A Foreign Policy report delves into the notable decline in Muslim liberals following the Israeli war on Gaza. Since the outbreak of the war, particularly after Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, policymakers in Washington have been concerned with managing the war. The military escalations, spanning from Lebanon through Syria, and Iraq, and reaching down to Jordan and Yemen, indicate that their efforts may not have yielded significant success, according to Foreign Policy. 

The report highlights that there is an unprecedented level of outrage against the United States and its Western allies across the Middle East and even in the broader Muslim world, which could have enduring consequences. It suggests that the situation could potentially surpass the impact of the US invasion and occupation of Iraq in 2003.

'The region is boiling'

Fawaz Gerges, a prominent expert on Middle East politics issued a warning in December, stating, "I have never seen the region as implosive, as boiling. There is so much rage and anger, not only against Israel but against the United States."

The report explains that such outrage stems from millions witnessing the horrific scenes from Gaza daily, often through live television broadcasts. Entire neighborhoods are bombed, with the lifeless bodies of infants and children visible amid the rubble.

Innocent civilians are gunned down, even in the West Bank. According to local health authorities, the death toll has surpassed 28,000 Palestinians, predominantly women and children. 90 percent of Gazans have been forced from their homes, teetering on the brink of starvation and disease.

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Many Muslims then turn their attention to the statements made by Western leaders, such as US President Joe Biden, regarding these events, as suggested by the report, yet all they hear is rhetoric affirming "Israel's" right to defend itself, while more US dollars and weapons are being provided to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government to sustain its campaign.

No faith in 'Western norms' - 'suicide of the West'

According to the report, the loss of faith in Western norms isn't limited to those predisposed to "anti-American sentiment" or critical of the Western-led order. Even liberal-leaning Muslims, who have traditionally held Western political values in high regard and frequently referenced them, now feel disappointed, perceiving a betrayal of these principles by the standard-bearer.

That said, Turkish journalist Nihal Bengisu Karaca is among them, as she penned a poignant piece on what she describes as "the suicide of the West."

“From now on, on this side of the world,” she asked, “Who can refer to ‘global values,’ ‘Western liberal democracies’… Who would listen to them?”

Others are even more repelled by the West, outright rejecting it. A Mauritanian professor of philosophy, al-Mustafa ould Klaib, gained attention across Arab social media platforms when he declared, "I have become ashamed before my students whom I have taught, over decades, the Enlightenment and modern Western philosophies." The professor apologized for having "glorified" Western concepts such as "humanism," "progress," and "liberty," concluding with the assertion, "The West is the biggest lie history has known."

In another example highlighted in the report, American Muslims, many of whom cherish the liberties and opportunities available to them in the United States, find themselves profoundly disillusioned by the devastation in Gaza, particularly in light of Washington's support for such actions. This sentiment was voiced by prominent Imam Omar Suleiman, who, deeply disturbed by the images of children killed in Gaza, asserted, "Any semblance of international law or standard for humanity is dead." Directing his words to those who often preach on such issues, he further remarked, "Don't ever lecture us on morality again. Your hearts are dead."

Europe censorship 

According to the report, the repercussions of the situation in Gaza are now jeopardizing core liberal values. In Europe, particularly in countries like Germany, there is an unprecedented surge in censorship and crackdowns on criticism of "Israel" and any expression of support for Palestine—even the display of Palestinian flags and Koufiyyehs can be prohibited. 

#Meta is considering censoring the word "Zionist" on its platform, a decision that has received backlash from many pro-#Palestine groups and users. pic.twitter.com/0OmMk7GmQK

— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) February 12, 2024