Fury in the Middle East: a backlash over US Power?

The days are long gone when American troops on foreign soil were seen as benevolent liberators, bringers of sweets and safety for peoples under threat. Following the invasions and occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan, stories of notorious jails, prisoner abuse, desecration of archaeological and religious heirlooms, and civilian killings, for many people in foreign lands America is both a necessary support in time of need and also a resented western power against which they are impotent. It takes the smallest act to trigger a mass reaction, and the offensive film about Islam, perceived to be American, which is the cause of so much trouble now was more than enough to blow the lid off the pressure cooker which is the Middle East: not only did it ridicule a religion which is taken very seriously but it reinforced, in a moment, the image of the US as being an uncaring, arrogant, all-powerful but abusive country. The protests are both an expression of religious anger and an opportunity to hit back at a strong but sometimes oppressive power.  Many of the perceptions are false, of course, but western diplomats and leaders will be seriously concerned at the growing backlash to something that was so clearly undesirable and dangerous in the first place, and that will be hard to contain. Meanwhile, the situation is an opportunity for anarchists to exploit and a more sinister backdrop to the unfolding drama may be in place already. What goes around comes around. America, with her allies, has humbled many peoples through military might – sometimes deliberately, sometimes inadvertently and with good intent - and sometimes it has not been done kindly. One day, those who humble will be humbled to help them learn. It may not be today, but it will be soon.]]>