The war against Iran, started by the Trump administration, has led to a polarization of American society, a rise in anti-Israeli sentiment, a weakening of the Republicans’ standing, and a rebirth of Democratic influence — especially leftist forces.
Mohammed Amer
The defeat that Republicans inflicted on the Democratic Party in the 2024 elections sowed significant confusion within Democratic ranks. The lack of a popular leader weakened the overall influence of Trump’s opponents. Furthermore, the US president constantly blamed the Biden administration for all of America’s troubles, tirelessly promoting the argument that the decline of the United States, particularly internationally, is linked to the misguided policies of the Democratic administration.
Whatever the differences between the Sunni monarchies of the Persian Gulf and Shi’a Iran, common Muslim values are increasingly standing in opposition to the West’s policy
However, gradually, especially against the backdrop of Trump’s failures in the field of immigration, his inability to consistently advance his foreign policy initiatives — particularly concerning Canada and Greenland — and, most importantly, his failure to reduce inflation and improve the lives of ordinary Americans, the Democrats have regained their composure and begun to sharply criticize Republican moves across all spheres.
The Trump era: war, isolation, and polarization
The current administration’s policies have come under heavy criticism since February 28, 2026, i.e., the start of the US-Israeli aggression against Iran. Recently, mass demonstrations took place across America under the slogans “No Kings” and “No Wars,” with more than 9 million citizens participating.
The war against Iran has further polarized American society. The country’s major media outlets, loyal to the Democratic Party, not only accused Trump of launching military action without Congressional consent but also kept promoting the argument that the commander-in-chief does not understand the country’s needs and acts against US interests. The Washington Post, for example, compared the current situation in the Persian Gulf to the 1979 crisis, claiming that virtually all of America has been taken hostage by the current administration: Iran has not been defeated, the global economy is sliding into a severe crisis, and gasoline prices in the US have risen by 15-20% and continue to climb.
If the stated goal of the reckless US and Israeli aggression against Tehran was to humiliate the Islamic Republic of Iran, the instigators of this failed venture have achieved the exact opposite: the war has turned Iran into a major world power.
Donald Trump’s contradictory statements about the goals of the war against Iran and its possible end date are adding fuel to the fire. According to polls, the overwhelming majority of the population opposes the war, especially a ground operation. As a result, Trump’s approval rating has fallen to 33%, after having remained at around 40% or slightly above for almost the entire year.
War in the Gulf is pushing the world towards an energy and economic crisis
The Israeli and US war against Iran has not only disrupted global energy supplies but has also caused serious problems with the supply of fertilizers and, thereby, food. Moreover, Washington has now found itself isolated, as allies in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia are turning their backs on it. Most newspapers, as if by agreement, quote Henry Kissinger, who said that it is dangerous to be an enemy of America, but fatal to be its friend.
Currently, the divide is becoming increasingly clear between America, which has sided with Israel in the war against a Muslim country, and the populous Islamic world, which numbers nearly 2 billion people. Whatever the differences between the Sunni monarchies of the Persian Gulf and Shi’a Iran, common Muslim values are increasingly standing in opposition to the West’s policy.
It is symptomatic that the main mediation efforts to end the war in the Gulf have been taken on by Islamic states, namely Pakistan, Egypt, and Türkiye.
Today, more and more Muslims are recalling that Trump asserted that “Islam hates us” and called for a ban on Muslims entering the US during his election campaign. These same ideas were widely promoted by Trump’s associates in the Republican Party: Senator Tommy Tuberville from Alabama claimed that Islam is not a religion but a cult, while Congressman Brandon Gill from Texas emphasized that Islam is incompatible with American culture and the system of government. Another congressman from Florida, Randy Fine, called for the radical deportation of all Muslim legal and illegal immigrants and the revocation of citizenship wherever possible. Representative from Tennessee Andy Ogles stated that New York Mayor Mamdani should be expelled from the country and that there is no place for Muslims in American society.
A Democratic revival: riding the wave of anti-war sentiment
The incitement of such sentiments correlates with the increase in critical remarks directed at Israel — something that is especially evident in the Democratic Party. California Governor Gavin Newsom recently called Israel “a sort of apartheid state,” and several Democrats in the House of Representatives have even spoken of Israeli genocide in Gaza. In the ongoing Democratic primaries, candidates who demonstrate a hostile attitude toward the Jewish state are generally winning, despite the colossal efforts of the pro-Israel lobby.
The revival of the Democratic Party’s influence is occurring primarily through the strengthening of left-wing elements. It is noteworthy that Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, known for her rather radical views, is increasingly being mentioned as a potential candidate for president or vice president. This phenomenon is also noted by the press in the Global South. Here, for example, is what the Saudi newspaper Arab News wrote on April 5 of this year:
“The visible presence of socialist and, in some cases, communist organizations reflects a broader shift in political discourse. These ideas are being reintroduced into mainstream activism with growing confidence. Their messaging often emphasizes redistribution, centralized control, and a rejection of traditional Western economic and political models. At odds with the very principles America was built on”.
Currently, Democrats and Republicans are increasingly clashing over the war with Iran: Democrats accuse Trump of plunging America into danger and an endless conflict without a plan to end it or mitigate the economic consequences, which include a sharp rise in gasoline prices. Republicans claim that the US is confronting a dangerous adversary, as Iran’s nuclear program poses a serious threat.
As the November 3 parliamentary elections approach, Republicans and Democrats are increasingly clashing.
Mohammed Amer, Syrian publicist, expert on current issues of global and regional politics
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