The Global Story A tale of two cities: London’s lesson for New York’s first Muslim mayor
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Nov 6, 2025 Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London and the first Muslim to hold the position, shares insights on his political journey and the challenges he’s faced, including clashes with Donald Trump. Alongside Tim Donovan, a former political editor, they explore the dynamics of being a Muslim mayor in a liberal city and discuss the impact of Islamophobia on political candidates. Khan provides advice to New York’s new Muslim mayor, emphasizing the need for hope and resilience in leadership amidst criticism and the ongoing narrative against diversity.
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Conventional Rise Vs Meteoric Ascent
- Sadiq Khan followed a conventional political path, unlike Zohran Mamdani's meteoric rise.
- Khan positioned himself on affordability, housing and freezing fares to appeal to Londoners' daily concerns.
Campaign Dog-Whistle Over 7-7 Imagery
- During the 2016 campaign Zach Goldsmith used imagery linking Khan to the 7-7 attacks to suggest he was unfit to lead.
- Goldsmith framed innuendo to question Khan's safety credentials without explicit Islamophobic language.
Feud With Trump Became Political Currency
- Trump's repeated attacks elevated Khan's profile and burnished his credentials at home.
- Being a target of Trump translated into domestic political capital rather than punishment.