The term “neocon” refers to neoconservatives—a political movement that gained prominence in the United States during the latter half of the 20th century, especially after the Cold War. Their influence peaked in the early 2000s, particularly during the George W. Bush administration, when their ideas significantly shaped foreign and domestic policy. From an Islamic perspective, the rise and actions of the neocons have had far-reaching consequences for Muslims globally, touching on issues of war, identity, geopolitics, ethics, and the portrayal of Islam in mainstream discourse.
This article explores the “attack of the neocons” not merely as a political development, but as an ideological campaign with significant implications for the Islamic world. It delves into the origins of neoconservatism, its core beliefs, the real-world implications of its policies—particularly in the Middle East—and how these policies conflict with Islamic principles of justice, peace, and coexistence.
Understanding Neoconservatism: Origins and Ideology
Historical Roots
Neoconservatism began as a reactionary movement within the Democratic Party during the 1960s. Originally composed of disillusioned liberals who opposed the counterculture and leftist ideologies, neocons shifted rightward over time. They were particularly concerned with asserting American global dominance, spreading democracy (often by force), and supporting the state of Israel without compromise.
By the time of the Reagan administration, neoconservatism had become a key influence on U.S. foreign policy, promoting military strength and ideological confrontation against the Soviet Union. It later found a robust home in the Republican Party, culminating in its greatest influence under President George W. Bush following the events of September 11, 2001.
Core Beliefs
The ideology of the neocons is centered around a few pivotal themes:
- Militaristic Interventionism: The belief that the U.S. has a moral duty to spread democracy and defeat authoritarian regimes, often through war.
- American Exceptionalism: A conviction that the U.S. has a unique role in shaping world history and must lead through power.
- Support for Israel: An unwavering alliance with the Israeli state, often to the detriment of Palestinian rights.
- Distrust of International Institutions: Skepticism towards the UN and other bodies that might restrain unilateral U.S. action.
These ideals often manifest in aggressive foreign policies that disregard the sovereignty and welfare of other nations—particularly Muslim-majority states.
9/11: A Catalyst for the Neocon Agenda
The Tragedy and Its Aftermath
The attacks of September 11, 2001, marked a pivotal moment in world history. Nearly 3,000 people died in coordinated attacks by al-Qaeda operatives. The world mourned—but neoconservatives saw an opportunity. Using the rhetoric of a global “War on Terror,” they pushed forward a vision of remaking the Middle East through force.
The invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 and Iraq in 2003 were not isolated incidents but milestones in a broader strategy. The goal, as outlined by neocon think tanks like the Project for the New American Century (PNAC), was not merely revenge or security—it was transformation. The Muslim world, particularly the Arab world, was to be remade in the image of Western liberal democracy, regardless of local will or historical context.
The Demonization of Islam
In tandem with these military interventions, Islam itself came under ideological assault. Neoconservative commentators and politicians frequently conflated the religion of Islam with terrorism, extremism, and backwardness. This fostered an environment of Islamophobia, legitimizing racial profiling, surveillance, and anti-Muslim sentiment in Western societies.
From an Islamic perspective, this was not just a mischaracterization—it was a violation of the principles of justice (adl), fairness (insaf), and dignity (`karamah) that are central to both Islamic theology and ethics.
The Invasion of Iraq: A Case Study in Neoconservative Overreach
Manufactured Justifications
The 2003 invasion of Iraq remains the most glaring example of neoconservative excess. Built on false claims about weapons of mass destruction and a supposed link between Saddam Hussein and al-Qaeda, the war devastated a sovereign Muslim country, killing hundreds of thousands of civilians and displacing millions more.
The war was promoted by neocon figures like Paul Wolfowitz, Richard Perle, and Douglas Feith, who saw Iraq as a stepping stone to a broader reordering of the Middle East. Yet, the war’s actual outcomes—sectarian violence, the rise of ISIS, and the destruction of Iraq’s infrastructure—were catastrophic.
Islamic Response and Ethical Evaluation
From an Islamic jurisprudential perspective, war must be just (jihad al-daf) and proportionate. The Qur’an permits defensive warfare but prohibits aggression: “Fight in the way of Allah those who fight you but do not transgress. Indeed, Allah does not like transgressors” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:190).
By this standard, the Iraq War was wholly illegitimate. It lacked a just cause, targeted civilians, and produced more harm than good—violating the Islamic maxim: la darar wa la dirar (do not harm and do not reciprocate harm).
Israel, Palestine, and the Neoconservative Double Standard
Uncritical Support for Zionism
A defining feature of neoconservative ideology is unwavering support for Israel. Neocons have played a major role in shaping U.S. policy to favor Israel’s strategic and political interests, often at the expense of Palestinian rights.
From an Islamic view, this represents a grave injustice. The Qur’an emphasizes the importance of justice even towards those one opposes: “Do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just: that is nearer to piety” (Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:8).
The Silencing of Muslim Voices
Neoconservative influence has also led to the suppression of pro-Palestinian voices in media, academia, and politics. Muslims who critique Israeli policy are often labeled as radicals or anti-Semites. This silencing serves not only to maintain power structures but also to delegitimize Muslim political expression, further alienating the Muslim community in the West.
The Clash of Civilizations: Myth or Agenda?
Orientalism Reborn
Neocons often subscribe to a civilizational conflict narrative—a modern rehash of the “Clash of Civilizations” theory proposed by Samuel Huntington. This view frames the Muslim world as inherently at odds with Western values, perpetuating stereotypes of Muslims as violent, irrational, and oppressive.
From an Islamic viewpoint, this narrative is not only false but dangerous. Islam views humanity as a single family, with diversity as a divine sign: “O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another” (Surah Al-Hujurat 49:13).
The civilizational conflict thesis undermines this Qur’anic ethic of mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence.
Islamophobia as Statecraft
Legal and Political Marginalization
Neoconservative policies have led to the institutionalization of Islamophobia in Western countries. Laws that disproportionately target Muslims, such as surveillance programs, no-fly lists, and immigration bans, have normalized the suspicion of Muslim identity.
In countries like France, the UK, and the U.S., Muslims face a range of discriminatory policies in the name of “national security.” Islam, rather than being understood as a faith of 1.8 billion diverse adherents, is often reduced to a threat to be managed.
Ethical and Spiritual Implications
This politicized fear of Islam distorts the true purpose of religion: to cultivate virtue, justice, and community. For Muslims, such treatment is a trial (fitnah), and their response must be grounded in steadfastness (sabr) and principled advocacy (amr bil ma'ruf wa nahi 'anil munkar—enjoining good and forbidding evil).
Media Manipulation and the Battle for Narratives
Controlling the Story
Neoconservatives have skillfully used media to control public discourse, often amplifying fear-based narratives about Islam. Mainstream outlets feature “experts” with little understanding of Islamic theology but strong opinions about “Islamic extremism.”
This media manipulation is not benign. It conditions public opinion to accept war, justify racism, and marginalize Muslim voices. It also distorts Islam’s message of mercy, compassion, and justice.
Countering the Narrative
Muslims must reclaim their narrative, both within the media and beyond. This involves not only defending Islam from misrepresentation but also embodying its highest values in word and action. It calls for the creation of alternative media platforms, interfaith dialogue, and intellectual engagement rooted in authentic Islamic scholarship.
Theological and Philosophical Rebuttals to Neoconservatism
Islam and Just Governance
Islam emphasizes justice as the cornerstone of governance. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “The most beloved of people to Allah on the Day of Judgment and the closest to Him will be the just leader” (Tirmidhi).
Neoconservatism, with its emphasis on dominance, coercion, and imperialism, runs counter to this vision. Rather than promoting justice, it has often enforced oppression under the guise of “freedom.”
Peace as a Pillar
Contrary to the violent image painted by neoconservatives, Islam values peace deeply. The root of the word Islam—salaam—means peace. The Qur’an states: “And if they incline to peace, then incline to it [also] and rely upon Allah. Indeed, it is He who is the Hearing, the Knowing” (Surah Al-Anfal 8:61).
Neocon policies that promote endless conflict violate this foundational principle and must be critically examined from both ethical and theological standpoints.
Towards a New Islamic Political Consciousness
Building Strategic Awareness
Muslims must develop a deeper understanding of global politics, not from a place of fear or reaction, but from strategic awareness. The neocon era revealed the dangers of being politically naïve or disengaged. Engagement in policy-making, advocacy, and education is essential.
Reviving the Ethos of Prophetic Resistance
Prophets throughout history stood against tyranny—Moses against Pharaoh, Muhammad (PBUH) against Qurayshi oppression. Muslims today must draw from this legacy to resist unjust power structures, including those perpetuated by neoconservatives and their ideological descendants.
This resistance is not merely political—it is spiritual. It is a call to uphold the Qur’anic values of truth, justice, and compassion in an age of manipulation and militarism.
Conclusion
The “attack of the neocons” was not just a political episode—it was a global campaign with deep ramifications for the Muslim world. It led to wars, occupation, ideological demonization, and widespread suffering. It also exposed the need for Muslims to engage thoughtfully with politics, media, and social justice.
From an Islamic perspective, neoconservatism represents a deeply flawed worldview—one that promotes war over peace, coercion over cooperation, and domination over justice. As Muslims look to the future, the challenge is to rise above victimhood, reclaim agency, and embody the prophetic mission of mercy and truth in a world that sorely needs it.