Contributions by Muslim-American Politicians
The contributions of Muslims in American politics is frequently underestimated.
Keith Ellison
The most visible contribution that Keith Ellison has made is that he is the first Muslim ever to be be elected to the United States Congress. This is symbolic and ground breaking, because of this he was given the Trailblazer Award by the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee for.
Since taking office, Ellison has contributed to the debate on Islam in America. He often is the person invited to provide input on issues that relate to the Muslim communities.
Some of his actions can be seen as making challenging the dominant discourse on Islam. For instance after winning his first election he announced that he would use a Qur'an owned by Thomas Jefferson for his swearing in photos and unofficial ceremony. This act can be seen as a move by Ellison to defend his religious rights, and challenge the idea that Islam and Islamic teachings where despised by the "founding fathers."
Since taking office, Ellison has contributed to the debate on Islam in America. He often is the person invited to provide input on issues that relate to the Muslim communities.
Some of his actions can be seen as making challenging the dominant discourse on Islam. For instance after winning his first election he announced that he would use a Qur'an owned by Thomas Jefferson for his swearing in photos and unofficial ceremony. This act can be seen as a move by Ellison to defend his religious rights, and challenge the idea that Islam and Islamic teachings where despised by the "founding fathers."
Zalmay Khalizad
In contrast to Ellison, Ambassador Khalizad's religion has not been as equally politicized. There is not a lot of public debate about him. This may be due to the fact the he is not a publicly elected official. It could also be because he allies with conservative politicians, thus those that would attack view him as the "friendly Muslim."
His contributions are listed bellow. Because of his actions, he is seen as a heroic American by some and despised by others who view him as a traitor.
His contributions are listed bellow. Because of his actions, he is seen as a heroic American by some and despised by others who view him as a traitor.
- He was a founding member of the neoconservative Project for the New American Century.
- Developed and guided the international program to promote the merits of a Mujahideen-led Afghanistan to oust the Soviet occupation.
- Signed a letter advising Clinton which called for him to remove Saddam from Power, because Saddam may posses weapons of Mass destruction and could treating the stability of the region and the world.
- Involved bush Afghanistan policies, and oversaw writing of Afghanistan constitution and the transition to civil rule.