US relations with Islamic groups in the Middle East

The Muslim world is going through a political and social awakening in which Islam is playing an integral role. This transformation is known by several names, including the call (da’wa), the renewal (tajdid), reform (islah), and Islamic activism. ¹ The awakening has produced a variety of organizations, particularly in the Middle East, that champion causes ranging from women’s rights to Jihad and revolution. Not all of these Islamic groups are bad for the United States and its interests. Some groups are challenging militant Islam with alternative interpretations of the faith. However, many of these groups are also very critical of the United States, making it difficult for the US government to work with these groups for positive change.