Meet the Islamophobes rising to power in Europe

Donald Trump. Brexit. Islamophobia. 

These are the stories and themes that have dominated the West in the past year or so. In the wake of the world's largest refugee crisis since World War II, the prominence of ISIS in the global consciousness and far-right nationalist movements, the Arab and Muslim world have become the primary targets of Western politicians. 

Economic realities and security concerns have pushed Europeans and Americans to look for alternative political options. Although some may have misgivings about the more blatantly racist and xenophobic rhetoric of right-wing leaders, their bold and drastically different economic and "citizens first" positions appear to be an attractive alternative.

However, once these leaders take power, they are emboldened to push for their xenophobic policies ... leaving refugees, Muslims, Arabs and immigrants caught in the crossfires. 

This can already be seen clearly with Trump's ascension to power and his efforts to ban immigrants from several Muslim majority countries from entering the U.S. Across Europe, elections are pending in several countries, with many Islamophobic politicians stealing the spotlight and gaining support.

Here's a look at some of Europe's far-right leaders and their Islamophobic positions.

France's infamous far-right leader and presidential candidate, Marine Le Pen has been making headlines in the Arab world following her recent visit to Lebanon. She drew praise from supporters and criticism from many after refusing to wear a veil when meeting with Lebanon's Grand Mufti, canceling the pre-planned meeting at his doorway in the most media attention-grabbing way possible.

But this is only the tip of the iceberg for Le Pen. The presidential candidate went on trial in 2015 for anti-Muslim hate speech. In a 2010 rally, Le Pen compared Muslims praying to Nazi occupation. The court however, acquitted her of the charges.

She has also been a vocal opponent of the hijab and burqa in France and has argued for a drastic reduction of refugees and immigrants allowed into the country. 

Le Pen currently leads in the French presidential race by a narrow margin. Experts say she may win in the first round of the vote, but don't expect her to win in a run-off ... but of course, experts didn't expect Trump to win either. 

The first round of voting will be held on April 23 and the run-off will be held on May 7.

Geert Wilders, the leader of the far-right Party for Freedom in the Netherlands, launched his election campaign calling Moroccans "scum who make the streets unsafe." 

Wilders hopes to become prime minister if his party performs well in the election being held on March 15. His party currently leads in the polls.

Like Le Pen, Wilders has faced trial for hate speech in the past. He recently said, if he were prime minister, he "would call the whole cabinet of Turkey persona non-grata."

All of this only adds to a list of incredibly anti-Islam positions. If elected, Wilders has vowed to ban the sale of Qurans, shutdown mosques and Islamic schools and ban Muslim immigrants. 

Germany, like France and the Netherlands, will also be holding important elections later this year in September. 

Chancellor Angela Merkel faces a close race to maintain her power ... and the far-right has been nipping at her heels. Although the latest polls put them on the fringes, the Alternative for Germany far-right party, led by Frauke Petry, has drawn increased interest and support following the massive influx of refugees into the country.

Germany has accepted more than a million refugees in the last two years, significantly more than any other country in the West. Chancellor Merkel championed an open arms policy, which drew her much international praise as well as significant criticism from many in Germany and throughout the West.

It's still unclear if Petry herself will be her party's candidate to oppose Merkel, but she has led her party to increasing success so far. And the Islamophobic rhetoric is ever-present.

Petry even criticized German football star Mesut Özil for posting a photo of himself during hajj in Mecca, questioning his patriotism. Her party has also played on the fears of German citizens, pitting them against refugees. They argue that refugees are leading to the “Islamification” of Germany.

The far-right Sweden Democrats, led by Jimmie Akesson, are seen to be leading by some polls in the run-up to the country's general election taking place next year.

During an interview in Brussels with Breitbart, Akesson lamented the presence of Arabic signs.

"It looks like parts of Malmö in Sweden,” the politician said. “It’s the same. The Arab signs and Arab people everywhere. The big problem is that we are getting used to it."

Malmö is the third largest city in Sweden, after Stockholm and Gothenburg. It is also home to thousands of refugees and migrants. 

In the past, he has argued that Islam is not compatible with Sweden because it is "built on Christian principles."