woiyo wrote:Duck - I agree we are the worlds strongest and most generous nation on the planet. Everything we do affects the rest of the world. Yet, of all the benefits we provided to the Muslim world, I am somewhat surprised at the "feelings" towards America.
Were they not too happy when we liberated Kuwait?
Were they upset when we built the Oil Wells for them (yea, I know all about it), not to mention the humaitarian aid we provide constantly.
Or is it really all about Isreal.
To be fair, it's not just muslims who have a negative impression of our government's actions. We see ourselves as generous. Less powerful countries see us as a country who gives with one hand and takes with the other. It's impossible to see that perspective from our comfy chairs.
I think that the cheap and easy conclusion is that the problem is one of the muslim religion. If you can avoid making that conclusion for two seconds and look at it in terms of geography, economics, and colonialism you might see it differently. That said, there is a sort of collective muslim psyche for lack of a better word. There is no question that muslims in peaceful countries still connect strongly to the plight of those in horrific situations -- like the Palestinians -- and their opinion of our government is none too positive.
Oh, and I think that most people would laugh at the idea that we built the oil wells 'for them'. Indeed we make many of their oppressors rich and do much to keep otherwise weak despots in power.
