When people say that Americans don't understand the Middle East what are they really saying?

Question

Is that we do not understand a culture in which too many condone terrorism by silent assention?
That we do not understand a culture where women do not have the same rights as men?
That we do not understand a culture where certain groups within the population teach hate to their children from earliest age?
That we do not understand a culture which send it's young people to die in acts of martyrdom?
Or is it that if weren't such infidels and would all just embrace the teaching of Islam the world would be peaceful?

Americans do not have to understand the culture of the Middle East. We do have to respect their right to hold their religion and cultural principles. We do not have to respect the indiscriminate killing of innocents in the name of that religion. Nor do we have to sit and watch the world devolve into chaos because they will not take up the challenge of ridding their lands and the world of the scourge which is terrorism.

Opinions?

amiram a: Cultural differences and misunderstanding exist between all countries in the world. Americans are not interested in suppressing the culture of other nations. We can agree to disagree and our differences do not have to cause war and strife. However, cultural differences should not be used to justify terrorism. You have nailed the real problem here by stating the irrational hatred of the west by too many in the Middle East. I do believe that many in the Middle East believe that we deserve to be the target of terrorists whether that will say aloud or not, but Americans are not interested in indiscrimately killed Muslims. If they were you would see widespread hate crimes and calls for internment of Middle Easterns in the United States. Neither of these things is happening.

tlakkamond: Actually I did not state that Americans understand anything. In fact I would agree that most do not have any concept of foreign culture or governments. You do not have to understand a culture to respect the right to exist. Again, we do not call for the destruction of that culture. In regards to terrorism this cannot be stated in relation to the Middle East as the record of fighting against this behavior is almost non existent. The point is that if the Middle East would clean up it's own rogue elements there would be no need for broad actions by the United States, nor would there be support for it.
"Sin by silence Makes cowards of all men"~Abaham Lincoln~

Farzand A: I wish peace for the world also, and I do not put much stock in anything any media outlet says as they are interested in ratings and over report negatives in general. My point here is that if the Middle East would take an actice role in fighting terrorism and divest themselves of these elements the situation might be different. I do not believe that everything the American government does is right or correct. I know many people from the Middle East, I like most of them, but what I find is if the conversation turns to terrorism they walk away with no comment. You tell me what impression this should leave. I know these people are not terrorists, but I have not once heard them condemn it either. Evil thrives when good men do nothing. I thank you for being civilized in your answer because honest discourse is the only way the situation can be resolved. As to Carter's book, I side with his advisors who are quiting because of false information and plagerism contained.

Randy C: I agree and do not believe for a second that all Middle Easterners are terrorists. Quite the opposite, I believe that most are hardworking, honest and mean no harm to anyone. However, much like the mafia thrived because people denied it existed or found it too hard to fight, so to does terrorism thrive for the same reasons. At some point people have to draw a line the sand and decide on which side they are going to stand.

ProudAmerican: Good points as always. There is a struggle occurring in America for the hearts and minds of the people. I wish we could come together as a people for the benefit of all, but I do not see it happening. Our history is full of this type of dissension. Perhaps is just a consequences of a completely open and free society. While it becomes tiresome at times it is preferable to a closed society where people do not feel free to speak out. That situation only breeds true fascism.

southron_98: I do not listen to Rush Limbaugh or Sean Hannity and they do not form the basis of my opinion on anything. My opinions are based on what I observe and real world interactions with people. Wish to disgree with my statements that is fine, but that does not make you more informed than I. It menas we do not agree. I cannot stand this little tactic people like yourself like to use which is to attempt to discredit by painting the opposition as uninformed or blind followers.

However, let's examine your statement and put them in context shall we?
Terrorism is bad, you can paint it as freedom fighter if you choose. It is still indicriminate killing of innocents and should not be tolerated. Your post about the 600,000 dead is weak on two points. 1) This number has not been certified by any proper authority and even the studies authors admit that their numbers are speculative. 2) If we accept the number as absolute truth you further ignore the fact that the vast majority of these

deaths are related to Iraqi on Iraqi and insurgent violence and not US military action as you propose. This is a position which seeks to improperly indict the US without placing any blame on the majority cause.
There is no systematic government policy designed to keep women down or create by policy inequities in status. In fact quite the opposite, there are laws in place making all people equal. I know many women who make money than I do with the same qualifications and education. Spousal abuse is an individual issue not societal and is not tolerated by this society. Child support is a legal issue and I know people who have served jail time for failing to meet this responsibility.
Racism exists and I will not deny it, but again it is not tolerated by the majority and is not taught in schools as a proper position for people to hold. Further I doubt if people in the United States are teaching their children to blow themselves up in crowded marketplaces. Beleive otherwise show proof.

Soldiers do not martyr themselves and have no desire to die for the cause. This contention is just ridiculous and dishonest.
As to democarcy. We removed a despot from power who killed his own people indiscriminately. Perhaps the Middle East will not embrace Democracy and we cannot force it on them, but I have no shame for believing that people have a fundemental right to be free.
Russia and China - I have no opinion on this because their interactions in the region are their own concern.
We are not killing in the name of religion. Nice try doesn't wash by any stretch of the imagination.
Terrorists have repeatedly expressed their intent to destroy western culture. Deny this all you like, but we are getting this from the horses mouth. If you are so narrow minded that you will ignore their own statements there is no hope for you.
I don't care what your opinions are, just kindly get off your high horse. You may be more informed than some, but you will be less informed than others.

Being informed does not put you in the position too make broad judgements about how informed others may or may not be just because they interpret the data in a different manner.

Randy C: I agree about the Iraqi military. I do also believe though that it is now time for them to take the lead. I believe that the majority of US troops should be moved to the border to interdict those who would attempt to interfere in the affairs of Iraq. Stop shipments of supplies and the flow of insurgents into the country. Continue to train the military, but they should be immediately tasked with all internal security for their own country. They will either stand or fall, but we cannot hold their hands forever while doing the lion's share of the work and absorbing the costs.

Answer 1

Can I tell you one more time. I as a Muslim in anyway didn't support the terrible events on 9/11. I don't support Wahabism (Sunni version of extremist Islam). I never was a fan of Bin Laden. Bin Laden was in fact trained by the CIA and funded by the US during the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan. That caused the collapse of the USSR. That same extremist entity is currently fighting for the cause of Palestine.

Women's rights varies in many countries, not just in the Muslim world, but also in the West.

Why is it that many Americans are against Hillary as president? There is most likely to be some bais even though there are laws that grant women power.

I believe that women must play a progressive role in every society. Its Arab culture that discourages women power, but many Arab states are trying thier best to improve that. There are always people that block those attempts. I am actually from Bangladesh, and it is a predominantly Muslim country, and it has had two women presidents over the past 15 years in its democratic history. Indonesia also had women leaders, former president Megawati is a good example.

There is a difference between religion and culture. Please, don't get confused between the two.

Regarding children to hate, I think that it is the baised US media that potrays Islam in views of Al Queda. I had an American friend who has been to the Palestinian territories and he didn't see anything whatsoever where Palestinian kids "foam thier mouths expressing thier hatred of Jews". Your country's media is heavily influenced by Zionists, and it does cause people to be baised.

I do actually condemn young people who die for some cause. I condemn Palestinian suicide bombers. But, if you look at the Palestinians a little closely, the Israelis put them up like a virtual jail. And the Israelis, ever since Israel's creation have been expelling the Arab natives from thier homes in order to claim more land. Do you think that's fair? The Palestinians don't have all those hi tech military hardware like the Israelis. It is not the Palestinians that are making Israel's life miserable, its Israel. Please, have a look at anti Israeli websites, and you'll see many cruel deeds that the Israeli military does; even though those websites maybe baised opposed to your views. They contain many truths about Israel.

The Palestinians unfairly paid the price for what the Jews of Europe went though. The Holocaust is European history, not Middle Eastern. It wasn't Arabs that made the Jews of Europe suffer. A Jewish state should have been set up in Germany, or at least in Europe.

The Iraq war can only be described as sheer stupidity. Did the country deserve to pay for the actions of a stupid dictator over 13 years ago. Iraq is virtually a collapsed state, and the way it has been destroyed clearly displays America's greed in my perceptions. Refer to the current profits made by the US defence industries.

Now there is a civil war between Sunnis and Shias. I don't know why is there so much hatred between them. But if an attack on Iran does happen, the consequences are incalculable. The Middle East would be in chaos.

Good question by the way. I am glad that we can exchange views like this. I would advise that you don't believe everything the media says. I would also advise you to read Jimmy Carter's book, "Palestine, Not Aparthied". It has many truths hidden from most of the US public.

I wish for peace to the world.

Answer 2

Tlakkamond you're not being fair most Americans don't know who the Supreme Court Judges are or their Senators. I am big on the American Civil War and I continuously hear how can I still be upset with something that happened 142 years ago not understanding there are sons and daughters still alive. While any where else in the world heritage even if it is hatred is alive. Watch they will come back saying they do so because they are cultured, advanced then these who do keep their heritage alive. Kristina is quite common of what America has become look at eth grammar and spelling through out these questions and answers. The majorities of answers are blown them up, men women and children; listen to Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity they like Bryan do not know what they are talking about. I always think of a quote form the Civil War In 1862 Sherman wrote his wife that his purpose in the war would be "extermination, not of soldiers alone, that is the least of the trouble, but the people" of the South. His loving and gentle wife wrote back that her wish was for "a war of extermination and that all [Southerners] would be driven like swine into the sea. May we carry fire and sword into their states till not one habitation is left standing." Let’s examine Bryan’s statements:

Is that we do not understand a culture in which too many condone terrorism by silent assertion? One Man's Terrorist is Another Man's Hero. What Bryan and many Americans consider duty or protecting the American way of like is seen by the world to include the Middle East as terrorism. How else would you explain the deaths of 600,000 Iraqi civilians?

That we do not understand a culture where women do not have the same rights as men? Is Bryan foolish enough to think Americans treat women the same as men? How would explain the difference in pay, spouse abuse, failure to collect child support?

That we do not understand a culture where certain groups within the population teach hate to their children from earliest age? Have you have heard many of the minorities children speak about whites? Or blacks about Hispanics or vice versa?

That we do not understand a culture which sends its young people to die in acts of martyrdom? Didn’t we just do that to three thousand of our young men and women?

Or is it that if weren't such infidels and would all just embrace the teaching of Islam the world would be peaceful? Isn’t that what you are trying to force on the Middle East? All they need do is accept democracy, change their beliefs and religion and they will find peace.

Americans do not have to understand the culture of the Middle East. That is why Russia, China were and are not hated and are better liked and respected then we are they listen and learn.

We do have to respect their right to hold their religion and cultural principles. We have all ready proved that a lie!

We do not have to respect the indiscriminate killing of innocents in the name of that religion. Only if we are doing it!

Nor do we have to sit and watch the world devolve into chaos because they will not take up the challenge of ridding their lands and the world of the scourge which is terrorism. So we can who we want to ensure our way of life?

However, cultural differences should not be used to justify terrorism. Unless it is by the US and because they will not accept what we feel is the correct way of life!

God Bless You and Our Southern People.

Answer 3

The way you have posed this question I am not sure what my opinion is.

You were kind when you said that people say we Americans don't understand the MiddleEast. Normally they claim we are too ignorant to comprehend anything outside our own borders.

I may have to agree though, we may not understand the MiddleEast. It isn't out of ignorance. It is out of being indoctrinated to believe that men and women should have the same rights both legally and in pursuing lifes desires. It is because we cherish our children and can not comprehend teaching hate or heaven forbid, death by martyrdom. These concepts are outside of the realm of what we have been taught all of our lives. I may not agree with the Catholics, the Lutherans, the Baptists or the Mormons. I completely support their rights to practice the religion of their choice. Only God (if there is a God) will decide who is right and who is wrong in *his* due time. Muslims don't believe this way though. Either you are Muslim or you are not. If you are not you are an infidel. For the extremists if you are not, you don't deserve to live. We can't imagine living life and treating others in any other way than with due respect. So in turn, we expect it. We desire it for all. Question is, is it our right or our responsibility to try and bring what we perceive as a better way of life to others. I don't know anymore. As they say, you can lead a horse to water but you can't make them drink.

I do know that Islam is not the answer. It may be for a significant portion of the world but it will never be for Americans. I don't see an end in sight for the violence we are experiencing in the world today. No amount of appeasement is going to satisfy the Islamic extremists. And... it is going to take all of us, Democrats, Republicans, Liberals and Conservatives *combined* to overcome these extremists. It is the only hope we have. The abortion rights issues, gay rights, tax cuts for the rich, welfare for the poor bear little importance when it comes to our survival which is exactly where we are today, in my opinion. We are at a crossroads and our very futures rely on which direction we take.

I don't know, if what I view here on this messge board is a true comparison to what is in the hearts and minds of the American people we are lost. What is sad is no amount of trying to reunite our country is working.

The real problem isn't in the MiddleEast or with the extremists. The real problem is right here at home. It isn't the War in Iraq that is the war dividing us. It is the war between Americans.

Question is, who cares enough to end it and who is willing to put our differences aside for the best interest of our country. I think I know the answer to that. It won't help to say it though.

Answer 4

Americans are usually weak in understanding other cultures, they tend to judge them by American standards, but these usually do not apply.
In the Predominantly Muslim countries of the middle east, the hate to anything western is deep sitted, and the US is the epitome of anything western, in the eyes of Muslims.
the are vast cultural gaps between these cultures, Muslims have a set of values and culture that are totally alien when compared to western values.

Answer 5

10% of 1 billion people believe as you have out lined. Please do not throw out the baby with the bath water.
900 million others that are peaceful wish to be free from the 100 million that scare them with the death of family members.
Picture the Mafia run neighborhood where people are more afraid of the criminals than the police.
We do not understand the complexities of their belief system. We are not imposing ours but allowing them to practice true Islam as the majority sees fit and not as the minority wishes it to be so that they can wield the power.

Answer 6

Oh please, since when have Americans tried to understand someone else's culture?

I could ask 100 people in the USA to name, say, the President of Syria, and how many would know?

In other countries it's not like that: people care enough to learn. In the USA, the world is a big dark area outside your maps, and the amount of respect you pay to the rest of the planet is so minuscule you cannot even name 10 foreign chiefs of state without looking in an encyclopaedia.

Answer 7

I think most American don't understand the threat that is posed by the Islamic movement.The press separates it all into small segments that they don't present as connected.Americans don't understand that the moderate Muslims are the minority that they have no power and think of those that kill in Allah's name are Heroes.

Answer 8

I believe that when they say that, what they really mean is they don't "want" to understand the Middle Culture. They simply want to be able to label them as terrorists, monsters, or crazy. When in reality, our president (Bush) is all of the above.

Answer 9

American's see all this. They know all of this, but, the bottom line is that Bush is going to do what HE wants to do regardless of what of most of America believes or thinks. His bottom line is oil. Our bottom line is...we went, we did, now it's time to go.

Answer 10

LIES,SINCE TRUMAN,USA CHOICE MASTERS FOR THOSE COUNTRIES,AND THE MESS STIL STAND,AND THEY TRY TO FIX MESS,WHIT OTHER MESS?