×

Ban purely about business

President Trump’s travel ban is NOT about keeping us safe from terrorism. The ban is against seven relatively poor Middle Eastern countries whose citizens have not committed a single act of terrorism against the United States. This is worth repeating. No act of terrorism against the United States has been committed by a national from any of the banned countries.

Dozens of acts of terrorism against Americans have been committed by predominantly Muslim nations exempt from the ban such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates. Saudi Arabia provided 18 of the 19 Sept. 11 attackers among other acts of terrorism, yet there will be no bans or special vetting for Saudis.

So why are these nations exempt? They are comparatively wealthy nations where the Trump family has ongoing business deals such as posh hotels and golf courses. The Trump enterprises have little or no business dealings with the seven poorer nations named in the travel ban.

So what is the ban about? It would appear to be red meat thrown to the President’s most extreme supporters to shore up his base. What it does not do is make us safer. In fact, by undermining the position of moderates in those seven countries, and giving credibility to ISIS claims that our country is against Islam, the Trump business-first travel ban simply paints targets on all our backs.

Karen Campbell

Vienna

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today