Canadian Muslims and foreign policy

In: International journal / Canadian International Council: Canada's journal of global policy analysis, Band 63, Heft 1, S. 187-205

Abstract

Examines the foreign policy interests of groups that represent Canadian Muslims who are becoming increasingly active in political circles. Data were obtained from an analysis of the press releases & subscriber e-mails of two leading Canadian Muslim groups -- the Canadian Islamic Congress (CIC) & the Council on American-Islamic Relations Canada (CAIR-CAN) -- for the period from 2000 to 2005. The results indicated that there was a greater emphasis on domestic issues than foreign policy. However, the foreign policy interests of both groups were similar & tended to focus on events or issues that involved Muslims. Considerable attention was given to terrorism & conflicts, especially in Iraq & Israel/the Palestinian territories. Both organizations seemed to be more influenced by international events than by Canadian foreign policy debates & ethnic composition appeared to have only a minimal impact on foreign policy views. Although the Muslim identity of CIC & CAIR-CAN contributes to defining their interests to some degree, their foreign policy interests are also shaped by other international, domestic, community, & organizational factors.