Why do bitter feelings remain in the Middle East toward the u.s and Soviet Union

1 answer

There are several reasons why bitter feelings remain in the Middle East toward the U.S. and Soviet Union:

1. Intervention and Influence: Both the U.S. and Soviet Union have a history of intervening in the political affairs of Middle Eastern countries, either through military interventions, covert operations, or support of authoritarian regimes. These actions have often been perceived as imperialistic and driven by self-interest, leading to resentment among many people in the region.

2. Support for Israel: The U.S. has historically been a strong supporter of Israel, providing military and economic aid to the country. This has created tensions with many Arab countries, who view Israel as an occupying force and blame the U.S. for its support of Israeli policies that they see as unjust.

3. Cold War Competition: During the Cold War, the U.S. and Soviet Union competed for influence in the Middle East, often supporting opposing sides in conflicts and fueling regional tensions. This competition contributed to instability and conflict in the region, leading to lasting resentments.

4. Legacy of Colonialism: Both the U.S. and Soviet Union are seen as inheritors of the colonial legacy in the Middle East, with their actions being viewed as a continuation of imperialist policies that have exploited and oppressed the region for centuries.

5. Perception of Hypocrisy: Many people in the Middle East see the U.S. and Soviet Union as hypocritical in their actions, advocating for democracy and human rights while supporting authoritarian regimes and engaging in actions that harm the interests of the region's populations.

Overall, the history of intervention, support for Israel, Cold War competition, legacy of colonialism, and perception of hypocrisy have all contributed to the lingering bitter feelings in the Middle East toward the U.S. and Soviet Union.