Will the Iraq war eventually result in an influx of Muslims in America?

Question

After the Vietnam War - there were many vietnamese who immigrated (legally) to America.

A small amount of Buddhism came to take its place in America at about the same time. (although it could be more related to the "peace" movement).

Will Islam grow in America as the war subsides?

Will American values have more influence on Islam or will it be the other way around?

Answer 1

More often than not immigrants have been absorbed into the American fabric. These immigrants become Americanized but at the same time we gain something too. One of the great things about America is the diversity and the different cultural traditions that you can find throughout our great states but when it comes down to it, whether you or black, white, Hispanic, Asian, Christian, Jew or Arabic you are first an American.

Answer 2

The majority of the U.S.A. population is actually already quite Islamic in nature.

The high exposure of the Qur'an (either portrayed positively or negatively) to the U.S.A. population in recent time (especially during the recent decade), probably would mean that more and more of the U.S.A. population will become more and more observing toward Qur'anic laws.

So it's more likely that American values (which is already quite Islamic) will be become more and more inline with Qur'anic values.



As for immigrants from Iraq.

It's unlikely that the Qur'anic values will enter through Iraqi immigrants, since Iraq is actually not very strong with Qur'anic values.

On the other hand, the reverse might be true, Iraq might have become strong with Qur'anic values due to the U.S.A. involvement.

So it's more likely the U.S.A. will become the exporter and not importer of Qur'anic values.

Answer 3

Influx of Muslims: So far, the signs are that this will not happen.

* America has taken in less than 10,000 of the 2,000,000+ refugees from Iraq.

* The hassles that Muslim immigrants face in America are well publicized and no doubt will influence decisions by doctors, engineers, businessmen, etc. on where to settle after escaping Iraq.

* There is fundamentalist, irrational fear of Muslims in this country that is more widespread than we might admit. This is a major difference from the Vietnam era.

Growth of Islam: I think it will continue.

* Islam has grown in America over the past few decades, independent of events in this country or around the world. A migration wave would certainly accelerate the process, but the natural growth due to demographics and through conversion of Christian Americans has been surprisingly robust. There's no reason to see that changing.

* I think one of the side-effects of the Iraq war is that Islam is no longer as "foreign" to Americans as it was in the past. Iraqis in particular are more sympathetic figures now that the war has grown unpopular. So people who would have ordinarily scoffed at the possibility of becoming Muslim might not reject it out of hand.

Influence of Islamic vs American values: This is a fascinating question whose answer is difficult to predict.

* While it may not always be apparent in practice -- particularly in Muslim countries which are are so-called allies -- here is actually a lot of overlap between pure Islamic philosophical values and founding American values (inherent goodness of man, salvation through effort, charitable giving, etc.).

* As we look to export freedom and then undermine it at home with various short-sighted policies, our values have less impact in the Muslim world because of our lack of credibility.

* Islamic values, on the other hand, may gain more currency as people get fed up with scandals afflicting America's current political and spiritual leaders.

* I think the Buddhist influence on America has been a positive one. It has diversified our population and thinking, and it has led people to consider new approaches (nonviolent resistance, alternative therapies, etc.). This influence is not explicit, but if you think about it it is profound. This could happen with Islamic values.

As a side note, I am struck by some of the intolerant answers I have seen to your question. Is it just me, or is the level of bigotry inversely proportional to grammatical skill?

Answer 4

I doubt it. When US bombed vietnam like no tomorrow, those who had nothing left to go on were allowed to come to US to start a new life. That's US way of say "were sorry we bombed you for nor reason". Everybody knows, even top US generals and greenspan (most powerful man in US) says war was for oil. I doubt most iraqis wont' to come here even after you bombed the hell out of their country in order to steal their oil. Most of them would like to get back to their land and try to restart their lives.

Btw, There are 7 million Muslims in the US, i think it's already the biggest religion in US, 2nd to Christianity.

Answer 5

after the Iranian revolution when the Shah was deposed by the Ayatollahs, many educated Iranians came to the US. Albeit mostly (moderate) muslims, they have been model citizens and are leading members of American society.

You will find that those oppressed by fundamentalists are most eager to find a better life for themselves and are also the ones contributing a lot to the society they end up in. You should welcome them.

Answer 6

We have an influx of Muslims in America today and we have had for the past forty years.

There is an agenda to convert America to Muslim. Look at England.

Answer 7

Well considering that we went over there and bombed it back to the stone age and made it a living hell, they should move here.

Answer 8

Americans are famous for giving away the store.

Answer 9

We should not allow them ! Just my opinion, they will expect to be treated better than they treated Christians in their Country. Perhaps we should allow mohammedans the same freedom in America they give Christians in mohammedan Countries !
God Loves You ! He Really Does !
OM

Answer 10

Only time will answer that question.