The West's approach to non-Western regions, politics, and societies is endangering some of its greatest allies, like Israel, which ultimately imperils the West.
Sometimes I just want to remain silent, but your articles always get my neurons firing at a rapid pace. Every point you made about the West seems so obvious, yet for the US, with an overdose of hubris, it always misses the mark. I always wondered what the world would be like now if the US hadn't gone into Iran and disposed the Shah and as you said let in a tyrant, if they didn't go into Iraq, destroying neighborhoods and killing many civilians, killing Hussein and his sons, destroying statues, opening up a hornet's nest for ISIS to emerge, etc., fighting in Afghanistan for 20 years, not understanding the terrain or what the Afghans needed. The Afghans were sent vegetable seeds to plant and sell which was a total failure when poppies were the plant of choice. These are some examples of what happens when the west remains ignorant of the values and cultures of other countries. Our government "experts" either did their homework, didn't comprehend it, or ignored it, believing that we could convert the Middle Eastern countries to our western values. It's one thing to expect assimilation for those coming to the US, but an entirely different expectation to want these countries to assimilate to our values in their own countries. Basic psychology says people will become resentful when forced to adapt to something that is not inherent in their own psyche. It also shows little respect for another's culture and value system. You gave a very good example with pork being served to Jews and Arabs. How utterly simple and respectful that would have been to accommodate them. The US wants to have an amiable relationship with Iran because it makes them feel good believing that this will ensure a solid, diplomatic relationship. Iran, however, is still maintaining its Axis of Resistance, so once again, the US has one foot in Iran and one in Israel. Israel has been a true ally, while Iran has used the US and called for its destruction as well as Israel's. The US can no longer strong arm Israel or try to placate Arab countries. They need to work on true understanding of those who do not share our values and strongly support Israel that does. Hopefully, it's not too late.
I call this Western intellectual colonialism, especially when I see progressives giving their insights into the Middle East. In our open mindedness we find it just impossible to imagine that other cultures and peoples would want a different kind of life.
Such a fascinating article! I think that the west serving pork to a Muslim and Jewish delegation, is completely extraordinary!
It seems to be making similar mistakes now. Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East but the west seems to be turning their back on this. I find it terrifying that the West is allowing this insidious and malign influence, to throw us off course. Activist’s try to destroy our history. We need to learn from our history but they want to erase it. Just as Isis destroyed all historical monuments so that individuals would have no identity. Israel has more history than any other country. Biblical Jewish and Christian. We are very closely related. This is celebrated but many want to erase it. NO!
To expand on my note made earlier, this article covers several issues that could easily be teased out and expanded with future essays. From an American perspective, the most salient point is the history of American arrogance toward the rest of the world; our absolute certainty that our economic, social, and political system is obviously the best model for the rest of the world. Another important point, which is touched on, but deserves its own article, is the threat posed by political Islam to the rest of the world, assuming the author agrees that it is or can be a threat.
That is so true about Westerners and the way they view Israel through the Western lens- I have to remind my husband all the time- Israel is not America. But I love them both equally.
That is so true about Westerners and the way they view Israel through the Western lens- I have to remind my husband all the time- Israel is not America. But I love them both equally.
Sometimes I just want to remain silent, but your articles always get my neurons firing at a rapid pace. Every point you made about the West seems so obvious, yet for the US, with an overdose of hubris, it always misses the mark. I always wondered what the world would be like now if the US hadn't gone into Iran and disposed the Shah and as you said let in a tyrant, if they didn't go into Iraq, destroying neighborhoods and killing many civilians, killing Hussein and his sons, destroying statues, opening up a hornet's nest for ISIS to emerge, etc., fighting in Afghanistan for 20 years, not understanding the terrain or what the Afghans needed. The Afghans were sent vegetable seeds to plant and sell which was a total failure when poppies were the plant of choice. These are some examples of what happens when the west remains ignorant of the values and cultures of other countries. Our government "experts" either did their homework, didn't comprehend it, or ignored it, believing that we could convert the Middle Eastern countries to our western values. It's one thing to expect assimilation for those coming to the US, but an entirely different expectation to want these countries to assimilate to our values in their own countries. Basic psychology says people will become resentful when forced to adapt to something that is not inherent in their own psyche. It also shows little respect for another's culture and value system. You gave a very good example with pork being served to Jews and Arabs. How utterly simple and respectful that would have been to accommodate them. The US wants to have an amiable relationship with Iran because it makes them feel good believing that this will ensure a solid, diplomatic relationship. Iran, however, is still maintaining its Axis of Resistance, so once again, the US has one foot in Iran and one in Israel. Israel has been a true ally, while Iran has used the US and called for its destruction as well as Israel's. The US can no longer strong arm Israel or try to placate Arab countries. They need to work on true understanding of those who do not share our values and strongly support Israel that does. Hopefully, it's not too late.
Very very well said Diane!!
I call this Western intellectual colonialism, especially when I see progressives giving their insights into the Middle East. In our open mindedness we find it just impossible to imagine that other cultures and peoples would want a different kind of life.
Such a fascinating article! I think that the west serving pork to a Muslim and Jewish delegation, is completely extraordinary!
It seems to be making similar mistakes now. Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East but the west seems to be turning their back on this. I find it terrifying that the West is allowing this insidious and malign influence, to throw us off course. Activist’s try to destroy our history. We need to learn from our history but they want to erase it. Just as Isis destroyed all historical monuments so that individuals would have no identity. Israel has more history than any other country. Biblical Jewish and Christian. We are very closely related. This is celebrated but many want to erase it. NO!
To expand on my note made earlier, this article covers several issues that could easily be teased out and expanded with future essays. From an American perspective, the most salient point is the history of American arrogance toward the rest of the world; our absolute certainty that our economic, social, and political system is obviously the best model for the rest of the world. Another important point, which is touched on, but deserves its own article, is the threat posed by political Islam to the rest of the world, assuming the author agrees that it is or can be a threat.
Appreciate the feedback! We'll internalize and see what we can cook up!
A highly useful and detailed article.
Excellent article! Thanks for the insight. Hopefully we can learn from it and realize that we don’t have to destroy our planet...
Thank you Edward!
That is so true about Westerners and the way they view Israel through the Western lens- I have to remind my husband all the time- Israel is not America. But I love them both equally.
Another great article.
That is so true about Westerners and the way they view Israel through the Western lens- I have to remind my husband all the time- Israel is not America. But I love them both equally.
Another great article.