The Perilous Alliance: Why the American Left Must Sever Ties with Communism and Islamism

As an Iranian-American exile who has witnessed firsthand the devastating impacts of totalitarian ideologies, I am compelled to raise an alarm about the dangerous alliances forming within the American left. The troubling convergence of leftist politics with both communism and Islamism poses a significant threat to the principles of liberty, democracy, and human rights that form the bedrock of American society. It is imperative for the American left to recognize these threats and sever these alliances before it is too late.

The Historical Lessons of Communism

Communism, as an ideology, has a dark and bloodstained history. From the Soviet Union to Maoist China, and from Castro’s Cuba to the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia, communist regimes have left a trail of destruction, mass murder, and human suffering. The death toll under communist rule in the 20th century alone is estimated to be over 100 million people . The American left’s flirtation with communist ideas, whether through romanticized views of socialist policies or outright support for Marxist organizations, is not only historically ignorant but also morally indefensible.

The Threat of Islamism

Islamism, the political ideology that seeks to impose Islamic law (Sharia) on society, is another force that the American left has increasingly aligned with. This alliance is particularly concerning given Islamism’s inherent opposition to the very values the left purports to champion, such as gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and freedom of expression. In countries where Islamism has taken root, such as Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, the results have been devastating for women, religious minorities, and political dissidents .

The Paradox of Leftist Support

The American left’s support for Islamist movements and regimes often masquerades under the guise of anti-imperialism and multiculturalism. However, this support is paradoxical and self-defeating. While championing progressive values domestically, the left turns a blind eye to the regressive and oppressive practices of Islamist regimes. This hypocrisy undermines the credibility of the left and betrays the very people it claims to support.

Ideological Convergence: A Dangerous Symbiosis

The convergence of leftist ideology with both communism and Islamism can be seen in various movements and political figures. For example, the support for groups like the Muslim Brotherhood, Hezbollah, and the Iranian regime by certain leftist factions is deeply troubling. These groups do not share the left’s purported commitment to social justice and human rights; rather, they seek to impose their authoritarian ideologies through violence and coercion .

The Impact on Iranian-Americans

As an Iranian-American exile, I have a unique perspective on the dangers of these ideologies. The Islamic Republic of Iran is a stark reminder of what happens when Islamism takes hold of a nation. The regime’s brutal crackdown on dissent, its misogynistic laws, and its export of terrorism are direct consequences of Islamist ideology. Moreover, the regime’s alliance with communist and socialist movements globally further exacerbates its threat to global stability and human rights .

The Path Forward

The American left must reassess its alliances and take a principled stand against both communism and Islamism. This means rejecting the romanticization of socialist policies that have failed repeatedly and denouncing Islamist movements that are fundamentally incompatible with progressive values. It also means standing in solidarity with the victims of these ideologies, whether they are political dissidents in Iran, Uyghurs in China, or oppressed women in Saudi Arabia.

Conclusion

The American left’s alliance with communism and Islamism is a dangerous and misguided strategy that threatens the core values of freedom, democracy, and human rights. As an Iranian-American exile, I urge my fellow citizens to recognize the perils of these ideologies and to advocate for a principled and consistent approach to domestic and foreign policy. Only by severing these toxic alliances can the left truly stand for the values it claims to uphold.

References

1. Courtois, Stéphane, et al. The Black Book of Communism: Crimes, Terror, Repression. Harvard University Press, 1999.
2. Alvi, Hayat. "The Human Rights Cost of the 'War on Terror'." Journal of Human Rights Practice, vol. 5, no. 3, 2013, pp. 463-484.
3. Chesler, Phyllis. "The Violent Oppression of Women in Islam." Middle East Quarterly, Fall 2009, www.meforum.org/2159/violent-oppression-of-women-in-islam.
4. Emerson, Steven. American Jihad: The Terrorists Living Among Us. Free Press, 2002.
5. Rubin, Michael. "The Muslim Brotherhood: The Many Faces of Their Political Agenda." American Enterprise Institute, 7 June 2011, www.aei.org/articles/the-muslim-brotherhood-the-many-faces-of-their-political-agenda/.
6. Ganji, Akbar. "The Latter-Day Sultan: Power and Politics in Iran." Foreign Affairs, September/October 2013, www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/iran/2013-08-12/latter-day-sultan.