US refugee ban is unhelpful

There will be profound disquiet among America’s allies at this new executive order

Donald Trump’s first week in office has been watched closely, at home and abroad. While campaigning for the United States presidency Mr Trump, like many politicians, promised many things that it seemed unlikely, even impossible, that he would deliver. Political watchers are now looking to see which promises will be implemented and which sidelined.

Over the weekend in Washington, Mr Trump backed the Nato alliance, something he had previously attacked, which suggests he has moderated his stance. In such an age of political insecurity, it is important for the US to maintain its international alliances.

At the same time, Mr Trump also signed an executive order that will reduce America’s international alliances and actually make the country less safe. Mr Trump has suspended the refugee assistance programme, effectively closing the West’s largest country to those fleeing the world’s worst war. He has blocked entry to the US for citizens of seven countries, all Muslim, six Arab, plus Iran. And he has created a religious test for refugees, by prioritising Christians.

These changes are startling and wide-ranging and appear to challenge long-held assumptions about the United States and its values. From the perspective of this region, they are profoundly unhelpful. There are citizens in every single one of those seven countries who are pursuing peace and prosperity, who are seeking to build alliances and break down barriers. At a stroke, the US has lumped them in with the most regressive elements in those societies.

But they are also an abdication of the responsibilty of the US. As the UAE has agreed to take in Syrian refugees, so we urge other countries in the world to do their fair share. Over Iraq, the US has a special responsibility, having invaded that country. In Libya, too, as part of the coalition that unseated the Qaddafi regime, the US bears responsibility. Overall, these measures appear to be a retreat from global leadership and will be deeply controversial. America’s allies will be profoundly disquieted.