Erfan Fard
American students, along with some of their academic defenders, often display a concerning lack of understanding regarding the devastating ideologies they engage with. This includes a broad array of dangerous beliefs such as radical Islam, Islamic terrorism, fanaticism, Khomeinism, Shiite terrorism, the Muslim Brotherhood, and the extensive networks of transnational terrorism. The genesis of this perilous ignorance can be traced back to American universities over the last few decades.
During the turbulent decades of 1960s and 1970s, a coalition of Marxist-Leninist and Islamic leftists in the United States led substantial protests the late Shah of Iran, who was then America’s steadfast ally in the Middle East. In a historical twist laden with irony, President Jimmy Carter extolled Khomeini, and the White House infamously dubbed him a “holy man,” signaling a significant and consequential pivot in both international relations and Iran’s domestic policy.
The aftermath of the 1979 Khomeinist terrorist revolt saw Iran, a cradle of civilization for over 7,000 years, succumb to a draconian regime of religious and political Islamic tyranny. This shift endangered not only its rich cultural heritage and populace but also destabilized the Middle East and threatened global security. The U.S. administration’s miscalculation in leveraging “the Islamic card” to counter the Soviet Union grossly underestimated the alliance of many Islamic terrorist factions with Soviet interests, including notable figures such as Yasser Arafat.
This underestimation led to the unfettered rise of a radical ideology which, fueled by Western miscalculations, dramatically transformed global geopolitical dynamics. Khomeini’s regime, ironically starting its international presence with an act of aggression—hostage-taking—directly contravened the expectations of its Western supporters.
In the United States, certain academics, and students—names like Richard Cottam in Pittsburgh, Marvin Zonis in Chicago, James Bill in Texas, Richard Falk at Princeton, Bernard Lewis at Princeton, and Thomas Ricks at George Town—became deeply entangled with the ideologies of the Muslim Brotherhood and Khomeinism. Rather than mere passive observers, these individuals actively propagated the very doctrines that buttressed the regimes they admired, seeding discord, and showcasing a profound misunderstanding of the destructive nature of the ideologies they supported.
Over the subsequent 45 years, the impact of these destructive ideologies has been catastrophic, with wars, chaos, and political instability becoming increasingly common, supplanting what were once prospects for peace and collaboration. The academic institutions, ideally bastions of enlightenment and learning, have at times morphed into platforms for the advocacy and defense of reactionary and destructive ideologies. This perversion has not only compromised the academic integrity of these institutions but also jeopardized the futures of countless young Americans who remain largely ignorant of the true nature of the malicious forces shaping their worldviews.
Presently, Iran’s dictator, Khamenei, continues to exploit these ideological vulnerabilities. His regime or Islamic Caliphate of Shiite mullahs, marked by brutality, savagery, and suppression of dissent, derives perverse satisfaction from the turmoil evident in American universities. The harsh crackdown on recent protests in Iran, which led to the deaths of 700 individuals and the severe injury or imprisonment of hundreds more, starkly illustrates the regime’s ruthlessness. Alarmingly, these atrocities resonate with certain American student groups, who, perhaps unwittingly, champion the cause of this tyrannical regime.
This anarchic situation in US Universities raises critical questions about the level of understanding students have of the forces they support. It is imperative to acknowledge that endorsements of terrorist and criminal entities like Hamas and displays of Hezbollah flags not only contravene U.S. laws, which unequivocally denounce terrorism, but also threaten the foundational principles of American democracy.
The infiltration of radical Islamic ideology into Western educational and cultural institutions is extensive and insidious. These threatening elements are active not only in universities but also permeate media, lobbying groups, research centers, think tanks, and religious institutions. This deep-seated engagement poses a severe risk to the democratic fabric of American society, a risk that is amplified by the widespread and subtle nature of this infiltration.
Moreover, the role of international media in educating the public about these dangers is often compromised as it falls prey to the same propaganda it should be critiquing. The influence of what might be termed the “media mafia”—entities that disseminate terrorist ideologies under the guise of news—continues to mislead the dynamic and creative younger generation. This manipulation fosters radicalization, which, if unchecked, could have dire long-term consequences for global peace and security.
The ideological battle between radical Islamists and the West transcends mere military or physical confrontations; it is a deeper, more insidious war aimed at undermining social norms, cultural heritage, and historical narratives. The youth in America, influenced by these malevolent forces, find themselves embroiled in disturbances that threaten not only their futures but also the stability and security of the nation.
To the youth of America, and indeed all who cherish democracy and freedom, it is crucial to heed the lessons history offers. Iran, once a beacon of culture and prosperity, now languishes under the yoke of radical ideologies that have driven it to ruin. Its populace endures continual turmoil, their resources squandered on sustaining terrorist activities that yield nothing but misery and despair.
Reflecting on these shocking events, it becomes clear that the challenge we face involves not only combating overt acts of terrorism but also recognizing and countering the subtle, pervasive spread of ideologies that seek to dismantle our societal foundations from within. It is about standing resolute against propaganda machines, discerning the true nature of our adversaries, and ensuring that the values of liberty and democracy are vigorously upheld. This struggle is daunting but essential for the preservation of our way of life and the safeguarding of future generations.
We must remain vigilant and informed. The right to freely practice religion, speak openly, publish, and assemble are pillars of our democracy but must not be misused to support horrible ideologies that seek its destruction. These fundamental freedoms must not be manipulated to propagate harmful ideologies like Khomeinism or to endorse the baseless claims of autocrats like Khamenei.
In this pivotal moment, let us invoke the wisdom of our Founding Fathers and strive to protect the principles they established. Observing the misuse of these freedoms to promote terrorism and radical ideologies, especially in prestigious institutions like Princeton where Hezbollah flags have been displayed, is deeply distressing. These actions betray the principles upon which our nation was founded and must continue to stand.
God save America from these threats, both seen and unseen, and empower us to remain vigilant defenders of our cherished freedoms.
