting
• Scenery/beautiful place
• Have been there before/have family/friends there
• Sightseeing
Page 57
How to improve the perception of Arab Muslims
Respondents were asked “How to improve the perception of Arab Muslims in your coun-
try” and these open ended, unaided answers were coded for commonality. Most mentioned
responses included:
• Increased education/communication
• Increased interaction/more accepting of other religions/the rest of the world
• Media should balance/focus more on the positives/not just the negatives
• Treat everyone as equal/less prejudice based on ethnicity/religion
• Less religious zealotry/go back to peaceful teachings of religion
• Reduction in violence/anger/terrorism
• Government/leaders should restrain their extremists/refuse to condone violent be-

havior
Page 58
Secondary Public Opinion Polls
IV. SECONDARY PUBLIC OPINION POLLS

Secondary Third Party Survey Research
A Summary of National Polls
Communique Partners ran an extensive 3 month research investigation of creditable studies

and national polls that have been conducted between 2002 and 2005. We have included
these studies in the following summaries which were conducted by the following research
firms:
• The Pew Research Center for the People & the Press
• USA Today
• Cornell
• Gallup polls
• Zogby International
• CAIR (Council on American-Islamic Relations)
• The Muslim Association of Brittan
These research firms bear no responsibility for the analyses or interpretations of the data
presented here.
Page 59
PEW RESEACH CENTER
Plurality Sees Islam as More Likely to Encourage Violence
VIEWS OF ISLAM REMAIN SHARPLY DIVIDED

The US nationwide telephone survey of 2,009 adults, 18 years of age or older, conducted July 2004 by the Pew
Research Center for the People & the Press and the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life.
D espite the U.S. war in Iraq and the continuing threat of terrorism at home, public attitudes
toward Islam have remained stable over the past year. Roughly four-in-ten Americans
(39%) say they have a favorable impression of Islam, while about as many (37%) say they
have an unfavorable view. The balance of opinion has not changed substantially in the past
year (40% favorable in July 2003).
• A plurality of Americans (46%) believes

that Islam is more likely than other relig-
ions to encourage violence among its
believers, while 37% say Islam does not
encourage violence more than other re-
ligions. This measure also is substan-
tially unchanged from last year, when
44% felt Islam was more likely to en-
courage violence. But the 2003 figure
represented a substantial increase over
the 25% who expressed this view in
March 2002.
• Also finds a small decrease over the

past year in perceptions of anti-
Americanism among Muslims around
the world. A slim 44% plurality believes
that “just a few” or “some” Muslims are
anti-American. That compares with 42%
who say that “about half” (19%), “most,”
or “almost all” (23%) Muslims around the
world are anti-American. In July 2003,
49% said about half or more Muslims
worldwide were anti-American. In March
2002, 36% expressed that view.
Page 60
Plurality Sees Islam as More Likely to Encourage Violence /

VIEWS OF ISLAM REMAIN SHARPLY DIVIDED
A mong religious groups, seculars by two-

to-one express a favorable opinion of
Islam (50%-25%). A plurality of white
Catholics also has a positive impression
of Islam (43% fav/34% unfav). But white
evangelical Protestants, on balance,
have a negative opinion of Islam (46%
unfav/29% fav). And more than half of
white evangelicals who attend church at
least once a week have an unfavorable
impression of Islam.
Gaps Persist in Views of Islam
• There continue to be significant

demographic and political differences in
public opinion toward Islam. On balance,
younger Americans, those under age 30,
hold a more favorable view of Islam;
older age groups are divided, with a
relatively large minority of those ages 65
and older expressing no opinion (39%).
• Among religious groups, seculars by

two-tone express a favorable opinion of
Islam (50%-25%). A plurality of white
Catholics also has a positive impression
of Islam (43% fav/34% unfav). But white
evangelical Protestants, on balance,
have a negative opinion of Islam (46%
unfav/29% fav). And more than half of
white evangelicals who attend church at
least once a week have an unfavorable
impression of Islam.
For a full report of this study, go to:
http://pewforum.org/publications/surveys/islam.pdf
Page 61
PEW RESEACH CENTER
Religion and Politics: Contention and Consensus

Growing Number Says Islam Encourages Violence Among Followers
Results for the US survey are based on telephone interviews conducted under the direction of Princeton Survey
Research Associates among a nationwide sample of 2,002 adults, 18 years of age or older, during the period June
24 - July 8, 2003
Y et growing views of Islam as a religion that encourages violence have not resulted in a
significant change in American views of Muslims, Muslim-Americans, or even of Islam in
general. A narrow majority of the public (51%) has
a favorable view of Muslim-Americans, and only
24% have an unfavorable view (25% have no
opinion). This is about the same rating as last year
(54% favorable), but down from the 59% rating in
a November 2001 poll, just a few months after
9/11.
• Unfavorable ratings for Muslim-Americans

have inched upward over this same time
period from 17% soon after the attacks to
24% today. But Muslim-Americans remain
slightly better regarded now than they were
before 9/11; in March 2001, 45% had a
favorable opinion of Muslim-Americans.
• Opinions are slightly less favorable of Muslims

who are not identified as Americans: 47%
favorable, 31% unfavorable. Neither measure
has changed significantly since last year.
Ratings of the Islamic faith remain lower than
ratings for Muslims. In spite of the growing
sense that Islam is a religion that encourages
violence, however, general perceptions of Islam have not changed. Four-in-ten have a
favorable impression of the religion, while 34% have an unfavorable opinion (26% have no
opinion), virtually unchanged from 15 months ago.
Page 62

A s has been true in previous years, Muslims are less popular than people of other reli-
gious faiths but more popular than atheists. Muslim-Americans and Muslims are seen
less favorably than Jews (72% favorable), Protestants (70%), and Catholics (69%), and
slightly below evangelical Christians (58% favorable, 18% unfavorable). "People who
aren't religious" receive favorable ratings similar to Muslims (50%), but the public has a
more unfavorable view of the non-religious (33% unfavorable). Majorities of the public
continue to give atheists an unfavorable rating: 52%, compared with 34% favorable.
Views of each of these groups have changed very little since March 2002.
• Somewhat fewer people now than last year say that Islam and their own religion have a
lot in common: 22% this year, compared with 27% in March 2002 and 31% in November
of 2001. Catholics have changed the most on this measure, with 14% fewer saying their
religion has a lot in common with Islam. Evangelicals and mainline Protestants have
changed very little. Overall, far more among the college educated than the less educated
see commonality between Islam and their religion, and the views of the college educated
have changed very little since last year.
http://people-press.org/reports/display.php3?ReportID=189
Page 63
PEW RESEACH CENTER
Americans Struggle with Religion's Role at Home and Abroad

Results for the survey are based on US telephone interviews conducted under the direction of Princeton Survey
Research Associates among a nationwide sample of 2,002 adults, 18 years of age or older, during the period
February 25 - March 10, 2002
Young Most Aware of Islam
F ew Americans feel they know a lot about the Muslim religion.

Roughly two-thirds of Americans (65%) say they know little or
nothing about Islam and its practices, while just 5% say they
know a great deal about the religion. This is virtually identical
to how Americans felt in mid-November 2001. While just 34%
say they know a great deal or some about Islam, nearly half
(47%) knew that Muslims use the term "Allah" to refer to God
and nearly as many (43%) know that the Islamic equivalent to
the Bible is the "Koran."
• Young people tend to be more knowledgeable about Islam

than their elders. Among those under age 30, 56% can
identify Allah as the
correct answer, compared with 35% of those ages 65
and older. Overall, more than half of seniors (56%)
could answer neither question correctly, compared with
just 37% of those under age 30.
Knowledgeable, Still Wary
• Americans who are familiar with basic aspects of

the Muslim faith those who can correctly identify the
Koran and Allah rate Muslims and Islam far more
favorably than those who know little or nothing about
Islam. And people who are familiar with Islam are
almost three times as likely as those who know little or
nothing (41% vs. 15%) to think the Muslim faith has a
lot in common with their own religion.
Yet knowledge of Islam does not necessarily lead

people to believe there is less anti-American hostility
among Muslims or that Islam is no more violent than
other religions.
Page 64
A mericans who know rudimentary facts about Islam are, if anything, more likely to see anti-
American sentiment among half or more Muslims around the world. And as to whether
some religions or Islam are more likely to encourage violence among believers, familiarity with
the religion has no effect on people's evaluations.
Religion in America
In the aftermath of Sept. 11, Americans viewed the country

in a new light. Not only did broad measures of patriotism,
confidence in government, and concern about the safety of
friends and family rise, but the vast majority saw religion
playing a significantly greater role in American life. In a mid-
November Pew Research Center/Pew Forum on Religion
and Public Life poll, fully 78% said the influence of religion
on American life was increasing, a figure that decreased
only slightly (to 71%) in a December Gallup poll.
But this perception was relatively short-lived, and now, six

months after the attacks, the public's view of religion's influ-
ence on American life has returned to pre-Sept. 11 levels.
Today, just 37% see the influence of religion increasing in
America, while 52% say it is in decline. This finding mirrors
results from similar Pew Research Center polls in recent
years, including one in the spring of 2001, which was con-
ducted with the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life.
http://people-press.org/reports/display.php3?PageID=387
Page 65
PEW RESEACH CENTER
Views of a Changing World 2003

War With Iraq Further Divides Global Publics
The Pew Global Attitudes Project surveyed - 16,000 people in 20 countries and the Palestinian Authority in May,
2003 and more than 38,000 people in 44 nations in 2002 (it covers attitudes on globalization, democratization and
the role of Islam in governance and society). The exact mythology of each country is referenced at the end of the full
report.
Role of Islam in Political Life
M ajority of Muslim in nine nations favor a

large role for Islam in the political life of
their countries. This view is common both in
countries where Muslims are the overwhelming
majority of the population (Pakistan, Jordan,
Indonesia, Bangladesh and Mali) as well as
where Muslims make up a minority (Uganda,
Ivory Coast and Nigeria).
In four other nations (Lebanon, Turkey,

Senegal, and Uzbekistan), opinion is split over
whether Islam’s role in political life should be
large or small.
Attitudes on Islam’s proper position in political

life can be understood in the context of how
many people perceive its current role. For
example, most Indonesian Muslims are
satisfied with what they see as a high level of
Islamic influence in politics. Fully 86% say
Islam plays a very or fairly large role in the
political life of their country, and 82% think it
should play a substantial role. In Pakistan,
Uganda, Jordan, and Bangladesh many Muslims want to see Islam play a greater role than
they think it currently does.
Page 66

Democracy Favored Over Strong Leader
M uslim publics clearly favor democratic government over a strong autocratic leader. In
general, there is greater support over democratic government in the Muslim countries
surveyed than there is in much of Eastern Europe. The clear exceptions are Jordan, and Uz-
bekistan, two countries with very strong leaders, and Nigeria.
In that regard, the preference of Muslims in Uzbekistan for a strong leader fit the pattern of
publics in the former Soviet Union. Nearly six-in-ten Muslim respondents in Uzbekistan (58%)
favor a strong leader of a democratic government, which is consistent with results in Russia
and Ukraine, where two-thirds believe their na-
tion should rely on a leader with a strong hand
to solve their nation’s problems. In Jordan, a
monarchy limited parliament, Muslims are di-
vided, with half favoring a strong leader.
http://people-press.org/reports/display.php3?ReportID=185
Page 67
Overall Opinion of Arab Muslims
• Overall opinion of Arab Muslims is very similar to opinion about Muslims in general
• 15% of respondents had a very or mostly favorable overall opinion of “Arab Muslims
(Middle Easter descent)”
• 33% overall had a very or somewhat unfavorable opinion
• Fairly consistent percentages across countries, except in UK, where only 26% had unfavor-
able opinions
Interaction Comfort Level with Arab Muslims
• About two thirds of all respondents are very or somewhat comfortable in personal dealings
with Arab Muslims, including friendship, family and workplace interactions or having them
as neighbors
• A somewhat smaller percentage feel comfortable having a family member marry an Arab
Muslim (46%)
• A higher percentage (10-15% higher) of French respondents are comfortable, relative to

those in the US, UK and Netherlands. A lower percentage of Germany respondents (5-
15%) are comfortable with Arab Muslims in these various interactions.
“Indicate your comfort level with the following situations interacting with Arab Mus-
lims”:
Page 68
The perceived difference between Arab Muslims and non-Arab Muslims
• 60% of respondents didn’t know the difference or indicated that there is no difference
• About 15% indicated that Arab Muslims are more radical, angry and violent, as well as be-
ing radical zealots who have twisted their religion
• About 17% indicated that the differences include religion, geographic location and national-
ity, and cultures
DETAILED FINDINGS: INFLUENCES ON PERCEPTION, ROLE OF THE MEDIA

Media Influences on feelings about Arab Muslims
• TV documentaries and news are the most influential media, followed by newspapers
• Each of the other media outlets, such as books, magazines, movies, Websites have half
the influence of TV
“Rate the following influences on how they have affected your feelings about Arab Mus-
lims (followers of Islam)? (Use a scale of 1-5 with 1 being very strong influence and 5
being no influence)”
Page 69
PEW RESEACH CENTER
A Year After Iraq War
Mistrust of America in Europe Ever Higher, Muslim Anger Persists

Surveys for the Pew Global Attitudes Project were conducted February 19-March 3, 2004 in nine nations under the
direction of Princeton Survey Research Associates International. Telephone interviews were conducted among a
nationwide, representative sample of 1,000 adults, 18 years of age or older, in the United States, 500 in Great
Britain, 504 in France, and 500 in Germany. Face-to-face interviews were conducted among a nation-wide
representative sample of 1,000 adults in Jordan, 1,002 in Russia, and 1,017 in Turkey. The sample in Morocco
(N=1,000, ages 18-59) was exclusively urban, and the Pakistani sample (N=1,242) was predominantly urban.
Face-to-face interviews were conducted in both nations.
U.S. Image Still Poor
A merica's image abroad remains negative in most

nations, though it has improved somewhat in
Russia, Turkey, and Pakistan. Vast majorities in
predominantly Muslim countries continue to hold
unfavorable opinions of the U.S, though the intensity of
anti-American views has moderated.
Majorities in the Muslim nations surveyed hold negative

views of the United States, though opinion has softened.
In all four of these nations, fewer respondents hold very
unfavorable opinions of the U.S. now than did so last
year. For example, 45% in Turkey now hold a very
unfavorable opinion of the U.S., down from 68% last May.
There have been comparable declines in intense dislike
of the U.S. in Pakistan and Jordan. Strong dislike of the
U.S. moderated in Morocco as well, though not as much
as in the other Muslim nations surveyed.
An important factor in world opinion about America is the

perception that the U.S. acts internationally without taking
account of the interests of other nations. Large majorities
in every nation surveyed (except the U.S.) believe that
America pays little or no attention to their country's
interests in making its foreign policy decisions. This
opinion is most prevalent in France (84%), Turkey (79%)
and Jordan (77%), but even in Great Britain 61% say the
U.S. pays little or no attention to British interests.
Page 70
M ideast Sympathies
The nine countries surveyed fall into three main groups when it comes to opinion about
the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. In the United States, there is significantly
more sympathy for Israel than for the Palestinians – by a margin of roughly four-to-one (46%
vs. 12%). This has been the case fairly consistently over the past decade.
In Russia, Germany, Great Britain and France, public opinion is much more divided, with a
large proportion sympathizing with neither side. In Russia, 23% side with Israel, 14% with the
Palestinians and a plurality of 34% say they sympathize with neither side. Sympathy for the
Palestinian position has declined somewhat among the French. Two years ago, 36% sided
with the Palestinians in the conflict. Today 28% do, while support for Israel has remained un-
changed. German and British attitudes on the conflict have remained largely unchanged from
two years ago.
In the predominantly Muslim nations surveyed, peo-

ple side with the Palestinians over Israel by lop-sided
margins. In Pakistan, Jordan and Morocco, virtually
no one sides with Israel. Opinion in Turkey is some-
what less uniform, though people sympathize with
the Palestinians by about ten-to-one (63%-6%); 16%
of Turks say they sympathize with neither side in the
conflict.
http://people-press.org/reports/display.php3?PageID=795
Page 71
USA TODAY
Great divide splits U.S., Islamic cultures, poll finds
USA TODAY/CNN/Gallup Poll of 863 adults conducted Friday-Sunday – updated 03/04/2002 . The 2002 Gallup Poll
of the Islamic World. Number sampled in each country: Pakistan 2,043; Iran 1,501; Indonesia 1,050; Turkey 1,019;
Lebanon 1,010; Morocco 1,000; Kuwait 790; Jordan 757; Saudi Arabia 754.
In the USA TODAY Poll conducted Friday-Sunday in early 2002, four in five Americans said
the antipathy stems from misinformation about U.S. policies toward Muslim countries and
Americans' freedoms, moral standards and family values.
• Although most Americans view their own country as trustworthy, friendly, caring about
poorer nations and respectful of Islamic values, huge majorities in Muslim countries
take the opposite view.
• And though most Americans see U.S. policy on Israel-Palestine relations as fair,
majorities in Muslim nations say it's tipped too heavily toward Israel.
Among the findings:
When do you think a better understand- • Nine in 10 Americans say groups of Arabs carried
ing between Western countries and out the attacks on the World Trade Center and
Muslim countries will occur?
Pentagon. Solid majorities in Islamic nations don't
believe that.
Very soon Never
USA 3% 19% • More than six in 10 Americans say U.S. military

action in Afghanistan is totally justified, compared with
Iran 10% 21%
fewer than one in 10 in most Muslim countries.
Jordan 6% 47%
Kuwait 5% 22%
• Only one in four Americans has a favorable
opinion of Muslim countries. That's roughly the same
Lebanon 5% 40%
percentage of the Islamic countries' residents who
Pakistan 6% 14% look favorably on the United States.
Saudi Arabia 11% 28%
• Two in three Americans say Muslim countries
Turkey 5% 15% would be better off if they adopted U.S. and Western
values. Fewer than one in three residents of most
Muslim countries agree.
Page 72
A bout the only area of agreement: broad pessimism about the chances for better under-
standing between Western and Muslim cultures. Even there, however, Arab Islamic na-
tions are more pessimistic than non-Arab Islamic nations.
James Zogby of the Arab American Institute calls these contrasts "gaps in perception and gaps
in compassion" that result from the two groups looking at each other through "distorted
prisms." "We feel our pain and don't feel theirs. They feel their own pain and don't feel ours,"
he says.
However, more than three of four Americans say Muslim views of American culture and poli-
cies are shaped by misinformation being disseminated by their governments and their media.
Do you think these statements apply to the United States?

Respondents who said "yes."
Cares about
Provoked
Trustworthy Friendly poor na-
easily
tions
USA 82% 92% 25% 78%
Iran 2% 1% 55% 10%
Jordan 5% 9% 57% 14%
Kuwait 7% 14% 55% 15%
Pakistan 1% 2% 59% 20%
Lebanon 5% 5% 62% 22%
Saudi Ara-
3% 3% 43% 15%
bia
17% 13% 20% 18%

Turkey
http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2002/03/05/poll.htm
Page 73
CORNELL UNIVERSITY
MSRG Special Report: Restrictions on Civil Liberties, Views of Islam, & Muslim
Americans December 2004
This report is a summary of the key findings from the 2004 national omnibus survey of public opinion and media
use, conducted by the Communication 282 Industry Research Methods class in the Department of Communication
located at Cornell University. The Communication Omnibus Survey is an annual survey of citizens within the
continental United States who are at least 18 years of age and eligible to vote.
I n November, 2004 37% of respondents believe a terrorist attack within the next 12
months is likely, compared to 90% in November 2002.
• Twice as many respondents who pay a high level of attention to TV news (18%) feel
personally in danger from a terrorist attack, as compared to respondents who pay a low
level of attention to TV news (9%).
• Nearly half (47%) of respondents support greater power for the government to monitor
Internet activities, while nearly two-thirds (63%) agree that the government should be
able to detain indefinitely suspected terrorists.
• Christians with a high level of religiosity are almost twice as likely to agree that the
government should have more power to monitor Internet activities (61%), that the
government should outlaw some un-American actions (43%), and that the media
should not report criticisms of the government in times of crisis (44%), when compared
to respondents with a lower level of religiosity.
• One-quarter (27%) of Respondents who pay a high level of attention to television news about
respondents believe national politics and the War on Terror are more likely (43% vs. 31%) to
that Islamic values are believe that a terrorist attack will occur in the next 12 months than those
who pay low attention to television news. Similarly, viewers who report high
similar to Christian
or moderate attention to television news are twice as likely to feel person-
values. ally in danger from a terrorist attack.
• Nearly half (47%) of Likelihood & Danger of Terrorist Attack by Level of At-
respondents believe tention to TV News (% Agree)
that Islam is more
likely to encourage
violence compared to
other religions. That
percentage rises to
sixty-five percent
among highly religious
respondents.
Page 74
MSRG Special Report: Restrictions on Civil Liberties,

Views of Islam, & Muslim Americans December 2004
N early half (44%) of all respondents agree that at least one form of restriction should be
placed on Muslim American civil liberties.
• Forty-two percent of highly religious respondents believe that Muslim Americans should
register their whereabouts with the federal government.
Two basic questions regarding Islam, a) whether the respondent knew what name Mus-
lims use to refer to God (Allah), and b) whether the respondent knew the name of the
Islamic equivalent to the Bible (Koran).
American Knowledge About Islam:

Number of Questions Answered Correctly
http://www.comm.cornell.edu/msrg/report1a.pdf
Page 75
GALLOP POLLS
Survey finds American distrust of Muslim world

US telephone survey among a nationally representative sample of 863 adults, 18 years of age or older, conducted
March 2002 by the Gallup for Cable News Network and USA Today.
T he poll of 863 adults conducted March 2002 comes in the wake of a similar survey of nine
Muslim nations that found widespread disapproval of the United States (the two polls are
virtual mirrors in their results).
About one quarter of Americans surveyed have a favorable view of Muslim nations and more
than two-thirds believe those countries would be better off if they adopted Western values,
according to a new CNN/USA Today/Gallup poll.
• Most Americans surveyed said they believe Muslims don't respect Western values, and
residents of such countries said the United States does not respect Islamic culture.
• In this latest poll, conducted March 1-3, just under one-third of Americans surveyed
said they believe all or most people in Muslim countries admire Osama bin Laden, and
one-third said they believe Islam promotes more violence than other religions
worldwide.
• Seventy-one percent of those surveyed said they believe people in Muslim countries
think the United States is at war with the Muslim world; only 34 percent of these
Americans said they believe that is the case.
• Of those surveyed, 24 percent had favorable opinions of Muslim nations; 41 percent

had negative opinions.
• When asked what they believe people in Muslim countries think of the United States,
82 percent of the Americans surveyed thought Muslim's opinions would be unfavorable,
compared with 9 percent who thought their opinions would be favorable.
• When asked why they thought those opinions were unfavorable, 78 percent blamed
misinformation while 11 percent blamed U.S. actions.
• Twenty-four percent said Muslims' opinions did not matter much to them, and 23
percent said they had no interest at all in Muslims' opinions.
• Forty-one percent of those surveyed said they knew a moderate amount about Muslim
countries, while 56 percent said they knew little or nothing at all.
• The study found that 77 percent of respondents believed the U.S. military action in
Afghanistan was morally justified; only 12 percent found it unjustified.

http://archives.cnn.com/2002/US/03/04/u.s.muslim.poll/
Page 76
ZOGBY INTERNATIONAL
American Muslim Poll 2004
MUSLIMS IN THE AMERICAN PUBLIC SQUARE: Shifting Political Winds & Fallout from
9/11, Afghanistan, and Iraq
Zogby International conducted interviews of 1,846 persons, 18 years and old, nationwide who identify themselves
as Muslim. From Thursday, August 5 to Wednesday, September 15, 2004, phone interviews were conducted.
A merican Muslims are at a political and social crossroads at the end of 2004. In a few short
years, they have undergone massive political shifts, and have become a relevant part of
the political landscape. If one looks at American Muslims ca. 2000, and then ca. 2004, without
an understanding of the events that have occurred in that four-year span, such a sea change
has occurred for this group that any political observer would be stunned.
Muslims on U.S. Foreign Policy in the Mideast
If you had to choose ONE of the following ways to wage the war against terrorism,
which would you choose?
• Respondents overwhelmingly say they would fight the war on terror by changing U.S.
policy in the Mideast (76%). No other answer gained more than 2%, and most were
less than 1%.
Changing America’s Middle East policy 76% Contracting with mercenaries 1%

Using U.S. Military Covert/Special Forces 2% U.S. Air Force bombing 1%
Use of strategic nuclear weapons 1% Biological warfare 1%
Attacking Iran 1% None of the above/Other 11%
Do you agree or disagree that…? Muslims on U.S. Foreign Policy in the Mideast
• There is widespread support for the U.S. backing a Palestinian state, with eight-in-nine (87%) agreeing
with that premise.
• Muslims also overwhelmingly support the notion that the U.S. must deal with social, economic and political
inequalities around the world to defeat terrorism (87%), though 7% disagree.
Page 77
American Muslim Poll 2004 / MUSLIMS IN THE AMERICAN PUBLIC SQUARE:

Shifting Political Winds & Fallout from 9/11, Afghanistan, and Iraq
• A reduction in U.S. support for Israel is supported by four-in-five American Muslims

(80%).
• Two-thirds (66%) of American Muslims agree that the U.S. should reduce its support of
undemocratic regimes in the Muslim world.
The Portrayal of Muslims On-Screen
Which of the following best describes how you get most of your information about
international affairs or foreign policy?
• More than half (53%) of Muslims turn to television for their international affairs and
foreign policy news. Of the remainder, one-in-six (17%) turn to the internet, and one-in-
eight (13%) get their news from a newspaper.
Television 53% Family and friends 2%

Online 17% Books 1%
Newspaper 13% Magazines 1%
Radio 5% School --
Do you regularly watch any media targeted towards specific ethnic groups?
• A quarter (25%) of Muslims watch media targeted to ethnic groups, which three
quarters (74%) do not.
Do you think the mainstream American media… Hollywood… is fair in its portrayal of
Muslims and Islam? The Portrayal of Muslims On-Screen
• American Muslims overwhelmingly say both mainstream American media and

Hollywood are not fair in their portrayal of Muslims.

http://www.projectmaps.com/AMP2004report.pdf
Page 78
CAIR (COUNCIL OF AMERICAN-ISLAMIC RELATIONS)
Islam and Muslims: A Poll of American Public Opinion

Survey results were based on 1000 telephone interviews conducted by California-based Genesis Research Associ-
ates between June 23 and July 2, 2004. Interviewers spoke with a gender-balanced random sample of respondents
across the continental United States.
Top Findings:
• Negative images of Muslims were 16 times more prevalent than positive images
• About 1 in 4 Americans believes anti-Muslim canards

Muslims teach their children to hate
Muslims value life less than other people
• Those with the most negative attitudes tend to be:

Male
White
Less educated (HS or less)
Politically conservative
Republican Party members
Living in the Southern region
• Knowledge of Islam is low but the presence of Muslim friends & colleagues drives enlight-
ened attitudes
When asked what comes to mind when they hear

“Muslim,” 32% made negative comments; only 2% had a
positive response.
Page 79
One in seven Americans agree with 4 or 5 of the tested anti-Muslim statements
As compared to others, those who hold the most negative attitudes tend to be less educated,
white, and male

http://www.cair-net.org/downloads/pollresults.pdf
Page 80
THE MUSLIM ASSOCIATION OF BRITAIN
Survey Into Attitudes Towards Islam

In one of the most telling and elaborate surveys conducted in June 2002, the Islamic Society of Britain (ISB)-
commissioned ‘Attitudes Towards British Muslims’ for the Islamic Awareness Week, which was conducted by
YouGov offers a telling reflection of the state of Muslims in Britain as well as interrelations between British Muslims
and non-Muslims on various levels.
T he Muslim Association of Britain finds many aspects of the survey encouraging and
uplifting, about 84% believed that it was possible for British Muslims and people of other
faiths to live peacefully together at close quarters. 69% agreed that Islam is mainly a peaceful
religion and that terrorists comprise only a tiny minority thereof, there are numerous aspects
which are disappointing and call for urgent attention and precise action.
High amongst the figures which Muslims ought to consider seriously is that 64% admitted to
not knowing much about Islam and a staggering 82% stated that members of Britain’s Muslim
minority often keep too much to themselves, when they should be trying to mix in more with
non-Muslims. Further, almost two thirds believed that Britain’s Muslim community does little or
nothing to promote tolerance among people of different faiths. Such issues require the close
attention of the Muslim community and action to bring about a more positive response in the
foreseeable future.
However, most alarming amongst the results is that no less than 84% of Britain’s non-Muslims
have tended to be more suspicious of Britain’s Muslims since 11 September last year and that
one out of every six say that they would be disappointed or angry if a Muslim family happened
to move in next door.
The role of the Media:
The survey showed that no less than 66% rely on the TV and newspapers for their information
about Britain’s Muslim community.
It is a great source of anxiety and concern that our Media have continued to play such a pivotal
role in introducing an image of Islam and Muslims, which is largely unbalanced if not
completely and utterly false.
The Muslim Association of Britain as well as numerous other Islamic organizations have long
voiced their concerns as to the manner, format and content of coverage and airtime offered to
issues relating to Islam and Muslims, whether in Britain or internationally.
The role and performance of the media in the aftermath of the 11th of September is a clear
indication of the reasons behind much of the skepticism, anxiety and mistrust which remains
present between British Muslims and non-Muslims and which greatly hinders efforts to build
bridges and enhance understanding and mutual appreciation.
Note: This is a full copy of the report.
Page 81
V. MEDIA SCAN ANALYSIS

Introduction and Methodology
T he purpose of the following search tables and graphics is to provide a snapshot of the
current (as of the late February, 2005) “Islam-related” articles and the context in which
Islam was written about. To provide an accurate view across multiple medias available through
the internet, we chose to focus on the major search engines (Google, Yahoo!, MSN, Ask
Jeeves), online magazines (Time, The Economist), and online newspapers (New York Times,
The Washington Post).
The initial phase of the searching involved defining the terms that were to be used in the
search. With “Islam” being the main topic term, four additional sub-topics were defined that
would provide for a broad search coverage. Within each of these sub-topics, additional terms
were defined that were used to pinpoint more specific topics within Islam and there
appearance in available online literature.
The search engine part of the search was conducted by inputting the defined terms into the
available search forms of the various engines. The available articles that contained the terms
searched, were then recorded. The process of using the search engines was identical to what
any person would do if he/she were searching for articles with specific criteria and thus data
provided in this section, is an accurate depiction of what would be viewed by any person
searching for articles having to do with “Islam” and a certain topic. The four search engines
chosen reflect the top search engines available in terms of total web pages scanned and
users.
For the online magazine search, the search included using the defined term-sets and
searching all articles available between January 1999* and January 2005*. The matches were
then reviewed for accuracy and the total number recorded for that term-set. A similar method
was taken for the online newspaper search except for the article search included articles
printed within the past 2 years*
Once the data was collected, an average was taken in each of the three media types looked at.
The average article returns for each term-set was then graphed against the average of the total
number of articles that were returned that included “Islam” as a topic or sub-topic of the article.
Page 82
Page 82
Media Scan Analysis
MEDIA SCAN ANALYSIS
Summary of Findings
T he level of association of Islam with particular terms varies with the media searched. For
example, in reviewing the US’ Time Magazine and the UK’ Economist, the term “politics”
was found in the largest percentage of associated articles (41% of Islam articles). This was
followed by terrorism (35% of Islam articles), religion (27%), and women (23%). Violence, ex-
tremism, radicalism were all terms that had high percentage association with Islam articles,
typically 50-100% more than terms such as women’s rights, veil, customs, prayer, Koran,
Ramadan, charity.
When reviewing two of the US’s most prestigious newspapers, the New York Times and The
Washington Post, “terrorism” was associated with Islam in 40% of the Islam articles compared
with 28% for the term “women”, 24% for “religion, and 22% for “politics.” The cultural and reli-
gious terms (for example: scarves, veil, turbans, roles, hijab, clergy, imam, Koran) were associ-
ated with the Islam articles typically in the 2-8% range.
A search of associated terms with Islam using the leading search engines (Google, Yahoo,
MSN, Ask Jeeves) resulted in the term “religion” being the top associated term (43% of all Is-
lam references). “Politics” (25%), “faith” (23%) “women” (26%) were higher than “terrorism” and
“violence” (15-17% respectively). In a second tier, democracy, Islamic Law, education, prayer,
Allah, Quran, kill, suicide, radical and holy war were all terms that had were associated with
Islam articles between 8-16% of all articles that mentioned Islam. These search engines are
used by the large majority of Internet users when searching for articles and references on vari-
ous topics. These engines search over 200 million references covering a vast array of pub-
lished works. The higher percentages associated with religion and cultural terms most likely
results from the “democratic” and expansive nature of having published works on the Internet.
The ability to publish on the Internet is available to anyone.
Page 83
MEDIA SCAN ANALYSIS
The studies included in the following tables on “Islam-related” articles were conducted using
the following online resources:
Major Search Engines
Google, Yahoo!, MSN, Ask Jeeves
Online Magazines
Time, The Economist
Online newspapers
New York Times, The Washington Post
“Islam” was the main topic term
Four additional sub-topics were defined to provide extensive search coverage:
Politics, Extremists(ism)/Terrorist(ism)/Violence, Rituals/Faith/Religion, Customs/Roles.
Page 84
Media Scan Analysis
TERM SET ONE: Politics, Society and Economics Themes

General Search Engine Averages, Online Magazine and Online Newspaper Search Averages
Terms searched: Islam, Islam and politics, Islam and education, Islam and Islamic law, Islam
and democracy, Islam and crime, Islam and social justice, Islam and immigration, Islam and
freedom of speech, Islam and anti-American, Islam and capitalism, Islam and anti-West, Islam
and secularism, Islam and pluralism
General Search Engine Averages

Google,Yahoo!, MSN, Ask Jeeves
10178533
100.00%
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40% 2579292
30% 25.34% 1968990
19.34% 1318994 1183283 1084708
20% 12.96% 11.63% 10.66% 728487 600603 468948 447452 268166 243358 192685
7.16% 132526
10% 5.90% 4.61% 4.40% 2.63% 2.39% 1.89% 1.30%
0%
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Page 85
Online Newspaper Search Averages

The Washington Post & The New York Times
1779 (articles printed within the last 2 years)
100.00%
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
407
30%
22.86% 302
16.98% 193 181
20% 178 97
10.82% 10.18% 10.01% 65 48 38
25 18 13 1
10% 5.43% 3.63% 2.70% 2.14% 1.38% 1.01% 0.73% 0.03%
0%
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Online Magazine Search Averages

Time, The Economist
(articles printed between 01/1999 through 01/2005)
664
100.00%
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
275
50%
41.37%
40%
30% 128 114
19.29% 17.18% 87 77
20% 43 39
13.04% 11.61% 31 21 16 8
12 0
10% 6.48% 5.88% 4.60% 3.09% 2.41% 1.81% 1.13% 0.00%
0%
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Page 86
Media Scan Analysis
TERM SET TWO: Extremism and Violence Themes
Terms searched: lslam, Islam and violence, Islam and terrorism, Islam and kill, Islam and
suicide, Islam and terrorist, Islam and radical, Islam and holy war, Islam and jihad, Islam and
militant, Islam and extremists, Islam and extremism, Islam and martyrdom, Islam and
beheadings

10178533 Google,Yahoo!, MSN, Ask Jeeves
100.00%
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
1735018
1577771
20% 17.05% 15.50% 1249265 1175107
975870 878628 877470
12.27% 11.54% 653225
9.59% 8.63% 8.62% 395281
10% 6.42% 261464 171043 134007
3.88% 33127
2.57% 1.68% 1.32% 0.33%
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Page 87

(articles printed within the last 2 years)
1779
100.00%
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50% 723
40.65%
40% 514
28.87%
30% 385
21.62% 304
282 251
20% 17.09% 234
15.83% 14.11% 189
13.16% 163
10.63% 9.17% 104 77
10% 5.85% 50 29
4.33% 2.78% 1.60%
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664
100.00%
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
230
40% 209
34.59%
31.42% 167
30% 25.09% 135 134
20.35% 20.20% 115
17.26% 97 97 81
20% 14.54% 14.54% 71
12.13% 55
10.63%
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10% 3
2.34%
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Page 88
Media Scan Analysis
TERM SET THREE: Religious themes
Terms searched: Islam, Islam and religion, Islam and faith, Islam and prayer, Islam and Allah,
Islam and Quran, Islam and mercy, Islam and charity, Islam and imam, Islam and mosque,
Islam and Koran, Islam and Ramadan, Islam and hajj, Islam and Sunni, Islam and rituals, Islam
and pilgrimage, Islam and clergy, Islam and infidels, Islam and Shii
10178533

Google, Yahoo!, MSN, Ask Jeeves
100.00%
100%
90%
80%
70%
4450036
60%
50%
43.72%
40%
2301320
1645308
1715778
30%
22.61%
811496
587403
624246
523016
561656
514499
437410
20% 16.86%16.16%
329935
296084
242677
194925
240096
149479
3949
10% 7.97%
6.13% 5.77% 5.52% 5.14% 5.05%
4.30% 3.24% 2.91%
2.38% 2.36% 1.92% 1.47%
0.04%
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Page 89

1779
100.00%
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
424
30%
23.84% 355
19.93% 284 248
20% 15.97% 202
13.94% 171 159
11.33% 9.61%
8.91% 77 74 74 62 56 53
10% 38 22 16 3
4.33% 4.16% 4.16% 3.46% 3.12% 2.98% 0
2.14% 1.24% 0.87%
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Page 90
Media Scan Analysis
TERM SET FOUR: Culture and customs themes
Terms searched: Islam, Islam and women, Islam and women's rights, Islam and dress, Islam
and customs, Islam and roles, Islam and veil, Islam and women roles, Islam and hijab, Islam
and polygamy, Islam and scarves, Islam and beards, Islam and turbans

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Page 91

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Page 92
References and Sources
VI. REFERENCES AND SOURCES
T he following chapters include some extensive summarized reference listings on the

perception of Islam and Muslims. Included in these sections are:
o Public opinion polls on Islam in the West
o Articles
o Books
o Reports, white papers
o Websites
Page 93
PUBLIC OPINION POLLS ON ISLAM IN THE WEST
PEW RESEARCH
Plurality Sees Islam as More Likely to Encourage Violence
Views of Islam Remain Sharply Divided
Report available at: http://pewforum.org/publications/surveys/islam.pdf

Report available at: http://people-press.org/reports/display.php3?ReportID=189

Report available at: http://people-press.org/reports/display.php3?PageID=387


Mistrust of America in Europe Ever Higher, Muslim Anger Persists
Report available at: http://people-press.org/reports/display.php3?PageID=795
What the World Thinks in 2002

How Global Publics View: Their Lives, Their Countries, The World, America
Page 94
PUBLIC OPINION POLLS ON ISLAM IN THE WEST
USA TODAY
Report available at: http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2002/03/05/poll.htm
CORNELL
MSRG Special Report: Restrictions on Civil Liberties, Views of Islam, & Muslim
Americans
Report available at: http://www.comm.cornell.edu/msrg/report1a.pdf
GALLUP POLLS
Survey finds American distrust of Muslim world
Report available at: http://archives.cnn.com/2002/US/03/04/u.s.muslim.poll/
ZOGBY INTERNATIONAL
American Muslim Poll 2004
Report available at: http://www.projectmaps.com/AMP2004report.pdf
CAIR (COUNCIL ON AMERICAN-ISLAMIC RELATIONS)

Report available at: http://www.cair-net.org/downloads/pollresults.pdf
The Muslim Association of Brittan

Survey Into Attitudes Towards Islam
Report available at: http://www.mabonline.net/media/news/articles/archives/uk2003/
isbsurvey06.11.02.htm
BBC News
Islam 'booming' in America
Report available at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/1299225.stm
Page 95
ARTICLES
• Seyyed Hossein Nasr / Science and Civilization in Islam
The Principles of Islam
Article available at: http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/med/nasr.html
• Professor Akbar S. Ahmad

Muslims in the West
Article available at: http://www.islamfortoday.com/akbar04.htm
Islam and Freedom of Thought
Article available at: http://www.islamfortoday.com/akbar05.htm
• Oliver Roy - October 12, 2004

Radical Islam appeals to the rootless
Article available at: http://www.tharwaproject.com/English/Main-Sec/NetWatch/
NW_10_18_04/OLIVER%20ROY.htm
• Jane Lampman / The Christian Science Monitor

Muslim in America
Article available at: http://www.csmonitor.com/2002/0110/p15s1-lire.html
• Abdul Malik Mujahid

Muslims in America: Profile
Article available at: http://www.allied-media.com/AM/AM-profile.htm
• Sayyed Yousif al-Khoei

Islam and the West: Western Media Coverage of Islam – a critical review
Article available at: http://www.honestreports.com/documents/islamophobia.pdf
• Michael Smith encounters the Western face of Islam--and meets British Muslims who are
fighting back against Islamophobia.
Islam and the West - Bridging the gap
Article available at: http://www.forachange.co.uk/index.php?stoid=78
• Roger Hardy, BBC Middle East analyst (Roger Hardy is a freelance journalist who has spe-
cialized for many years in the Middle East.
Islam and the West: Bridging the divide
Article available at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/talking_point/special/islam/3182669.stm
• Ismael Hossein-Zadeh, The Roots of Conflict

The Muslim World and the West
Article available at: http://www.counterpunch.org/ismael03152003.htm
Page 96
ARTICLES
• John Esposito, A Christian Response to Islam in America

Article available at: http://www.ciu.edu/seminary/resources/articles/missions/
a_christian_response_to_islam.pdf
Changing Perceptions of Islamic Movements

Article available at: http://hir.harvard.edu/articles/index.html?id=1116&page=1
What Everyone Needs to Know About Islam (Excerpts from book)

Article available at: http://cmcu.georgetown.edu/PDFs/excerpts%20what%20everyone.pdf
• Freshta Azizi
Scholars Press for Better Understanding of Muslim Opinion
Article available at: http://www.voanews.com/english/NewsAnalysis/Freshta-Azizi-
Understanding-Muslim-Opinion2004-11-02-voa46.cfm
• Dunstan Prial, Standard-Times staff writer

Muslim Americans fighting a battle against perception
Article available at: http://www.southcoasttoday.com/daily/10-04/10-17-04/a01lo102.htm
• Andrew Kohut, Remarks to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Hearing

American Public Diplomacy in the Islamic World
Article available at: http://people-press.org/commentary/display.php3?AnalysisID=63
• Jochen Hippler
Foreign Policy, the Media, and Western Perception of the Middle East
Article available at: http://www.jochen-hippler.de/Aufsatze/
Islam__the_Media__Perceptions/islam__the_media__perceptions.html
•
Ibrahim Kalin - George Washington University
Western Perceptions of Islam Yesterday and Today
Article available at: http://www.islamonline.net/english/Contemporary/2003/04/
Article01.shtml
• Heba Abdallah
How Muslim-bashing Became Acceptable
Article available at: http://www.masnet.org/views.asp?id=882
Page 97
ARTICLESRT
• Mubashar Ahmad
The Changing Perception Of Islam In American Pluralistic Society
Article available at: http://www.bohra.net/archive/islam_america.html
• Nihad Awad
CAIR Proposes World Islamophobia Report
Article available at: http://www.islam-online.net/English/News/2005-01/14/article05.shtml
• Jemstone
Islam & The West
Article available at: http://www.jemstone.net/islam.php
• Ekkehard Rudolph / International Eurasian Institute for Economic and Political Research
Muslim Minorities and European Identities
Article available at: http://www.iicas.org/english/enlibrary/libr_13_12_01ip.htm
• Sahar Kassaimah
American Muslims Role in the Political Process
Article available at: http://www.masnet.org/views.asp?id=960
• THE CHANGING PERCEPTION OF ISLAM IN AMERICAN PLURALISTIC SOCIETY

The Perception of Islam
Article available at: http://www.ummah.org.uk/what-is-islam/respond/percep1.htm
• George Gerges
Islam and Muslims in the Minds of America
Article available at: http://www.fathom.com/course/21701771/sessions.html
• Zafarul-Islam Khan
Islam-West confrontation - An Islamic point of view
Article available at: http://www.noterrorisminislam.com/english/articles/
islam_west_confrontation.htm
• James Zogby, Washington Watch"

"Washington Watch" is a weekly policy column by Arab American Institute President Dr.
James Zogby. It appears in over one dozen countries worldwide
Cultural and Commercial Influences on the Free Press
Article available at: http://www.aaiusa.org/wwatch/011705.htm
• The Economist, 1994

Islam and the West
Article available at: http://www.economist.com/surveys/displaystory.cfm?story_id=812816
Page 98
MEDIA RELATIONS GUIDELINES

• Media Guide to Covering Islam
http://mediaguidetoislam.sfsu.edu/home/index.htm
• Sabine Schiffer / Qantara.de, 2004

Islam and the Western Media-Germany examples
Article available at: http://www.qantara.de/webcom/show_article.php/_c-478/_nr-204/i.html
• Dealing with the Media, Guidelines for Journalists

From the 2004 report from the Commission on British Muslims and Islamophobia (See
Pages 72-80).
Article available at: http://www.insted.co.uk/islambook.pdf
• 100 Questions and Answers about Arab-Americans: A Journalist’s Guide

From Detroit Free Press
Article available at: http://www.freep.com/jobspage/arabs/index.htm
Page 99
BOOKS
• Dr. Ahmed, Akbar (1989) Discovering Islam: Making Sense of Muslim History and
Society, Routledge, an imprint of Taylor & Francis Books Lt
• Dr. Ahmed, Akbar (2003) Islam Under Siege: Living Dangerously in a Post-honor
World (Themes for the 21st Century S.), Polity Press
• Dr. Ahmed, Akbar (2004) Postmodernism and Islam: Predicament and Promise,
Routledge, an imprint of Taylor & Francis Books Lt
• Dr. Ahmed, Akbar (1998) Islam Today: A Short Introduction to the Muslim World,
I.B. Tauris
• Bukhari, Zahid H., Nyang,Sulayman S., Ahmad, Mumtaz, Esposito, John L.(2004)
Muslims' Place in the American Public Square: Hope, Fears, and Aspirations, Al-
tamira Press
• Cesari, Jocelyne (1998) Muslims and the Republic: Youth, Islam and France,
• Cesari, Jocelyne, co-authored with Bernard Botiveau (1997) Gopolitique des islams
(Geopolitics of Islam)
• Cesari, Jocelyne (2004) When Islam and Democracy Meet: Muslims in Europe and
in the United States, Palgrave Macmillan
• Ernst, Carl (2003) Following Muhammad, Rethinking Islam in the Contemporary

World,
University of North Carolina Press
Page 100
BOOKS
• Esposito, John (2002) What Everyone Needs to Know About Islam, Oxford
University Press
• Esposito, John (1997) Islam, The Straight Path, Oxford University Press; 3rd edition
• Esposito, John (2003) Unholy War: Terror in the Name of Islam, Oxford University
Press Inc, USA
• Esposito, John (1999) The Islamic Threat: Myth or Reality, Oxford University Press
Inc, USA
• Esposito, John with Burgat, Francois (2003) Modernizing Islam: Religion in the
Public Sphere in the Middle East and Europe, Rutgers University Press
• Esposito, John (1997) Political Islam: Revolution, Radicalism or Reform?, Lynne

Rienner Publishers
• Esposito, John with Voll, John (2001) Makers of Contemporary Islam, Oxford
University Press
• Hippler, Jochen and Lueg, Andrea (1995) The Next Threat, Western Perceptions of
Islam, Pluto Press Ltd
• Lewis, Bernard (2004) The Crisis of Islam: Holy War and Unholy Terror, Random
House Trade
• Poole, Elizabeth (2002), Reporting Islam: Media Representations of British

Muslims, I.B. Tauris
Page 101
BOOKS
• Richardson, Robin (2004) Islamophobia – issues, challenges and action, Trentham

Books, http://www.insted.co.uk/islambook.pdf
• Said, Edward (1996), Covering Islam: How the Media and the Experts Determine
How We See the Rest of the World, Vintage
• Shaheen, Jack (1997), Arab and Muslim Stereotyping in American Popular Cul-
ture, Georgetown University Center for Muslim
• Wolfe, Michael (2003), Taking Back Islam, Rodale Press
Page 102
WHITE PAPERS/REPORTS
The Commission on British Muslims and Islamophobia was set up by the Runnymede Trust in
1996. Its first report, Islamophobia: a challenge for us all, was published in 1997 and was
launched at the House of Commons by the Home Secretary, Jack Straw MP. A follow-up
report, Islamophobia – issues, challenges and action, was published in June 2004.
C B M I - Commission on British Muslims and Islamophobia

Debate and disagreement
Report available at: http://www.insted.co.uk/debates.html
C B M I - Commission on British Muslims and Islamophobia

Islamophobia and race relations
Report available at: http://www.insted.co.uk/islam.html#index
O ur newspapers and television screens have again shown us images of Muslim men
burning American flags whilst brandishing rifles, juxtaposed with angry young men
shouting outside a north London mosque. Afghan women covered from head to toe in the
burqha followed by women wearing the hijab protesting against military action outside the
Pakistan embassy in London. And amongst all this, we are shown images of Muslim children
holding placards bearing the face of Osama bin Laden on the streets of Islamabad.
Islamophobia in the Media since September 11th - by Christopher Allen

EXPLORING ISLAMOPHOBIA - Deepening Our Understanding of Islam and Muslims
Report available at: http://www.fairuk.org/docs/Islamophobia-in-the-Media-since-911-
ChristopherAllen.pdf
E minent scholars, of course, have long explicated the ways in which Islamic culture
generally is not conducive to democratic practice, though some others have disputed this
claim. The experts had said that democracy ought not to be a high priority of the international
community in Afghanistan. In a widely read paper early in the year, two leading thinkers on
democratization strategies at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace had argued
instead that a modus vivendi had to be established with the warlords who had made common
cause with U.S. forces to rout the Taliban.
Thomas O. Melia is an associate at the Institute for the Study of Diplomacy and adjunct
professor in the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service
What Muslims Want In Afghanistan, and Elsewhere-Democracy

Report available at: http://www12.georgetown.edu/sfs/isd/Melia_WhatMuslimsWant.pdf
Page 103
Shattering the Myth: Islam beyond Violence

Report available at: http://www.pupress.princeton.edu/chapters/i6281.pdf
M y main argument is simple, yet it is at odds with most popular and academic understand-
ings of Islam. I argue that Islam cannot be understood except as a major and complex
religious system, shaped as much by its own metaphysical postulates and ethical demands as
by the circumstances of Muslim polities in the modern world. The last two hundred years have
witnessed challenge upon challenge, from colonial subjugation to sporadic revivalism to elitist
reform movements to, most recently, pervasive struggles with fundamentalism or Islamism.
During each phase, Muslims have had to address internal tensions as well as external threats.
Prof. Bruce B. Lawrence - (1998/2000).
The Arab American Institute
R ecent efforts by the Israeli government and America’s pro-Israel lobby have focused ex-
tensively on media coverage of the current crisis between Palestinians and Israelis. From
demanding that CNN replace reporters of Palestinian descent with “pro-Israeli reporters” to hir-
ing three additional PR firms to deal with the U.S. media, Israel’s allies have ratcheted up the
media war. Go to any pro-Israel organization’s website and you can find a plethora of action
alerts charging that the Western media has it in for Israel. But the truth is, in fact, quite the op-
posite and much more disturbing.
A Tale of Two Killings:

Observations of Media Bias in Reports of Palestinian and Israeli Deaths
Report available at: http://www.aaiusa.org/PDF/taleof2killings.pdf
Page 104
Page 104
A LLAH - for Muslims the greatest and most inclusive of the Names of God, an Arabic word
of rich and varied meaning, denoting the one who is adored in worship, who creates all
that exists, who had priority over all creation, who is lofty and hidden, who confounds all
human understanding. It is exactly the same word that the Jews, in Hebrew, use for God
(eloh), the word which Jesus Christ used in Aramaic when he prayed to God. God has an
identical name in Judaism, Christianity and Islam; Allah is the same God worshipped by
Muslims, Christians and Jews.
Compiled by Dr. Ishaq Zahid

Islam 101 - American Edition
Report available at: http://www.islam101.com/presentations/Islam101AmericanEd.doc
O n June 18, 2003, leading scholars of the American Muslim communities spoke to a
Washington audience of 175 drawn from the executive and legislative branches of the
federal government, the media, Muslim-American organizations, secular civil society
organizations, universities, and the general public. The conference, “Muslims in the United
States: Demography, Beliefs, Institutions,” sponsored by the Division of United States Studies
of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, began a discussion that is continued
in these pages.
Edited by Philippa Strum and Danielle Tarantolo
MUSLIMS IN THE UNITED STATES

Report available at: http://wwics.si.edu/topics/pubs/DUSS_muslims.pdf
Page 105
ISLAMIC WEBSITES
Islamic Websites on this topic
American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC)

http://www.adc.org/
ADC is a civil rights organization committed to defending the rights of people of Arab descent
and promoting their rich cultural heritage. ADC is the largest Arab-American grassroots organi-
zation in the United States. It was founded in 1980 by former U.S. Senator James Abourezk
and has chapters nationwide.
American Muslim Alliance (AMA)

http://www.amaweb.org/
Our main goal is to organize the American Muslim community in the mainstream public affairs,
civic discourse and party politics all across the United States. As a nation wide community we
must organize ourselves nation wide: in every state and every congressional district. It is our
mission to organize Muslims in all fifty states and have an AMA chapter in each of the 435
Congressional Districts. Currently, AMA has 98 chapters in 31 states.
American Muslim Council (AMC)

http://www.amcnational.org/
The American Muslim Council was established in 1990 to increase the effective participation of
American Muslims in the U.S. political and public policy arenas. The American Muslim popula-
tion, estimated at seven million, comprises Americans of all races and ethnic backgrounds.
AMC aims to promote ethical values that enhance the quality of life for all Americans and to
catalyze the greater presence of American Muslims in mainstream public life.
American Moslem Foundation (AMF)

http://www.oz.net/~msarram/introduction.html
The AMF is strictly a non-political organization; it is more a religious and educational institution.
The Foundation promotes efforts toward safeguarding the religious identity of the future gen-
eration of Muslims through its educational programs and community building activities. We be-
lieve that these efforts will contribute toward their success and welfare in their new environ-
ment and adds to the diversity of the American Society. We do not receive financial support
from the U.S. government or from any source outside the United States; rather, the AMF is en-
tirely sustained by Muslims in America.
Page 106
ISLAMIC WEBSITES
Arab American Institute (AAI)

http://www.aaiusa.org/
Founded in 1985, the Arab American Institute (AAI) is a non-profit organization committed to
the civic and political empowerment of Americans of Arab descent. AAI is a membership
organization based in Washington, DC that represents the policy and community interests of
Arab Americans throughout the United States. We focus in two areas: campaigns and
elections, and policy formulation and research.
Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR)

http://www.cair-net.org/
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is a nonprofit 501(c)(4), grassroots civil

rights and advocacy group. CAIR is America's largest Islamic civil liberties group, with regional
offices nationwide and in Canada. The national headquarters is located on Capitol Hill in
Washington D.C. Since its establishment in 1994, CAIR has worked to promote a positive
image of Islam and Muslims in America. Through media relations, lobbying, education and
advocacy, CAIR puts forth an Islamic perspective to ensure the Muslim voice is represented. In
offering this perspective, CAIR seeks to empower the American Muslim community and
encourage their participation in political and social activism.
Islamic Society of North America (ISNA)

http://www.isna.net/
ISNA is an association of Muslim organizations and individuals that provides a common

platform for presenting Islam, supporting Muslim communities, developing educational, social
and outreach programs and fostering good relations with other religious communities, and civic
and service organizations.…
Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC)

http://www.mpac.org/
Their vision is to establish a vibrant American Muslim community that will enrich American
society through promoting the Islamic values of Mercy, Justice, Peace, Human Dignity,
Freedom, and Equality for all.
Their mission is to effect positive change in public opinion and in policy with the purpose of
realizing the vision. The scope of the mission includes, but is not limited to, the following:
1. Promoting an American Muslim identity; 2. Fostering an effective grassroots organization; 3.

Training a future generation of men and women who share our vision; 4. Promoting an
accurate portrayal of Islam and Muslims in mass media and popular culture; 5. Educating the
American public, both Muslim and non-Muslim about Islam; 6. Building alliances with Muslim
and non-Muslim groups; 7. Cultivating relationships with opinion and decision makers.
Page 107
ISLAMIC WEBSITES
Muslims in American Public Square (MAPS)

http://www.projectmaps.com
MAPS is based at the Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding (CMCU), Georgetown Uni-
versity, Washington, DC. The center was founded in 1993 to foster a civilizational dialogue be-
tween the Muslim World and the West, Islam and Christianity. As part of the university's fa-
mous Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service, it attracts students, visiting professors and
noted scholars from Middle East, Asia, Europe and America. This international mix generates a
cross-cultural view of the world and furthers the Center's mission of dispelling discrimination
and prejudice. The Center's founding Director, John L. Esposito is Professor of Religion and
International Affairs.
IslamOnline
http://www.islamonline.net
This site aims to present a unified and lively Islam that keeps up with modern times in all ar-
eas. Their mission is to create a unique, global Islamic site on the Internet that provides ser-
vices to Muslims and non-Muslims in several languages. To become a reference for everything
that deals with Islam, its sciences, civilization and nation. To have credibility in content, distinc-
tion in design, and a sharp and balanced vision of humanity and current events.
Muslim American Society (MAS)

http://www.masnet.org/index.asp
The Muslim American Society (MAS) is a charitable, religious, social, cultural, and educational,
not-for-profit organization. It is a pioneering Islamic organization, an Islamic revival, and reform
movement that uplifts the individual, family, and society.
Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA)

http://www.icna.org/
Established in 1971, the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) is a non-ethnic, non-sectarian,
open to all, independent, North America wide, grass root organization. The goal of ICNA shall
be to seek the pleasure of Allah (SWT) through the struggle of Iqamat-ud-Deen (establishment
of the Islamic system of life) as spelled out in the Qur'an and the Sunnah of Prophet Muham-
mad (pbuh).
Coordinating Council of Muslim Organizations (CCMO)

http://www.ccmodc.org/
The Coordinating Council of Muslim Organizations (CCMO) has been established to serve as a
platform of unity and coordination for all Muslim organizations in the Washington Metropolitan
area.
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ISLAMIC WEBSITES
U.S. State Department - Middle East and North Africa

http://usinfo.state.gov/mena/
This informational site from the U.S. State Department offers regional profiles, issues on focus,
key documents and publications on the Middle East and North Africa. It also host’s links to
International organizations, think tanks and universities.
Muslim Student Association (MSA)

http://www.msa-natl.org/
MSA National has been one of the oldest and most influential religious organizations in North
America. MSA National was the precursor of ISNA, ICNA, MAYA, IMA, AMSS, AMSE, MYNA,
Islamic Book Service, and the North American Islamic Trust (It has been Serving Muslim
students since 1963). MSA National serves Muslim students during their college and university
careers by facilitating their efforts to establish, maintain, and develop chapters of Muslim
Student Associations, Unions, Organizations, and Islamic Societies. Emphasis is placed on the
learning and well-being of the individual Muslim student, as well as networking and growth of
the chapter through sponsorship of educational programs, camps, zonal and annual
conferences, and worker training programs.
United Association for Studies and Research (UASR)

http://www.uasr.org/
The United Association for Studies and Research, Inc. (UASR) was incorporated as a non-
profit Organization in 1989 by a number of scholars, journalists, and businessmen for the study
of on-going issues in the Middle East, such as the Arab-Israeli conflict. In addition, UASR's
founders envisioned an organization that would promote greater dialogue and understanding
among ideologically disparate groups in the Arab and Islamic worlds. The UASR includes in its
goals the promotion of constructive debate among observers of the region. The UASR's work
is also geared toward building bridges between the Western and Muslim worlds. The mutual
misunderstanding among the people of these civilizations is counterproductive. The UASR
aims to clarify perspectives on all sides of the ideological spectrum.
United Muslim Americans Association (UMAA)

http://www.umaamerica.org/
Universal Muslim Association of America (UMAA) seeks to provide a forum to foster unity
among Muslims, to encourage Muslims to participate in the civic and political responsibilities,
to dispel misgivings about Islam and the Muslims and help fellow Americans better understand
Islam in the light of Qur'an and the teachings and practice of the Prophet Muhammad (s) and
his Ahlul Bayt (a), and to take all necessary measures to help implement the UMAA
Objectives that, among other things, include social, religious, economic and political
advancement of Muslims in America.
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ISLAMIC WEBSITES
Islamic Media Foundation (IMF)

http://www.islamicmedia.net
The Islamic Media Foundation (IMF) is a national, not-for-profit organization, established in

1997. The mission of IMF is to share the guidance of Allah through the broadcast media and
the Internet. As a media organization, our aim is to educate the American public about Islam
and Muslims, build bridges of understanding between Muslims and their non-Muslim
neighbors, and further interfaith dialogue and understanding between religious communities.
The Islamic Media Foundation (IMF) realizes that the media, especially television, have an
enormous impact on the way this world works on politics, on the economy, on morality and on
people's opinions about a myriad of issues.
American Muslims for Jerusalem (AMJ)

http://www.amjerusalem.org/
American Muslims for Jerusalem is a not for profit organization incorporated in 1999, the or-
ganization is committed to the following objectives:
• To ensure that the concerns of the American Muslim community regarding Jerusalem
and its environs are understood and respected in the formulation of U.S. policy.
• To present accurate and timely information to the mass media and other interested par-
ties.
• To educate, inform, and mobilize the American Muslim community.
• To raise the awareness of the American society in general and work for a just and com-
prehensive solution to the issue of Jerusalem.
• To cooperate with other organizations having similar objectives.
Middle East Institute

http://www.mideasti.org/
Since 1946 the Middle East Institute has been an important conduit of information between
Middle Eastern nations and American Policy makers and organizations. From our founding in
1946 until today we have worked to increase knowledge of the Middle East among our own
citizens and to promote understanding between the peoples of the Middle East and America.
Today we play a vital and unique role on Middle Eastern issues by carrying our work beyond
the beltway and by working actively with organizations in the region itself.
Al-Islam.org
http://www.al-islam.org
The purpose is to facilitate dissemination of knowledge through this global medium to locations
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ISLAMIC WEBSITES
where such resources are not commonly or easily accessible. In addition, we aim to encourage
research and enquiry which the use of technology facilitates. With Al-Islam.org, we attempt to
present a balanced and accurate picture of Islam as it has been taught and practiced by the
Most Noble Messenger Muhammad (s) and his family, the Ahlul Bayt (a).
Islamic Assembly of North America

http://www.iananet.org/
IANA was born in the beginning of 1414 A.H., corresponding to mid 1993 C.E. This was the
result of a meeting of a number of individuals who were concerned and active in the field of
daawah in the United States and Canada. These individuals were representatives of a number
of Islamic Centers and organizations. It was the hope of these individuals that daawah in
America and elsewhere will achieve an important step when people work together as a group.
Institute of Islamic Political Thought (IIPT)

http://www.ii-pt.com
The Institute is primarily concerned with monitoring the progress taking place in Islamic political
thinking and with identifying the fields in which ijtihad ought to be encouraged and supported.
The Institute aims to compile innovative studies in the field of Islamic politics, to establish links
with prominent thinkers and scholars and to identify potential creative thinkers so as to
encourage them and help them develop talents and capabilities. The Institute also aims to
assess the experiences of Islamic movements and their contributions to Islamic political
thought.
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ISLAMIC WEBSITES / Academia/Universities

Duke University - Graduate Program in Religion
http://www.duke.edu/web/gradreligion/
The Graduate Program in Religion at Duke University is designed to foster the scholarly study
of religion and to equip persons of distinguished academic ability for teaching in departments
of religion in colleges and universities, as well as in theological seminaries.
Yale University - Department of Religious Studies

http://www.yale.edu/religiousstudies/
The Yale Department of Religious Studies, established in its present form in 1963, provides
opportunities for the scholarly study of a number of religious traditions and disciplines. At the
undergraduate level, the Department offers a wide array of courses that cover the major relig-
ions of the world, with a strong emphasis on their history and their intellectual traditions
American University - The School of International Service

http://www.american.edu/sis/
The School of International Service provides a unique environment for learning and profes-
sional enhancement. It is a community comprised of scholars, practitioners, and students from
around the world. The School of International Service community has tripartite governance with
faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate students involved in every facet of community
life. The Graduate Student Council and the Undergraduate Cabinet are partners with the
school's faculty in addressing emerging research issues, promoting public dialogue, and pro-
viding service to the larger community.
California State University Northridge - The Religious Studies Program

http://www.csun.edu/religious.studies/
The Religious Studies Program is designed to provide a liberal arts background with an em-
phasis upon religious traditions and phenomena. The Department is non-sectarian and aims to
serve all students with or without religious affiliation. Students of all religions and ethnic back-
grounds are welcome to enroll in individual Religious Studies courses or to complete the Reli-
gious Studies Major or Minor.
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill - Department of Religious Studies

http://www.unc.edu/depts/rel_stud/
The UNC Department of Religious Studies is dedicated to the study of the world's religions as
historical and cultural phenomena. In large introductory classes and small upper-level semi-
nars, students and faculty explore religious traditions and their history, sacred texts, belief sys-
tems, rituals, and institutions.
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The Department of Religious Studies is one of the oldest departments of its kind at an
American public university. It is normally ranked third among the nation's undergraduate
programs in religious studies by the Gourman Report, higher than any other academic unit at
UNC.
Howard University - Department of African Studies

http://www.gs.howard.edu/gradprograms/african_studies/
The Department of African Studies was established to offer the masters of arts degree in 1953.
In 1969, the unit was placed in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences offering both M.A.
and Ph.D. degrees in African Studies. Howard University was the first university in the United
States to offer a Ph.D. in African Studies. In 1988, the Howard University Board of Trustees
approved the recommendation of the African Studies with both graduate and undergraduate
programs. Since 1991 both programs have been fully functioning as components of the
Department of African Studies at Howard University. The main objective of graduate studies in
the Department is to train scholars in the field of African Studies with emphasis on
contemporary issues of public policy and development, world affairs, and the arts.
Georgetown University - Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding

http://cmcu.georgetown.edu/publications/resources.html
The Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding was founded in 1993 by an agreement

between the Foundation pour L'Entente entre Chretiens et Musulmans, Geneva and
Georgetown University to build stronger bridge of understanding between the Muslim world
and the West as well as between Islam and Christianity. The Center's mission is to improve
relations between the Muslim world and the West and enhance understanding of Muslims in
the West. The geographic scope and coverage of the center includes the breadth of the
Muslim world, from North Africa to Southeast Asia, as well as Europe and America. Since its
foundation, the Center has become internationally recognized as a leader in the field of
Muslim-Christian relations.
Hudson Institute - Center for Middle East

http://mes.hudson.org/index.cfm
The Center for Middle East Policy seeks to present a frank and accurate account of
developments in the Middle East utilizing primary sources both from Israel and the Arab world
to provide thorough, credible, and timely analysis of events, ideas, and trends. The Center has
become a well-respected information source for key policymakers in the United States and
Israel, as well as, in certain cases, from those in the Arab world.
Harvard University - Center for Middle Eastern Studies (CMES)

http://www.fas.harvard.edu/~mideast/
The Center for Middle Eastern Studies (CMES) was founded in 1954 for the purpose of
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furthering the study of the Middle East at Harvard University. This mandate has included a primary em-
phasis on the centuries since the rise of Islam and a concern with the wider Islamic world as well. CMES
serves Harvard as the coordinating body and the primary source of additional support for the
various academic programs that cover the vast region from Morocco and North Africa to Tur-
key and Iran.
University of California-Berkeley – Center for Middle Eastern Studies (CMES)

http://ias.berkeley.edu/cmes/
Middle Eastern Studies has been taught at Berkeley since 1894, and Berkeley today is one of
thirteen national resource centers designated by the United States Department of Education
for the study of the Middle East. The principal mission is to enhance awareness of the Middle
East and of its diverse peoples and cultures. The center promotes both specialized knowledge
and public understanding of this crucial area of the world, which includes the Arab states, Tur-
key, Iran, and Israel.
New York University - The Hagop Kevorkian Center

http://www.nyu.edu/gsas/program/neareast/
The Hagop Kevorkian Center for Near Eastern Studies at New York University was created in
1966 to foster the interdisciplinary study of the modern and contemporary Middle East and to
enhance public understanding of the region. The Kevorkian Center's activities focus on the his-
tories, politics, economies, religions, cultures and languages of the area stretching from North
Africa to Central Asia.
Princeton University - Department of Near Eastern Studies

http://www.princeton.edu/~nes/
Princeton University has a history going back almost 250 years, and an involvement in Near
Eastern studies that began as early as 1899. However, it was not until 1927 that a Department
of Oriental Languages and Literatures, covering both the Near East and East Asia, was for-
mally established.
In 1947 the interdisciplinary Program in Near Eastern Studies was set up, and in 1969 the De-
partment of Oriental Languages and Literatures was divided into the Departments of Near
Eastern Studies and East Asian Studies. The two independent departments continue to share
Jones Hall, a small but attractive building originally constructed for Princeton's mathematicians,
and in which Einstein had his first office in Princeton. Princeton's "Near East" is pretty much
the same as the "Middle East", plus North Africa; that is to say, it includes Turkey, Iran, all the
Arab countries, and Israel. In addition, one faculty member is a specialist on Islamic Africa
south of the Sahara.
Cardiff University - Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies

http://www.cf.ac.uk/jomec/
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Profiles of Experts Interviewed
Cardiff School of Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies is one of Britain's premier centres for
teaching and research, with staff who have international reputations both in practical journalism
and in research and publication. The Cardiff School of Journalism, Media & Cultural Studies
(JOMEC) is one of the largest media departments in the UK, with over 40 academic staff and
eleven support staff and a total student body of over 800, including 200 postgraduates. In the
early 1970's, Cardiff pioneered journalism education in British Universities and has gone on to
build a world renowned centre for the study of all aspects of journalism, mass media and
cultural studies.
ISLAMIC WEBSITES
UK Muslim Organizations
UK Islamic Mission (UKIM)
http://www.ukim.org/
The UK Islamic Mission is a national organization with over 40 branches and Islamic Centers
working across the United Kingdom. The UK Islamic Mission formed in the early 1960’s, it has
served the Muslim community in particular and has helped to build bridges of understanding
and mutual respect across faith communities.
The Muslim Students Society (MSS)

http://www.mssuk.net/
Since it was set up in 1961, the Muslim Students Society has always stood for the balanced,
forward thinking, and comprehensive Islamic way. Furthermore, we have always felt that the
only way Muslims will progress in the West is if they are educated, responsible, politically
aware, productive, and proactive and if they contribute positively to the society in which they
live.
Muslim Council of Britain (MCB)

http://www.mcb.org.uk/index.html
Their Objectives are, To promote cooperation, consensus and unity on Muslim affairs in the
UK; To encourage and strengthen all existing efforts being made for the benefit of the Muslim
community; To work for a more enlightened appreciation of Islam and Muslims in the wider
society; To establish a position for the Muslim community within British society that is fair and
based on due rights; To work for the eradication of disadvantages and forms of discrimination
faced by Muslims; To foster better community relations and work for the good of society as a
whole.
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ISLAMIC WEBSITES
UK Muslim Organizations
Islamic Forum of Europe (IFE)

http://www.islamicforumeurope.com
Currently IFE has branches across Britain; and in the following countries; Austria, France, Bel-
gium, Cyprus, Finland, Germany, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Sweden and Switzerland.
The Islamic Society of Britain (ISB)

http://www.isb.org.uk/
The Islamic Society of Britain (ISB) was set up to provide a vehicle for committed British Mus-
lims to combine their knowledge, skills and efforts for the benefit of one another and British so-
ciety as a whole, through the promotion of Islam and Islamic values.
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PROFILES OF EXPERTS INTERVIEWED

Salam Al-Marayati, Executive Director, Muslim Public Affairs Council
Mr. Al-Marayati is the director and one of the founders of the Muslim Public Affairs Council
(MPAC). He has been a member of the Executive Committee of the California Democratic
Party. He served as a liaison to the Muslim community for Los Angeles City Councilman
Robert Farrel. He obtained a Bachelors of Science degree in Bio-Chemistry from the University
of California (UCLA). He then received an Executive Master’s degree in Business
Administration from the University of California-Irvine (UCI).
He has written extensively on Islam, human rights, democracy, Middle East politics, the Balkan
Crisis, and the Transcaucus conflict. His articles and interviews have appeared on such
prominent newspapers as The Wall Street Journal, The Los Angeles Times, The Christian
Science Monitor, The LA Daily News, The Chicago Tribune, The San Francisco Chronicle and
USA Today. He has appeared on radio and TV talk shows including C-SPAN and NBC.
John L. Esposito, Georgetown University, Professor of Religion and International Affairs and
of Islamic Studies, Founding Director of the Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding
Previously, he was Loyola Professor of Middle East Studies and Director of the Center for
International Studies at the College of the Holy Cross. He has served as President of the
Middle East Studies Association of North America and of the American Council for the Study of
Islamic Societies as well as a consultant to governments, multinational corporations, and the
media worldwide.
Esposito is Editor-in-Chief of The Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern Islamic World, The
Oxford History of Islam, The Oxford Dictionary of Islam and Oxford’s The Islamic World: Past
and Present. His more than 30 books include: Unholy War: Terror in the Name of Islam, What
Everyone Needs to Know About Islam, The Islamic Threat: Myth or Reality?, Islam and
Politics, Islam: The Straight Path, Modernizing Islam (with F. Burgat), Islam and Democracy
and Makers of Contemporary Islam (with John Voll), Political Islam: Radicalism, Revolution or
Reform?
Dr. Carl W. Ernst, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill Chair of the Department of
Religious Studies
Carl W. Ernst is a specialist in Islamic studies, with a focus on West and South Asia. His
published research, based on the study of Arabic, Persian, and Urdu, has been mainly devoted
to the study of Islam and Sufism. His most recent book, Following Muhammad:
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Rethinking Islam in the Contemporary World has been awarded the 2004 Bashrahil Prize for
Outstanding Cultural Achievement.
He studied comparative religion at Stanford University (A.B. 1973) and Harvard University
(Ph.D. 1981), and has done research tours in India (1978-79, 1981), Pakistan (1986, 2000),
and Turkey (1991), and has also visited Iran (1996, 1999) and Uzbekistan (2003). He has
taught at Pomona College (1981-1992) and has been appointed as visiting lecturer in Paris
(1991, 2003), Seville (2001), and Kuala Lumpur (2005). A faculty member of the Department of
Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill since 1992, and department
chair 1995-2000.
Dr. Amir Hussain, California State University Northridge, Professor, Department of Religious
Studies
His area of research is on the study of Islam, specifically contemporary Muslim societies in
North America. His PhD dissertation was on Muslim communities in Toronto. His doctoral the-
sis is on “Islam as a Canadian Religious Phenomena" (and he would like to do similar work on
the Islamic phenomena in the United States).
He has published an article on "The Concept of Law in Islam." He has co-authored the chapter
on Islam in a book called "Faith in My Neighbor: World Religions in Canada." He did his un-
dergraduate work in psychology and graduate work at the University of Toronto in Comparative
Religions.
He is on the editorial board of a new journal, Comparative Islamic Studies. And is part of the
research network for the Islam and Human Rights Fellowship Program at Emory University.
Dr. Akbar Ahmed, American University, Chair of Islamic Studies and professor of International
Relations
Dr. Ahmed is a distinguished anthropologist, writer and filmmaker. He has been actively in-
volved in inter-faith dialogue — and his work to bring understanding between Islam and the
West has included three appearances on Oprah and a BBC news series called "Living Islam"
— broadcast for the first time in 1993.
Dr. Ahmed first became interested in Muslim leadership and its impact on Muslim society in the
1980s — when he was Pakistani Commissioner in Baluchistan. The study of global Islam and
its impact on contemporary society has been the major focus of his work since. From 1999 to
2000, Dr. Ahmed was the Pakistani High Commissioner (Ambassador) to the United Kingdom.
He has also held many other senior positions in Pakistan. Dr. Akbar Ahmed is also a member
of The Globalist's Global Advisory Board.
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His many award-winning books include: Discovering Islam: Making Sense of Muslim History
and Society, Postmodernism and Islam: Predicament and Promise, Islam Today: A Short
Introduction to the Muslim World and Jinnah Quartet.
Dr. Meyrav Wurmser, Hudson Institute, Director and Senior Fellow at the Center for Middle
East
Dr. Wurmser, the former Executive Director of the MEMRI: Middle East Media Research
Institute, is a leading scholar of the Arab world. She helped to educate policymakers about the
Palestinian Authority two-track approach to 'negotiating peace' with Israel.
Dr. Wurmser is a columnist for the Jerusalem Post and a frequent guest on radio and
television, including BBC, Fox News, CNN, PBS and CNBC. Wurmser has written numerous
books and monographs on Israel, the Arab world, and Zionism.
Her most recent book is The Schools of Ba'athism--a Study of Syrian Schoolbooks. Wurmser,
who has taught political science at the Johns Hopkins University and the United States Naval
Academy, has published articles in such publications as the Weekly Standard, the Middle East
Quarterly, the Washington Times, the Middle East Journal and Middle East Insight.
Robin Richardson, Director of the Insted consultancy, Insted Consultancy, UK
Richardson joined Insted in 1996, having previously been director of the Runnymede Trust and
before that chief inspector in Brent and adviser for multicultural education in Berkshire. He has
worked as a consultant or lecturer in a range of governmental and other organizations in the
UK, in most west European countries, and in Australia, Czech Republic, Israel, Kenya,
Lesotho, India, Japan, South Africa and the United States.
Robin acted as consultant and editor for the Commission on the Future of Multi-Ethnic Britain
chaired by Lord Parekh (1998–2000); the Commission on British Muslims and Islamophobia,
1996–2004; the British Council in 2002; and the Churches’ Commission for Racial Justice,
2002–2004. With Angela Wood he is co-author of Inside Stories (1992), Inclusive Schools,
Inclusive Society (1999) and The Achievement of British Pakistani Learners: Work in Progress
(2004).
Laurent Murawiec, Hudson Institute, Senior Fellow in Washington, D.C.
He was a senior international policy analyst with the RAND Corporation until 2002. He has
taught philosophy in Paris and was a foreign correspondent in Germany and Central Europe
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for La Vie Francaise. He later co-founded and managed GeoPol Services S.A., a Geneva,
Switzerland, consulting company that advised multinational corporations and banks.
Prior to moving to the US, he was an adviser to the French Ministry of Defense and taught the
history of economic planning at the Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Sciences Sociales (EHESS)
in Paris. He has taught military analysis and cultural anthropology at the Elliott School of Inter-
national Affairs at George Washington University. He earned his B.A., Phil. and M.A., Phil.
from the Sorbonne University in Paris.
He is a contributor to The National Interest, Middle East Quarterly and other journals, and he is
a columnist for the Daily Telegraph (London) and Welt am Sonntag (Berlin). He has lectured at
Columbia University, Georgetown, SAIS-Johns Hopkins, Corpus Christi Coll., Cambridge, UK,
the U.S. Naval Academy, the Canadian Forces College and the Royal Canadian Military Col-
lege, the Institut des Hautes Etudes de la Dfense Nationale in Paris.
Professor Sulayman Nyang, Howard University, Professor of the department of African Stud-
ies & Director & co-principle investigator Muslims in American Public Square, MAPS. Professor
Sulayman Nyang has a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Virginia, Charlottes-
ville. He teaches at the department of African Studies, Howard University in Washington, D. C.
He served as department chair from 1986 to 1993. He also served, from 1975 to 1978, as
Deputy Ambassador of the Gambian Embassy in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. He is currently the
Lead Developer for the African Voice Project of the Museum of Natural History of the Smith-
sonian Institution.
Professor Nyang has served on the boards of the African Studies Association, the American
Council for the Study of the Islamic Societies and the Association of Muslim Social Scientists.
He is also a member of the Academic Council of the Center for the Muslim-Christian Under-
standing. He is a frequent lecturer on college campuses, Islamic centers and national conven-
tions of various Islamic organizations of North America. He has written extensively on Islamic,
African and Middle Eastern affairs and has also contributed over a dozen chapters in edited
books. His recent book, Islam in the United States of America (1999), is a collection of essays
written over several years.
Laila Al-Qatami, American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), Communications Di-

rector. Her work requires daily interaction with major domestic and international media outlets.
She has provided commentary for NPR, Pacifica, BBC, CBS, Reuters, ABC, MSNBC, AlterNet,
CNET, the Washington Post, the New York Times, the Christian Science Monitor, the Guard-
ian, the Associated Press, and many other news sources. She has also appeared on the lead-
ing Arabic language television stations Al-Jazeera, Al-Arabiya, and Abu Dhabi TV.
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Al-Qatami has also served as an editorial consultant for a wide range of documentaries and
educational programs about Arabs, Arab Americans, Islam, and Civil Rights in the US. These
programs have aired on PBS, Discovery, Showtime, BBC, MTV, and Nickelodeon in addition to
several independent films. She was an editor of the 1998-2000 Report on Hate Crimes and
Discrimination Against Arab Americans: The Post September 11 Backlash (ADC, 2002). She
continues to edit and design ADC publications, including the ADC Times. She has a B.S in
Journalism from the University of Colorado and an M.A. in Arab Studies from Georgetown
University.
Bruce Lawrence, Duke University, Chair of the Graduate Program in Religion
He has been on the faculty at Duke University since 1971. A graduate of Princeton University,
with a Master of Divinity from Episcopal Divinity School (Cambridge), he earned his doctorate
at Yale University in History of Religions. There he was trained to engage the large swath of
Asia known as West and South Asia, with particular reference to the cultures and languages,
the history and religious practices marked as Muslim. But he also concerns himself with the
non-Muslim religious traditions of Asia, especially Hinduism and Buddhism, Sikhism and
Jainism, at the same time that he pursues the turbulent reconnections of Europe to Asia that
were forged in colonial, then post-colonial encounters.
His early books explored the intellectual and social history of Asian Muslims. The test case of
fundamentalism became the topic of his award-winning monograph, Defenders of God: The
Fundamentalist Revolt Against the Modern Age (1989/1995). A parallel but narrower enquiry
informed his latest monograph, Shattering the Myth: Islam beyond Violence (1998/2000).
Tudor Lomas, Jemstone Network, Director
Tudor Lomas is Director of the Jemstone Network, a media and development consultancy
which he established in 1999 after four years on secondment from the BBC to an EU-funded
project aimed at increasing contacts and understanding between media professionals in the
Middle East and Europe. He had joined the BBC as a graduate news trainee from Oxford
University and worked as a journalist, manager and broadcaster on both radio (Today and File
on Four) and TV (On the Record and Westminster), as well as various jobs outside the BBC.
Mr. Lomas obtained honours degree at Oriel College, Oxford University in Politics, Philosophy
and Economics and an Oxford MA.
Dr. Zahid H. Bukhari, Georgetown University, Director, American Muslim Studies Program
(AMSP)
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Dr. Bukhari is currently working as Director Pew Project: Muslims in American Public Square,
and Fellow, Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding at Georgetown University Dr. Bukhari
has a Masters in Economics from the University of Karachi and Ph.D. in Political Science from
the University of Connecticut.
His research interests have focused on religion and politics in the United States. He has a vast
experience in all aspects of survey research. From 1978-1983, he worked as founding
executive director of the Pakistan Institute of Public Opinion (PIPO), Islamabad, a member of
Gallup International. He has published and presented papers on Islam and development,
Muslim public opinion in the US and other related topics in national and international forums.
Dr. Bukhari has an extensive experience of working with various Islamic organizations and also
with other religious groups of USA. He was one of the founders of the National Islamic Shura
Council, a representative body of the American Muslims consisting of four national Islamic
organizations. Dr. Bukhari also worked as Secretary General of the Islamic Circle of North
America (ICNA) from 1990 to 1995. Since 1996, he has also been the chairman of ICNA
Relief, a not-for-profit relief organization, which operates national and international projects.
Trevor Mostyn, Journalist, expert on European media coverage
Mr. Mostyn has been a journalist, publisher and consultant in the Arab world, Iran and India.
He spent four years traveling for seven months a year as Macmillan Publishers Middle East
Manager before moving to create MEED Books for the Middle East Economic Digest. He
created and ran the European Union’s post Oslo-Accords Med Media and Peace Media
Programmes (1991-96) and he launched the EU’s Gulf Media Programme and UNDP’s
Palestine Media Programme.
Today he mainly deals with human rights and censorship. His languages are French, Arabic,
Spanish, and Persian. He was deputy Financial Times correspondent in Cairo and is a Middle
East correspondent for The Tablet newspaper and has written for Prospect magazine, the
Evening Standard, the Times, the International Herald Tribune and The Wall Street Journal
and occasionally broadcast on the BBC World Service. And he has written for the New
Statesman on the Revolution in Iran and the Civil War in Lebanon.
Jocelyne Cesari, Harvard University, Fellow at The Center for Middle Eastern Studies
(CMES) Emergence of a Minority), 1991) was a pioneer work on the condition of Muslims as a
religious minority.
In 1998, she created the Network On Comparative Research Islam Muslims in Europe
(NOCRIME), comprising nine scholars from France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, the UK
and the Netherlands. The network's purpose is to move beyond collections of case studies of
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Muslim minorities in European countries in order to design research projects whose

hypotheses, data, and findings will serve policy-makers in the domains of immigration, race,
ethnicity and multiculturalism, both at national and European levels.
Ms. Cesari has taught at Columbia University, where she conducted research on the
transnational Muslim elite in the US under the auspices of the Ford Foundation.
Nihad Awad, Board Member Co-Founder, Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)
Mr. Awad is the Executive Director and co-founder of the Council on American-Islamic
Relations (CAIR), the largest non-profit Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization in the
United States. He has been frequently interviewed on national and international media such as
CNN, BBC World Service, PBS, C-SPAN, National Public Radio, The New York Times, The
Washington Post, Voice of America and Al-Jazeerah.
In 1997, Mr. Awad served on Vice President Al Gore’s Civil Rights Advisory Panel to the White
House Commission on Aviation Safety and Security. Mr. Awad has also personally met with
former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and current Secretary of State Colin L. Powell to
discuss the needs of the American Muslim community. For the 2000 presidential election, Mr.
Awad was a key figure in the American Muslim Political Coordinating Committee (AMPCC). He
has also spoken at prestigious educational institutions, including Harvard, Stanford and Johns
Hopkins Universities. He was also a featured speaker at the 2002 Reuters Forum on global
cooperation at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism. Mr. Awad is also
featured in Silent No More by former United States Representative Paul Findley (R-IL), a book
chronicling the history of the American Muslim community.
Page 123

Western Perception of Islam and Muslims

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Western Perception of Islam and Muslims

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Background and Acknowledgments

Western Perception of A Study of Public Opinion and

Copyright © 2005 by Communique Partners LLC

BACKGROUND AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Authorship and Editing: Surveys:

The Secondary Public Opinion Polls were con-

BACKGROUND AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Communique Partners would like to © 2005 Communique Partners, LLC

13. Akbar Ahmed

16. Meyrav Wurmser

II. Expert Commentary and Background 19

The 9/11 Attacks 22

Drivers of Perception of Islam and Muslims 27

Role of the Western Media in Portraying Arabs and Muslims 31

The Nature of Muslim Communities in Europe and the US 33

What can be Done to Improve the Image of Muslims and Islam 34

III. Results of Public Opinion Surveys in the US Western Europe 38

Attitudes about Religious Groups, Islam and Muslims 42

Overall Opinion of Muslims who live inside my Country 42

Overall Opinion of Muslims who live outside my Country 43

Importance of Religion and Opinions of Various Religious Groups 44

Violence and Religion 45

Knowledge of Islam and its Commonality with other Religions 46

General Opinion of Islam 47

INSIDE THIS BOOK

Knowledge of Arabs (Middle Eastern) 49

Overall Opinion of Arab Muslims 50

Interaction Comfort Level with Arab Muslims 50

Difference between Arab Muslims and non-Arab Muslims 51

Media Influences on feelings about Arab Muslims 51

publications, Websites, or TV Regarding Muslims or Islam 52

Accuracy of Media’s Depiction of Arab Muslims and Islam 52

Personal Influences on Feelings about Arab Muslims 53

Exposure to Islam and Arab Muslims 54

Personal Experience with Arab Muslims 55

What do most Arab Muslims Believe? 55

Perceptions of Arab Muslims in their own Country 56

Terms Associated with Islam and Arab Muslims 57

Perceptions of Middle Eastern Counties and Interest in Visiting 58

Countries Desired to Visit 59

How to improve the perception of Arab Muslims 60

IV. Secondary Public Opinion Polls 61

Plurality Sees Islam as More Likely to Encourage Violence 62

Religion and Politics: Contention and Consensus 64

Americans Struggle with Religion's Role at Home and Abroad 66

INSIDE THIS BOOK

A Year After Iraq War 70

Great divide splits U.S., Islamic cultures, poll finds 72

Restrictions on Civil Liberties, Views of Islam, & Muslim Americans 74

Survey finds American distrust of Muslim world 76

American Muslim Poll 2004 77

Islam and Muslims: A Poll of American Public Opinion 79

Survey Into Attitudes Towards Islam 81

V. Media Scan Analysis 82

TERM SET ONE: Politics, Society and Economics Themes 85

TERM SET TWO: Extremism and Violence Themes 87

TERM SET THREE: Religious themes 89

TERM SET FOUR: Culture and customs themes 91

VI. Reference and Sources 93

Public Opinion Polls on Islam in the West 94

Media Relations Guidelines 99

White Papers/Reports 103

Islamic Websites 106