Prominent Muslim Americans to side with Harris in upcoming US polls

WASHINGTON: Most of the prominent Muslim American leaders in the US national security sphere have decided to side with the Democrats in the upcoming presidential elections.

“As American Muslims who have served our country in and out of government, in both Democratic and Republican administrations, we believe in a foreign policy that strengthens alliances, defends human rights and supports democracy — making America stronger. We understand the importance of national security and demand leadership that upholds these values,” a statement from ‘American Muslims in National Security in support of Harris/Walz’ read.

“As Americans, we believe national security must be grounded in integrity and truth. Our leaders must foster an America that gives ‘to bigotry no sanction’. We deserve leaders who honor dignity for all citizens, and reject division and hate,” it said, adding that the presidential elections taking place next month present a clear choice: “A future that engages all Americans and promotes prosperity, peace, and democracy, or one that divides, eliminates freedoms, and thrives on chaos and dishonesty.”

The statement signed by various prominent Muslim American figures stated that America is at a historic turning point, facing the most complex threat environment in generations. “Our security is endangered by state and non-state adversaries who oppose the freedoms that underpin our democracy.”

It also emphasized that they might have policy differences with the Democratic candidates, they offer the best path forward compared to their adversaries. “They understand that America’s strength lies in honoring commitments, standing up to despots, defending freedom, promoting peace and uniting people. By contrast, former President Trump will undermine alliances, align with autocrats, subvert truth, and promote opportunities only for the few.”

Rejecting the divisive politics, the statement emphasized: “Trump’s divisive actions and rhetoric —from the ‘Muslim ban’ to demeaning comments about immigrants and minorities—puts our security at risk.” They favoured Kamala Harris and her running mate Tim Walz since they value all Americans regardless of race, religion or background.

This election is the most consequential in modern history, the statement said, adding, for these reasons, we support Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz to lead this nation forward. Calling the Democrat candidates as true leaders, they called on all Americans to join them in voting for the Harris/Walz ticket, “ensuring a future where unity prevails, and national security is in the hands of responsible leaders who will keep us safe.”

The signatories of the statement, so far, include: Wa’el Alzayat, Chief Executive Officer of Emgage Action; Zahed Amanullah, Director, the Concordia Forum (2011-2022) Counter-extremism Expert; Dr Ziad J. Asali, MD, Founder and President of the American Task Force on Palestine (ATFP); Ambassador Sada Cumber, Former US Presidential Envoy to the Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC); Keith Ellison, Attorney General of Minnesota; former member of the US House of Representatives (D-MN), former member of the Minnesota House of Representatives; Adnan Kifayat, former director for Counter Terrorism, National Security Council (NSC); former Alternate US Executive Director to the African Development Bank (US Treasury); Shuja Nawaz, author and Founding Director of the South Asia Centre, Atlantic Council; Farah Pandith, former special representative to Muslim Communities (US State Department), former director for Middle East Regional Initiatives, National Security Council (NSC), former Chief of Staff, Asia and Near East Bureau, US Agency for International Development (USAID); Ambassador Islam A. Siddiqui, former senior advisor, Food Security, Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), former Chief US Agricultural Negotiator, Office of US Trade Representative (USTR); Dr Volkan Topalli, Professor of Criminology, Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, Georgia State University.