An amateurish US film mocking the Prophet Muhammad and
denigrating Islam unleashed massive and violent anti-American protests
throughout the world last week. The angry demonstrations turned deadly when unknown
assailants attacked the American Consulate in Benghazi, Libya, killing US
Ambassador Chris Stevens and three staff members. Security forces in several
countries killed dozens of protesters as they burned American flags and scaled
the walls of US Embassies.
Pouring more oil on the fire, initial reports falsely
claimed that the movie was produced and financed by Israelis. In fact, it was
produced in Southern California by a Christian Egyptian convict whose film was
severely denounced by Bishop Serapion of the Coptic Church in Los Angeles.
The real issue, however, goes beyond the vile movie and
its reckless producer. The film simply served as a pretext for protesters to
express their pent up anti-American anger after decades of flawed and
counter-productive US foreign policies — none of which justifies the killing of
American diplomats and attacks on US Embassies.
The list of serious missteps by successive US
administrations is lengthy enough to fill many volumes. Whether it is called
Arab Spring or Winter of Discontent, the down-trodden masses of third world
countries have finally erupted in anti-American rage, having long-endured
oppressive tyrants backed by Washington. To achieve short-term and shortsighted
objectives, American policymakers often damage US interests in the long run.
Another regrettable US mistake is pouring billions of
dollars into the pockets of corrupt foreign leaders, to prop up puppet regimes
and buy their friendship. Unfortunately, very little of this US largesse has
trickled down to the poor and needy. Ultimately, the masses overthrow the
autocrats and take their anger on the nearest US target — the American Embassy
and the flag which symbolizes to them oppression and misery.
Lengthy congressional hearings are then held in
Washington, as legislators wonder why so many foreign leaders have become
anti-American and what their corrupt predecessors have done with billions of
dollars in US foreign aid? Instead of taking steps to ensure that the
assistance provided by the United States reaches the neediest segments of
society, Congress often threatens to cut off all aid to teach the new leaders a
lesson, thereby antagonizing them even more!
Most problematic is the risky role the United States
plays in regional conflicts. Due to misperceived interests, American officials
too often throw their weight around, rushing headlong into unnecessary wars or
taking one-sided positions, whereas a more balanced approach would be more
productive in peacefully mediating these conflicts.
Caution is particularly necessary during an election
year, when US presidential candidates make overly partisan statements to pander
to the interests of diverse constituencies. A careless remark can have far-reaching
consequences, tarnishing America’s image and alienating millions of people
around the world.
Most Arabs and Muslims are convinced that America has not
been an honest broker in the Arab-Israeli conflict. As a result, they harbor
great resentment and deep-seated anger toward the United States. Any
provocation, such as burning the Koran or making anti-Muslim movies, triggers a
violent reaction. While US laws protect even the vilest forms of speech, people
must realize that words have consequences; and just because it is legal to say
something, it may not be prudent to do so!
However, in all fairness, not every hostile act in the
world should be blamed on US foreign policies. There are extremists in every
race, religion, and nation motivated by hostile ideologies with the sole aim of
causing indiscriminate destruction. Regrettably, Western governments and
societies often mistakenly blame everyone who shares the racial and religious
affiliation of few extremists, thereby antagonizing millions of peaceful citizens.
Fortunately, there is no shortage of learned scholars in
academia and experts in governmental agencies who can advise and educate US
leaders, many lacking basic knowledge of world affairs. A case in point is a
conversation Pres. George W. Bush had with three Iraqi-Americans. When the
President was informed about the existence of different Islamic sects in Iraq,
he reportedly told his guests that he did not know there were Sunnis and Shias
in that country. “I thought the Iraqis were Muslims,” he was quoted as saying!
While bad movies can trigger short-term outbreaks of
violence, bad foreign policies can cause long-term damage to US national
interests.
Hiç yorum yok:
Yorum Gönder
Not: Yalnızca bu blogun üyesi yorum gönderebilir.