In the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, the United States and other countries experienced a moral panic over Islamic terrorism, with fears that Arab and Muslim terrorists were planning further attacks. The panic led to the passage of the USA PATRIOT Act, increased surveillance, and the stigmatization of Muslim communities. The Islamic terrorism panic reflected deep-seated anxieties about national security, immigration, and religious conflict.

The Islamic terrorism panic has been a central theme in contemporary literature, inspiring poets and writers to explore the dynamics of fear, prejudice, and the struggle for civil liberties. The event has been the subject of numerous works that critique the erosion of rights and the role of media in shaping public perception. It also serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of moral panic and the importance of protecting the rights of marginalized groups.