Why does the Middle East blame the United States for all their problems?

 

The middle east has always been of interest for superpowers in all the times owing to its opening on all sides to the oceans and continents surrounding it and for accessible markets۔ 

The region is diverse and  a single perspective to the entire Middle East cannot be attributed. The region has also experienced different policies of america for each country at different times depending upon the american foreign policy initiatives and new alliances /presence of Russia and China۔ Some may have criticisms or grievances related to US foreign policy, while others may have different perspectives.

The Middle East has faced various challenges, including colonialism, political instability, and conflicts, which have led to differing opinions on US involvement in the region.

When we see from the historical perspective , there have always been activities goinin around in middle east involving interests of the superpower especially after the emergence of unipolar world headed by america.

1. *Historical events:*

    - Iran: 1953 CIA-backed coup, 1979 Revolution, and US sanctions.

    - Iraq: 2003 US-led invasion, occupation, and subsequent instability.

    - Palestine: Ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, US recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

2. *Political and military interventions:*

    - Syria: US involvement in the civil war, support for rebel groups.

    - Libya: 2011 US-led intervention, overthrow of Gaddafi, and post-conflict instability.

    - Yemen: US support for Saudi-led coalition, drone strikes, and humanitarian crisis.

3. *Economic and cultural influences:*

    - Saudi Arabia: US support for the monarchy, oil trade, and cultural exchanges.

    - Egypt: US aid, political influence, and human rights concerns.

    - Turkey: NATO membership, US-Turkey relations, and Kurdish issues.

4. *Regional conflicts and rivalries:*

    - Israel-Palestine, Iran-Saudi Arabia, Turkey-Kurdish tensions, and proxy wars.

These are just a few examples. Each country and issue has its unique dynamics, and not all perspectives in the Middle East are anti-US.

As fas as relations of saudia، iraq, libya during last 3  or 4 decades, there have been significant developments:

*Saudi Arabia:*

1. *US-Saudi alliance:* Strong strategic partnership, especially in counter-terrorism and energy security.

2. *Iranian rivalry:* Saudi Arabia views Iran as a regional threat, and the US shares concerns about Iran's nuclear program and regional influence.

3. *Islamic extremism:* Saudi Arabia has been a target of terrorist attacks, and the US has supported Saudi efforts to combat extremism.

4. *Human rights and reform:o* Some Saudis criticize US support for the monarchy, citing human rights concerns and limited political freedoms.

5. *Economic ties:* Strong trade relations, with the US being a significant market for Saudi oil.

*Egypt:*

1. *US-Egypt strategic partnership:* Close military and political ties, with the US providing significant aid.

2. *Regional security:* Egypt sees the US as a key partner in maintaining regional stability and combating terrorism.

3. *Israeli-Palestinian conflict:* Egypt has played a mediating role, and the US has supported Egyptian efforts to maintain peace.

4. *Human rights and democracy:* Some Egyptians criticize US support for the current government, citing concerns about human rights and democratic backsliding.

5. *Economic development:* The US has supported Egypt's economic development, including investments in infrastructure and entrepreneurship.

Iraq

Iraq's relationship with the US has undergone significant changes over the years, leading to the current complex situation. Here are key factors that contributed to the shift:

1. *Saddam Hussein's regime (1979-2003):*

    - Initially, the US supported Saddam's government, seeing it as a bulwark against Iran and a key player in the region.

    - During the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988), the US provided military aid and intelligence to Iraq.

    - However, Saddam's invasion of Kuwait in 1990 led to the Gulf War, and the US-led coalition defeated Iraq.

2. *Post-Gulf War sanctions and containment (1991-2003):*

    - The US and UN imposed severe sanctions on Iraq, leading to widespread suffering and economic decline.

    - The US and UK also maintained a no-fly zone over Iraq, enforcing it with occasional airstrikes.

3. *2003 US-led invasion and occupation:*

    - The US, UK, and other allies invaded Iraq, overthrowing Saddam's regime.

    - The occupation that followed was marked by mismanagement, insurgency, and sectarian violence.

4. *Rise of extremist groups:*

    - The power vacuum and chaos created an environment in which extremist groups like Al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) and later the Islamic State (ISIS) could flourish.

5. *Iraq's political and social fragmentation:*

    - The US-backed Iraqi government faced significant challenges in rebuilding the country, addressing sectarian divisions, and providing basic services.

    - The political landscape became increasingly fragmented, with various factions and militias vying for power.

6. *Shifting US priorities and disengagement:*

    - As the US faced growing criticism and fatigue over the prolonged occupation, it began to withdraw troops and reduce its involvement.

    - The US focus shifted to other global priorities, such as the War on Terror and the rise of China.

These factors have contributed to the current complex situation in Iraq, where:

- The US and Iraq maintain a fragile partnership, with the US providing military aid and support against ISIS.

- Iraq's government faces ongoing challenges in asserting its authority, addressing sectarian tensions, and rebuilding the country.

- The legacy of the US-led invasion and occupation continues to shape Iraq's political and social landscape.

Libya

The relationship between Libya and America has been complex, with periods of cooperation and tension ¹:

1. Early years (1786-1940s): The US and Libya (then Tripoli) signed treaties and engaged in trade, but there were also conflicts, including the First Barbary War.

2. Post-WWII (1940s-1960s): The US supported Libya's independence and provided aid, while also maintaining military bases.

3. Qadhafi era (1969-2011): Relations deteriorated due to Libya's support for terrorism, nationalization of US oil interests, and conflicts like the Gulf of Sidra incident.

4. Recent years (2011-present): The US supported the overthrow of Qadhafi and has since engaged in limited cooperation on counter-terrorism and economic issues

It's important to note that these perspectives are not uniform and may vary among different segments of society, political groups, and individuals in both countries. Additionally, public opinion can shift over time due to various factors like political developments, economic conditions, and social changes.