Islamophobia is the fear, hatred of, or prejudice against, the Islamic religion or Muslims generally. This is especially when seen as a geopolitical force or the source of terrorism. The causes and characteristics of Islamophobia are still debated. Some commentators have posited an increase in Islamophobia resulting from the September 11 WTC attacks, the rise of Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS), some from multiple terror attacks in Europe and the United States, while others have associated it with the increased presence of Muslims in the United States and in the European Union.