TOM PATTERSON: Islamists Gain Ground with a Strategic Shift in Tactics

By Dr. Thomas Patterson |

A German politician faces significant legal consequences after citing government statistics about crime rates involving Afghan migrants. Dismissed as hate speech, her statements have resulted in fines and a criminal record, highlighting a troubling trend of censorship in Europe.

In the United Kingdom, free speech is increasingly under threat as authorities hesitate to address grooming gangs targeting young women, fearing backlash from various groups. Prosecutors seem more inclined to protect feelings than safeguard victims.

Across the Atlantic, pro-Palestinian demonstrators disrupted a graduation dinner for the Berkeley Law dean. Notably, no disciplinary actions were taken against the activists, while accusations of racism were leveled against the dean’s wife, prompting a civil rights investigation.

The subtle rise of Islamist influence in American culture has gone largely unrecognized. Islamists aim for a long-term transformation of Western society, promoting a vision of a universal caliphate. Their strategy has shifted from violent terrorism to gradual subversion where patience and persistence are key.

Past attacks, aimed at instilling fear among non-believers, have been countered by Western democracies adopting security measures that sacrifice some personal liberties. While terrorism dominated concerns in the 2016 U.S. election, by 2024, it barely registers as a significant issue.

Ayaan Hirsi Ali, a notable advocate for women’s rights, warns against complacency. She argues that while overt acts of jihadism may have diminished, a more insidious movement seeks to infiltrate society from within, fostering radicalization through networks targeting vulnerable individuals.

New tactics leverage social media platforms like TikTok to propagate ideologies, increasingly resonating with youth unfamiliar with the historical complexities of their messaging. Islamist rhetoric often adopts the language of civil rights, obscuring the underlying narrative.

The shift towards increased surveillance and censorship diminishes the Internet’s foundational ideals of free expression. Alarming trends emerge, especially among the youth, including rising antisemitism on college campuses and public displays of hostility towards Western values.

Furthermore, legal frameworks meant to protect individuals against discrimination have been weaponized. The term “Islamophobia” has morphed into a defense against any critical opinion, even those grounded in fact, creating a shield for Islamist narratives.

With the perception that the West is faltering, radicals appear emboldened. While threats in the U.S. may seem distant, the gradual encroachment of Islamist principles into policy and public discourse points to a potentially troubling future.

Dr. Thomas Patterson, a former Chairman of the Goldwater Institute and a retired emergency physician, served as an Arizona State senator in the 1990s and authored Arizona’s original charter schools bill.