Why do bitter feelings remain in the Middle East toward the U.S. and the Soviet Union?

1 answer

There are several reasons why bitter feelings may remain in the Middle East towards the U.S. and the Soviet Union. Some of the main reasons include:

1. Intervention and interference: Both the U.S. and the Soviet Union have a history of interfering in the affairs of Middle Eastern countries, often to further their own political and economic interests. This has led to resentment and distrust towards both superpowers.

2. Support for authoritarian regimes: Both the U.S. and the Soviet Union have supported authoritarian regimes in the Middle East, which have often been oppressive and repressive towards their own populations. This support has fueled anti-American and anti-Soviet sentiments in the region.

3. Role in conflicts: The U.S. and the Soviet Union have been involved in various conflicts in the Middle East, including the Arab-Israeli conflict and the Cold War proxy wars. Their actions in these conflicts have often been seen as biased and detrimental to the interests of the region.

4. Perceived double standards: Many in the Middle East feel that the U.S. and the Soviet Union have hypocritical policies when it comes to human rights and democracy in the region. This has contributed to a sense of resentment and distrust towards both superpowers.

Overall, the legacy of intervention, support for authoritarian regimes, involvement in conflicts, and perceived double standards have all contributed to the bitter feelings that continue to exist in the Middle East towards the U.S. and the Soviet Union.