Boston bombings: An example of anti Americanism handouts James Chua

THE BOMBING

THE PURSUIT

Reason for bombing? Anti US Sentiments.

Whats Anti US sentiments? -Opposition or hostile views to/of the US A strong example of Anti US sentiment is the Islamic extremist organisation Al Qaeda. Osama bin Laden used to be the head of Al Qaeda. Until he got shot in his own.

Why the Anti US Sentiments? -US/western influences come from US, and they are immoral, and are also violent, threatening world peace. i.e. US are bad guys -For Muslims, it has become an article of faith that the U.S. unfairly sides with Israel in its conflict with the Palestinians. Middle Eastern anti-Americanism is due to legitimate grievances of the United States paramount support for Israel, the war in Iraq and the incessant American interference in

regional issues and the domestic affairs of Arab nations. As a result, anti-Americanism is more prevalent in the Middle East today than any other region in the world. i.e. US are really bad guys, especially since they dont support us, and yet still interfere with our affairs so much. -US presence is in a lot of countries and also countries deemed as Holy Land i.e. Saudi Arabia. Radicals claim that US is trying to spread its influence to them, so to wage war against them is acceptable. i.e. The bad guys, that dont support us, are all around us and so must be here to influence us to be bad. So we must exterminate them. CASE STUDY: Pakistan. -Pakistan has heavy US presence to combat the Taleban. -Pakistan government are powerless against the US. They meekly suit to the US wishes. -US wants to stamp out Taleban, throw all they got against them, and then reform Pakistan. -All Pakistan need is help in domestic issues, like energy shortage and such. -Helplessness of Pakistan Govt. causes anti US sentiments. -Drones flying overhead does not help either, drones claiming to target terrorists have many a times hit innocent Pakistanis. -Pakistani Govt. not doing anything to prevent such attacks, US has autonomy over such choices. Heck, they even send Navy Seals to a compound in Pakistan (OBL killing/assassination/capture/callit-what-you-want) without telling Pakistan.

Solution? Anti US sentiment is causing riots, protests. On more extreme cases, Sept 11 attacks, Boston Bombing. The root of the problem is anti US sentiment, it may be impossible to totally eradicate this (US dug their own hole), but at least some things should be done to reduce this. US should reconsider its Foreign Affairs Policy. Severe reforms has to be done. Assuming that the US actually is willing to reform, actions taken should include: Making assistance rendered voluntarily. Not force your help on them. Pakistan really dont want your help anymore; you dont solve their problems anyway. At least, not much. US should also apologise to the Palestinians, if not sincerely but at least to preserve the peace.

If what the extremists wants isnt illogical, give it to them. If they want you to get out of a country, work out a plan with the relevant government. Would a complete retreat threaten the countrys peace? Maybe a partial withdraw may satisfy the extremists, or a neutral country may help enforce law for a short term to fill the gaping hole as US leaves the country, seeing as how its more of the US presence thats causing the sentiments. If the country requests that you stay, the US should also ask themselves are they willing to risk their citizens lives back in their own country for rendering assistance to this country. Lastly, aim your drones better. -End-