The source critiques Donald Trump’s political rhetoric and actions, particularly his stance on Islamic terrorism and his travel ban. It argues that Trump’s policies alienate moderate Muslims and are counterproductive. The author suggests Trump’s approach is similar to that of inexperienced politicians, prioritizing short-term interests over long-term stability. The text also points to the role of extremist organizations in shaping negative perceptions of Islam. Ultimately, the author expresses hope that the American system, including the judiciary, will constrain Trump’s more divisive policies. The piece warns that his administration’s actions risk alienating allies and repeating past mistakes.

Navigating Politics and Perception: A Study Guide

Quiz:

1. According to the author, how is the word “politics” generally perceived in their society and media?
2. What qualities, according to the author, should a politician possess to effectively lead a nation in modern times?
3. What comparison does the author draw between Donald Trump and Pakistani politicians?
4. What was President Trump’s initial announcement regarding “Islamic Terrorism,” and what was the author’s reaction to it?
5. What was President Trump’s order to ban citizens of seven Islamic countries from entering America, and what were the consequences of this decision?
6. According to the author, what group is made happy because of the ban on citizens of seven Islamic countries entering America?
7. According to the author, who is the culprit that is draining a large section of people in the West away from Muslims?
8. What is the author’s opinion of extremist organizations that link every inhuman incident with Islam?
9. What is the author’s opinion about people “who cover their veils?”
10. How does the author view the American judiciary’s role in checking President Trump’s executive orders?

Quiz Answer Key:

1. The author believes that their society and media generally present the word “politics” as being synonymous with cleverness, cunningness, and even deception, rather than the art of governance or advancing a nation with understanding and intelligence.
2. According to the author, a politician should possess qualities of subtlety, understand the psychology of their people in accordance with modern demands, and have the consciousness to take them forward, rather than being thick-minded or superficial.
3. The author compares Donald Trump and Pakistani politicians based on their perceived lack of experience, mental and conscious imbalance, and tendency to make temporary or self-interested decisions, rather than those of a permanent or national nature.
4. President Trump announced that he would support “Islamic Terrorism” and delete the page from the entity; the author responded by stating that Muslims were not hurt by this announcement, and that terrorism is not the agenda of any religion.
5. President Trump ordered a ban on citizens from seven Islamic countries from entering America; this order upset liberal Muslims while Violent Muslims with negative thinking were happy with this order; and led to large-scale protests in America and Europe.
6. The author believes Violent Muslims with negative thinking are made happy because of the ban on citizens of seven Islamic countries entering America.
7. The author believes that the culprit that is draining a large section of people in the West away from Muslims is “our own foreigners” that are responsible organizations that connect every inhuman incident with Islam.
8. The author does not approve of extremist organizations that link every inhuman incident with Islam such as ISIS, Taliban, Hamas, Bukohram, Al-Shabab and Jamaat-ul-Islamia.
9. The author refers to them as “stupid friends of Islam and the Muslims.”
10. The author sees the American judiciary as playing a crucial role in checking President Trump’s power by declaring some of his executive orders unconstitutional, suggesting a healthy system of checks and balances within the American government.

Essay Questions:

1. Analyze the author’s critique of the modern perception of “politics” and discuss the potential consequences of viewing politics as merely “cleverness and cunningness.”
2. Evaluate the author’s comparison between Donald Trump and Pakistani politicians. Do you find the comparison valid? Why or why not? Support your argument with specific examples.
3. Discuss the author’s perspective on the relationship between the West and the Muslim world, focusing on the idea that “our own foreigners” are partly responsible for the growing divide.
4. Assess the author’s view on the role of the American judiciary in checking the power of the executive branch, particularly in the context of President Trump’s administration.
5. Explore the broader themes of identity, representation, and global relations within the text. How does the author navigate these complex issues in their analysis of President Trump and international politics?

Glossary of Key Terms:

• Politics: The art or science of governance; the activities associated with governing a country or area, especially the debate or conflict among individuals or parties hoping to achieve power. (As defined within the text, the term has a more elevated sense of advancing a nation with understanding and intelligence.)
• Rhetoric: The art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing, especially the use of figures of speech and other compositional techniques.
• Executive Order: A rule or order issued by the President of the United States to an executive branch of the government and having the force of law.
• Darul-War: An Islamic term referring to a territory or country where Islamic law does not prevail.
• Islamic Terrorism: Terrorism committed by groups or individuals who profess Islamic motivations or goals.
• Liberal Muslims: Muslims who embrace more open-minded interpretations of Islamic texts and values, typically favoring tolerance and progressiveness.
• Propaganda: Information, especially of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote or publicize a particular political cause or point of view.
• Modern Western Civilization: The norms, values, traditions, and practices that are part of Western culture, and have evolved over time.
• Judiciary: The judicial authorities of a country; the branch of government that interprets and applies the law in the name of the state.
• Checks and Balances: A system that allows each branch of a government to amend or veto acts of another branch so as to prevent any one branch from exerting too much power.

Critique of Trump: Rhetoric, Islam, and International Relations

Briefing Document: Analysis of “Pasted Text” Regarding Donald Trump

Date: October 26, 2023 (Assumed based on request) Subject: Analysis of an opinion piece criticizing Donald Trump’s political approach, rhetoric, and impact, particularly on the perception of Islam and international relations. Sources: Excerpts from “Pasted Text”

Executive Summary:

This document analyzes an opinion piece strongly critical of Donald Trump, focusing on its core arguments regarding his perceived lack of political acumen, inflammatory rhetoric concerning Islam, and detrimental impact on international relations. The author paints Trump as an immature and interest-driven leader whose policies and statements have alienated allies and exacerbated existing tensions. The text also discusses the perception of politics as cunning and deception, contributing to the rise of inexperienced leaders like Trump. It further argues that extremist Islamic groups contribute to the negative perception of Islam, indirectly enabling figures like Trump.

Main Themes and Key Arguments:

1. Trump’s Inexperience and Lack of Political Subtlety: The author believes Trump lacks the intelligence, consciousness, and understanding of psychology required for effective governance. They compare him to “clowns or claimants of national leadership” who are “mentally and consciously…unbalanced” and incapable of making sound, long-term decisions. The author suggests his entrepreneurial, interest-driven mindset prevents him from seeing beyond immediate gains.

• “Ahead of the recent US elections, we used the acronym of the popular Indian film “Three Edits” when criticizing the presidential candidate Donald Trump and wanted to say in a lighter manner that clowns or claimants of national leadership who do not have much experience in this field. Mentally and consciously they are unbalanced. Unfortunately, when they get leadership, they cannot make better decisions of a permanent nature for their nation because their entrepreneurial and interest thinking fails to see beyond the general emergency and temporary interests.”

1. Criticism of Trump’s Rhetoric Regarding Islam: The author criticizes Trump’s pronouncements regarding “Islamic Terrorism” and the travel ban on citizens from several Muslim-majority countries. The piece argues these actions alienated moderate Muslims and emboldened extremists, ultimately serving to divide rather than unite.

• “For example, when he took his first presidential oath, he said that he is supporting “Islamic Terrorism.” Will delete the page from the entity. Apparently it was a charming announcement or slogan, but such slogan could not be expected from a thoughtful politician…Then they took something more demonstrative, i.e. ordering to ban citizens of seven Islamic countries from coming to America. We wrote on it that with this idiotic order, they have upset the average liberal Muslims while Violent Muslims with negative thinking are happy with this order “Darul-War”.”

1. The Role of Extremist Groups in Shaping Perceptions of Islam: The author argues that actions of extremist groups like ISIS, the Taliban, and others contribute to the negative perception of Islam, thereby indirectly enabling leaders like Trump to gain support through divisive rhetoric.

• “If you analyze it with integrity, the culprit is not the West, but our own foreigners. There are responsible organizations that connect their every inhuman incident with Islam. In this regard, there is no use in naming extremist organizations such as ISIS, Taliban, Hamas, Bukohram, Al-Shabab and Jamaat-ul-Islamia etc.”

1. Impact on International Relations and Alliances: The author suggests Trump’s policies and pronouncements are damaging US relationships with key allies, particularly in Europe and Saudi Arabia. The text points to Vice President’s harsh language in Munich as an example.

• “If today, your historical ally like Saudi Arabia is saying yes to your illegitimate yes, then here is the background. To be understood right now the whole of Europe is upset with the language your vice president has used in Munich regarding European allies if you guys continue your irresponsible upbringing like this what will you make new allies many old ones too Will lose.”

1. Politics as Cunning Deception: The author laments the degradation of the term “politics,” associating it with trickery and deception rather than the art of governance. This negative perception contributes to the appeal of outsiders and inexperienced leaders.

• “Our society and our media presents this word in the sense of cleverness and cunningness. Linguistically though it is the art of governance or symbols where as the founder may mean “politics” to advance a nation or people of the nation with understanding and intelligence.”

Important Ideas and Facts:

• The author draws a parallel between Trump and “clumsy” Pakistani politicians, implying a similar lack of competence and understanding.
• The author acknowledges the US judiciary’s role in checking Trump’s power by declaring some of his executive orders unconstitutional.
• The author believes that Trump should study his own history in order to better understand the geopolitical landscape he was navigating.
• The article highlights how anti-immigrant sentiment in Europe and America are impacting legal and illegal immigration. Conclusion:

This opinion piece presents a scathing critique of Donald Trump’s political approach, particularly focusing on its negative impact on international relations, the perception of Islam, and its emphasis on cleverness and cunning. The author portrays Trump as an inexperienced and divisive figure whose rhetoric and policies have alienated allies, emboldened extremists, and contributed to a global environment of increased tension and misunderstanding. The text also underscores the importance of internal moderation and introspection within the Muslim community to combat extremist narratives and prevent the negative perception of Islam.

Trump, Politics, and Global Perceptions of Islam

Here is an 8-question FAQ based on the provided text:

1. What is the author’s critique of Donald Trump and his approach to politics?

The author critiques Trump for his rhetoric, lack of experience, and perceived mental imbalance. They argue that his policies and statements, such as the initial travel ban on citizens from seven Islamic countries and his focus on “Islamic terrorism,” alienate moderate Muslims and empower extremist groups. The author sees Trump’s approach as driven by short-term interests rather than long-term strategic thinking, comparing him unfavorably to thoughtful politicians.

2. How does the author view the term “politics” as it is commonly understood and practiced?

The author believes that “politics” is often presented in a negative light, associated with cleverness, cunningness, and deception rather than the art of governance. They argue that true politics should be about advancing a nation with understanding, intelligence, and consideration for the people’s well-being, requiring subtle qualities rather than thick-mindedness.

3. What is the author’s opinion on Trump’s statement about “Islamic Terrorism?”

The author finds Trump’s initial focus on “Islamic Terrorism” to be a thoughtless slogan that could not be expected from a thoughtful politician. While acknowledging that some Muslims might not be hurt by it, they emphasize that terrorism should not be associated with any particular religion. The author suggests that concrete actions, rather than announcements, are needed to address the issue.

4. How does the author analyze the reactions to Trump’s travel ban?

The author notes that Trump’s travel ban upset liberal Muslims while potentially pleasing violent Muslims with negative thinking. They question who Trump is serving by implementing such policies. The author also observes that the protests against the ban were more significant in America and Europe than in Muslim countries themselves.

5. What role do “stupid friends of Islam and the Muslims” play in the global perception of Islam, according to the author?

The author argues that certain groups, such as ISIS, the Taliban, and other extremist organizations, contribute to negative perceptions of Islam by associating every inhuman incident with the religion. They are referred to as “stupid friends of Islam and the Muslims” because their actions provide ammunition for those who seek to demonize the religion.

6. How does the author explain Trump’s rise to power in the context of these issues?

The author suggests that the intensity in the ranks, caused by the negative actions and rhetoric associated with certain extremist groups and their “idiot friends,” helps explain the rise of leaders like Trump and Modi. These leaders benefit from the fear and anxiety generated by these issues.

7. What is the author’s view of the American political system’s ability to check Trump’s power?

The author expresses admiration for the American system, particularly the judiciary, for its ability to check Trump’s power by declaring some of his executive orders unconstitutional. They expect that the realities of the world will force Trump to compromise and learn from past mistakes, referencing President Bush Jr.’s approach to Iran.

8. What is the author’s concern regarding Trump’s relationship with allies?

The author is concerned about Trump’s approach to foreign relations, noting that Europe is upset with his Vice President’s language in Munich regarding European allies. They suggest that his irresponsible behavior could lead to the loss of old allies and difficulties in forming new ones, particularly if he continues to ignore historical lessons.

Donald Trump: Policies, Reactions, and Global Implications

Here’s a discussion of Donald Trump, based on the provided sources:

• Before the US elections, Donald Trump was criticized using the acronym of the Indian film “Three Edits,” suggesting that he and other national leadership claimants lacked experience and were mentally unbalanced. The source suggests that such leaders may make poor, temporary decisions due to their entrepreneurial and self-interest thinking.
• The source mentions that after winning the election, Donald Trump made statements that echoed those of his European allies, described as “fall their own”. The author uses the phrase “Masha Allah, when there are such internal ‘friends’ there is no need for external enemies” to describe this.
• According to the source, since taking office, President Trump has made controversial statements, such as claiming he would eliminate “Islamic Terrorism”. The author suggests that such slogans are not expected from a thoughtful politician and that concrete actions, rather than announcements, are more effective.
• One demonstrative action mentioned was the ban on citizens from seven Islamic countries from entering America. The source indicates that this order upset liberal Muslims and pleased violent Muslims with negative thinking, raising the question of whom Trump was serving. The ban led to protests in America and Europe.
• Despite the above, the judiciary of the American system has checked some of Trump’s executive orders by declaring them unconstitutional. The author expresses the hope that “bitter ground realities will force Trump to compromise”.
• The author also suggests Trump should study his own recent history and understand the implications of alienating allies, as Europe is upset with his vice president’s language in Munich. The author goes on to assert that if such “irresponsible upbringing” continues, he may lose old allies and fail to make new ones.

American Politics: Rhetoric, Leadership, and Governance

Here’s a discussion of American politics, based on the provided sources:

• The sources suggest that American politics, particularly during Donald Trump’s presidency, has been characterized by controversial rhetoric and policies.
• The author expresses concern over the state of politics, where propaganda is used to manipulate the common people, presenting politics as a negative thing. According to the source, this is described not just as trickery but as deception. The author questions what power is involved in spreading this propaganda.
• American political leaders are described as sometimes lacking experience and being mentally unbalanced, which can lead to poor decision-making.
• The American judiciary has acted as a check on the executive branch, declaring some of President Trump’s executive orders unconstitutional.
• The source suggests that American politicians should learn from their own history and avoid alienating allies. The author cautions against the potential consequences of “irresponsible upbringing” in politics, which could lead to the loss of old allies and the failure to gain new ones.
• The source contrasts the traditional understanding of “politics” as the art of governance aimed at advancing a nation with understanding and intelligence, against a modern perception of politics as mere cleverness and cunningness. According to the source, superficial and inexperienced individuals are sometimes favored over experienced and worldly politicians, to the detriment of the nation.

Islamic Terrorism: Origins, Impact, and Perceptions

Here’s a discussion of Islamic Terrorism, based on the provided sources:

• The source mentions that President Trump stated he would eliminate “Islamic Terrorism”. The author suggests that terrorism cannot be the agenda of any religion. Instead of such announcements, the author suggests that concrete steps should be taken silently to address the issue.
• The source mentions specific extremist organizations such as ISIS, Taliban, Hamas, Bukohram, Al-Shabab, and Jamaat-ul-Islamia. The author asserts that these organizations connect their inhuman acts to Islam. The author goes on to say that these groups are “stupid friends of Islam and the Muslims” and that their actions contribute to negative perceptions.
• The source suggests that the intensity of these groups and the actions of their “idiot friends and allies” is a reason why individuals like Trump or Modi have found success in politics.
• The source claims that some Muslims with violent or negative thinking were happy with Trump’s order to ban citizens from seven Islamic countries from entering America, viewing it as “Darul-War”.

Western Civilization: Humanity, Relationships, and Alliances

Here’s a discussion of Western Civilization, based on the provided sources:

• According to the source, modern Western civilization is based on humanity, despite various stumbling and bitter experiments.
• The source suggests that a large section of people in the West are drained from the Muslims. The author claims the culprit is not the West, but rather “our own foreigners,” referring to organizations that connect inhuman incidents with Islam. These organizations contribute to a negative perception, influencing Western views.
• The source mentions that Europe is upset with the language used by the U.S. Vice President in Munich regarding European allies, suggesting potential strains in relationships within the West.
• The author warns against alienating allies and suggests that irresponsible behavior could lead to the loss of old alliances and failure to form new ones.

By Amjad Izhar
Contact: amjad.izhar@gmail.com
https://amjadizhar.blog

Affiliate Disclosure: This blog may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you click on the link and make a purchase. This comes at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I believe will add value to my readers. Your support helps keep this blog running and allows me to continue providing you with quality content. Thank you for your support!