There seems to be considerable alarm both in the US and rest of the world at large, at the rise and rise of Donald Trump in the American presidential election sweepstakes. A man of die-hard conservative and belligerent views, Trump’s widely trumpeted opinions have resulted in panic among many, including Indian techies working in the US and even call-centre employees based in India whose accent he mocks. By proposing a ban on the entry of all Muslims into the US for at least a year, he has not only angered the community concerned but also liberal opinion across the globe.
However, as the adage goes the bark is usually worse than the bite. By extending that analogy, it would be safe to assume that leaders like Mr Trump may indulge in a lot of rhetoric and hyperbole, but will not carry out their threats if and when they get empowered to do so. Donald Trump in that sense personifies the anger and frustration of a majority of Americans who are deeply resentful of jihadi Islam and also believe that white Americans are losing jobs and businesses at the hands of Asians, be they Japanese, Koreans or Indians.
But shorn of hyperbole, Trump’s views are not necessarily distasteful. These is no doubt that Islamists pose a challenge to civilization as we know it and only robust, muscular opposition to their ideas will free the world of the jihadist scourge. As for his rants about Indian accent and so on, there is no doubt that the presumptive Republican Party candidate for the US Presidency, whose past has been steeped in ignorance of foreign affairs, will learn as he goes along. There is no need therefore
for a frenzied reaction to him. On global issues he is saying the right thing the wrong way. Most importantly, we will have to do business with him if the American public sends him to the White House. So, we better start reconciling ourselves.