It is not just Americans who know so little of the Arab world

came second in the Dutch elections in March. Only in last year’s London mayoral elections did Muslim-bashing fail, when Sadiq Khan triumphed to become the city’s first Muslim mayor after facing a torrent of dog whistle-style attacks.

The implications remain alarming as the situation deteriorates. More Daesh-inspired atrocities and negative attitudes will gather pace, with innocent Muslims bearing the brunt. Already many Arabs and Muslims anglicize their names in the US, from Muhammad to Mo or Walid to Wally. European Arabs and Muslims are increasingly fearful.

Arabs appear to have the worst reputation among those who do not follow news of the region. Improving news quality and coverage can help, but for those who do not pay attention to news, it is vital to reach out to them culturally. There is also the issue that for decades, Hollywood and television have largely dehumanized and stereotyped Arabs and Muslims. This must be challenged even more vigorously.

Whatever PR and education drives are mounted, little will be truly effective while conflicts, terrorism and extremism blight the Middle East. Daesh killed more than 6,000 people in 2015 in 28 countries. The overwhelming majority of the victims are Muslim, but attacks in developed countries are on the rise. It will probably not make much impact to point out that in 2014, gun crime accounted for 1,000 times more American deaths than terrorism.

This is an emotional, not a logical challenge. The narrative of the “ArabMuslim” threat is powerful, and has been exaggerated all too often for political gain. Powerful Arab and Muslim role models are a vital asset. Leadership on this issue will not flow from the White House under Trump. Other leaders must step forward to heal these rifts before it is too late.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and German Chancellor Angela Merkel appear willing to a degree, but the new French President Emmanuel Macron must also challenge these prejudices. Likewise, Arab and Muslim leaders must become partners and active ambassadors to tackle this ignorance and prejudice, and not wait for the next crisis to act. Chris Doyle is the director of the London-based Council for Arab-British Understanding (CAABU). He has worked with the council since 1993 after graduating with a first class honors degree in Arabic and Islamic studies at Exeter University. He has organized and accompanied numerous British parliamentary delegations to Arab countries. He tweets @Doylech.