It is interesting that you say the "cornerstone of grivences to the Arab majority" is the resolution of the Arab-Israeli conflict. Doesn't the "road to peace in the Middle East run through Jerusalem"?
The Iran-Iraq war, Iraq-Kuwait war, Lebanon civil war, Shiite-Sunni mutual suicide atrocities,Talban,Al-Queda etc etc..
Would these past and current conflicts where hundreds of thousands of Arabs killed each other, not have occurred if a Jewish Israel/Palestine would not exist?
Don't be so naive. The Arab worlds love of Palestine is a great distraction to their own problems.

What if people tried to think about what was just and fair, and worked together to take care of each other? Instead of counting up the bad things that people have done - could we work on being fair? Instead of looking for the "win" for our respective country, could we look for a "win" for the people that live in all of the countries?

I think that any person who knows most of the facts (which I'm still working on) would acknowledge that wrongs have been done by all sides. I would guess that most of these wrongs have been done by the extremist folks - the ones who are as far from the middle as can be. They ruin it for the rest of the people who want to live in peace and hunger for justice. They don't want peace - they want a conflict because that's what defines them. They are all about fighting and winning, and not at all about taking care of each other.

I'm speaking to those of you who also believe in peace - the extremists on this list will say that I'm unrealistic. However, they've had their say for the last seven years - and I think that they OWN the disastrous results of their thinking. As long as the extremists keep shouting us down, we will be stuck in this bloody rut. Make yourselves heard, and shout down those who hunger for war - whichever side they're on!!!

Control, this is all about control. You do not need to invade or own anything if you have control. Control does not have to be with guns or bombs. It can be economics, and mercenary states who are willing to do the dirty work.
The world runs on oil. What more do you need to know as to why the U.S. does what it does anywhere there is oil. I think the big mistake is to think about it as politics. Its business. Politics are the corporate vehicle to private profit. There will be no peace. It is not profitable for the U.S. or Israel.

Robert B
Your right, It was a little long and wordy. I'll keep it short. I just got typing and kept going.

Robert,
When over 1 million Iraqi citizens have died or been maimed as a result of our Shock & Awe campaign and its fallout how can you characterize all that suffering as a "swell job?"

Robertb:

That's it? Nut? hahahahah

Roobbbbbeerrrrrt, are you one of those stupid, ignorant, immoral christian rightwing rednecks?

I never intended my post to be specific with respect to person.

Nevertheless, thank you for raising your hand.

Sincerely,
Providence Candlelight

Like most in American government, Bush is simply a pawn of the Jews and international jewry, which controls most world governments and economies.

Before he leaves office, I'm confident he'll invade Iran, per Zionist wishes and will do everything he can to put Israel in firm control of the Middle East.

George Manuelian
Atherton, CA

First thing: my previous response was accidently submitted as "anonymous" So, "Joe" I hope you got my response.

Second thing: Providence, you're a nut.

And I equally hope you get this response too.

Speaking of dishonor,

do not forget to include the redneck christian right wing (yes, I know the term is redundant) and the five members of the US Supreme Court that put Bush in office.

William Rehnquist, Sandra Day O'Connor, Antonin Scalia, Anthony Kennedy, Clarence Thomas. Remember these names. Their hands are just as bloody as Bush and Cheney's

That's your "if but for" cause".

Shame upon those Americans who put power in the hands of thieving, Hitler like mad men.

While we at it, let's remember Pelosi who allowed it to continue and continues to allow it to continue.

Sincerely,
Providence

An interesting while flawed article. I was and am against the decision to go to war in Iraq, and do see your point about how Bush and company have caused more problems in the middle east. I find that your article places too much blame for the problems of the middle east on Bush. While Abu Ghraib, et. al were horrible, are not the death squads made up of Iraqi, Arabs, etc. Once Hussein was removed, it wasn't the Americans who decided to settle generations old grudges with violence. The civil war in Iraq is not between Americans and Iraqis, it's between Sunni and Shiite or Arabs against Arabs. Your article places the Arabs in the role of "poor victim" unable to have anything good because someone else has caused there problems. It very much in the tone of "let's not try to find a solution, when we can blame Bush and Israel"
If that's the prevailing attitude in the Arab world,nothing will ever change.

I haven't submitted any comments on this matter at all; how can I be credited with too many within a certain time period?

As usual, any time someone doesn't uphold Israel in any and all things that state does will not be published.

I happen to believe everything the author of this article has written. The fact that the United States citizenry has been so thoroughly brainwashed regarding who really runs this country - ISRAEL - and until a balanced position can be reached on this matter nothing will ever change in the Middle East.

First, it was only tons of money and grants we gave but now we are giving American lives to uphold this Zionist state: so declared by themselves All for the money that the jews can and do contribute to American elections to assure that Jews can continue to run this country and to protect Israel against any and all threats.

Americans have got to start understanding the Middle Easterner's point of view if global terrorism is ever going to be abated. The Bush et al attack on Iraq was not an act of altruism as they claimed, but a power grab which failed dismally, and as the author points out, to the great determinent of the indigenes. But it has been almost as serious blow the American infrastructure, health system, education, and economy. The only way to clarify Bush's responsibility and heal American divisivness is to bring him and his cronies to trial for war crimes, preferably by an international tibunal.

I think the Iraq war was a terrible mistake and one that has destroyed much more than it could ever hope to achieve. Preemptive war is a dangerous and unacceptable doctrine, even after September 11th. I also believe that the Israeli incursion into Lebanon, far exceded a response proportionate to two military personnel being kidnapped by Hezbollah.

However, to suggest that the United States has not sacrificed any blood or treasure in pursuit of this war is wrong on its face. Right or wrong, the U.S. is trillions of dollars in debt and has lost thousands of soldiers in this war. The U.S. may be wrong to have started the war, but it's wrong to pretend that the nation hasn't borne any consequences.

Also, we can get carried away with critiques of U.S. policy. Is Mr. Moubayed's assertion really that the Middle East had it all together and then the U.S. swooped in and shattered the peace? Does he really believe that the U.S. and Israel share all culpability for violence in the region even dating back to before the Iraq war? That's difficult to reconcile with reality.

MikeB,

I know that you are not the mean-spirited, despicable person you pretend to be.

We are all concerned that you receive therapy and treatment.

If you cannot afford it, I will pay for the first hour and I am certain others of us can help you find the care you need.

Please give medicine a chance. You do not have to live in such pain.

Continue your writing; it's good therapy for your mental illness.

Good luck and God bless.

Sincerely,
Providence

Well, your agony is understandable as the Middle East has always been the playground for the world politics, with the US being its referee. However, all blame cannot be put on America as it could succeed with its divisive tactics only because of the local state politicians - autocrats in almost all countries - and also the people who based their 'identity' solely on religious factor and never tried to look beyond their limited horizon and embrace the 'outside' worldview.

The situation on the Middle East ground is going to remain the same for many years till they 'introspect' and 'act' sensibly. In simple words, the various countries of the Middle East need to 'unite' and 'open' their societies and minds, and for which proper education and democracy have to be implemented.

"Joe", I have actually been to Israel, and to the West Bank and Jordan. The differences between the two worlds is painfully obvious to any rational person. I'm sorry you may be handicapped here.

My allegiance is the U.S. and as long as Israel is a reliable ally, I'll support them too. No doubt you see the tiny nation of Israel (smaller than New Jersey) as responsible for all of the turmoil in the Middle East! Why not leave them alone instead of being obsessed with their destruction. Hamas & Hezbollah make no secret that this is their goal.

What's so funny is that the crazy kings and mullahs run straight to us to save them (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait) when their existence is threatened. The U.S. is a fundamentally good and great country that has extended the bounty of our wealth and power and grace even to the benefit of those who say, in private murmurs when things are momentarily safe, that we are the "Great Satan."

Finally, you say that I should move to Gaza and wait for a rocket to hit my sorry ass. Thanks for making my point! That's pretty much all one has to do--an Israeli child or mother or whoever need do nothing more than just try to live their life and they risk death by the Arab Muslims. These are the people you are so passionately defending. Aren't you proud? Oh, and you mentioned cowardice. I don't know what you do for a living but I happen to wear body armor and protect society from the type of monsters that you are so endeared to. Does a homicide bombing give you a warm and fuzzy feeling ..."Joe" ? (now tell us your real Arab name)

Providence Candlelight - Your attitude merely continues the cycle of violence. The Muslim sidee acts worse than dogs, while we, Europe, the Israeli treat people as human beings. If Hezbolla, the Taliban, Al Qaida, thugs and animals, were treated as they treat people, human beings!, they just might act a bit differently. The same applies to the "Arab Street", that mob that will surely celebrate the freeing of the worst animals I have heard of recently. As far as I am concerned, and I am a Democrat, someone opposed to our ineffective Middle East policies, I would bomb that celebration, treat it as an ideal opportunity to exterminate a bunch of swine collected together. It's far too good a chance to pass up! Fry them en mass. If nothing else, it would be worth it, just to hear their complaints of how "ill treated" that mob was.

MikeB.

I will pay for your first hour of therapy.

Sincerely,
Providence Candlelight

There is another position one can reasonably take on this, Mr. Moubayed. In the recent "prisoner" swap between Hezbolla and Israel, two facts become clear - (1) the Hezbolla soldiers were captured alive and returned alive and (2) the Israeli soldiers were captured alive and subsequently tirtured to death in the most barbaric manner possible. Now, I think that forensic tests need to be conducted on the dead Israeli's. The results of those tests need to be widely publicized and, subsequently, any and all Hezbolla or Hamas prisoners should be run through a very large blender and stored in canning jars for any later prisoner swaps. Likewise, even though I oppose virtuallyu every other Midle East policy of my country, I would strongly urge that we need join the celebration of the return of the Hezbolla prisoners by exploding a dozen or so Daisy Cutters immediatey over any such demonstration.

Human dignity, civilized behavior, is a two way street. If Muslim's do not act in a humane fashion, I would suggest that we treat them in a manner that makes the consequences of that very very clear.

The way I will always remember Muslims is the black hooded Muslim men cutting the head off of a live concious American male and diplaying it proudly and monstrously. This marks my memory and will not go away. The promise to kill all Americans is enough for me to not trust you people. The silent Muslims of the world bear guilt along side these other monsters. Muslim and horror are synonymous.
Bush is doing the right thing and history will bear him out as doing good for the whole of the world.

And that goes for the rest of you Zionists as well! Just pack your bags and move to Israel now! Enough said!

Robert B,

Why dont you just move to Israel and show us your bravado in the Israeli army uniform on the Gaza border and wait for a rocket to hit your sorry ass! Your loyalty to this country is pretty clear.

No, of course you wont! You and Wofowitz and Pearl and Sharansky,are backseat warriors, plain old cowards.

Maybe youd like to live IN Gaza for a week, nay, a day, and then lets your peurile eloquence flow in the wind, just like the gas you pass right now!

Well said!

thishowiseeit writes: "Sami Moubayed,please don't blame us americans. The majority of us voted for Gore in 2000. G. W. Bush became President because of frauds in Florida."

I don't understand. Is this place still "the land of the free"? Is this nation still the "greatest democracy in the world"?

If so, your note should read: "Sami Moubayed, the majority of us voted for Gore in 2000. G. W. Bush became President because of frauds in Florida... and we, the American people, let him and his gang of accomplices get away with it. You are right to blame us, Americans. You are indeed very generous not to blame us even more. You are a very compassionate man, Sami Moubayed."

This is how your note should read, I believe, were this still the land of the free. We are not slaves! We, the people, need claim responsibility for this democratic nation's plight. We, and only we, the American people, are responsible. No one is, in our stead.

There is victory in sight for George W Bush?

Where as purported presence of Al-Qaeda among Taliban on Pak-Afghan border has so far served as a tool and a lynch pin of Neocons dream hegemonic policy in Middle East and Central Asia. US has shown its craze to depict Al Qaeda as an omnipotent force, an imaginary, invisible enemy in disguise to serve US as servitude of US, designed to present itself as ‘fore runners’ and to act as enemy to inculcate fear at home and spread Terror in area of operations. The purported stance of Al Qaeda has since facilitated subsequent US planned attacks in the area to advance…US adventurism. This adventurism is there to stay till such time that some other force emerges to counter this sole super power like; Russia that it remerges or yet another Eastern Giant China comes up to the surface. US have the earnest desire to bring the lands of economic resources of Middle East as well as Central Asia into her folds. Iran, odd one out and proving to be a tough bone in the process is required to be tackled and subdued fully at all costs.

Beside the economic sanctions and western hostile diplomacy including threats and pressures being imposed on Iran; there are reports that huge sums (some 40 Millions dollars) are being dished out with in Iran especially in southern Baluch area of Iran for covert operations to ask Iranian Baluhies to rebel rouse for a regime change. Probably Pakistan’s status in the war against terror, serving as proxy as well as a front state will be made to be used as scapegoat? It is very much felt that the provocative attacks in FATA are since on increase by NATO forces and there are rumours of build up of massive forces along Pakistan western border also. The vision less operations of Pakistan Armed forces in FATA to quell the prevalent anarchy in the area and kill own people is aiding fuel to make the situation verse. The called for retaliations and a rebel rouse from local Taliban are but eminent.

The tall claims of wisdom of Pak Government as well as of so called FATA leaders was found lowest of the low; when keeping in view of the escalated retaliatory mayhem being staged in FATA, George W Bush was reported to have said that on Pak-Afghan borders, the situation demands that severe actions be taken by Pakistan as well as United States lead forces against their common enemy- Al Qaeda and Taliban…(with in Pakistan).

So before Iran is savagely attacked (as the authentic reports say some times in Oct 08) or subdued other wise; Taliban as well as so called remnants of Al Qaeda are required to be eliminated inside Pakistan. It is likely that inferno of war on Pak-Afghan border area will ablaze and tensions heightened in the name of elimination of AL Qaeda. Tora Bora like destruction is very much expected. Under the pretext of convenience; the situation is build up for US to go ahead and exterminate Iran to subdue her on the charges that Iran being the last rouge state supporting insurgents and Terrorists be eliminated.

How near is drawn the claim of George W Bush to declare victory on the war against Terrorism?

Tim Gallien, what was that? Some sort of filibuster so people wont see the comments that matter (which are very few here) Anyway, where did "Dr." Sami get his Phd I wonder? By definition if the institution is of any repute then it had to have been from somewhere in the West. Also, by definition, almost everywhere in the Arab & Muslim world there is a total lack of freedom of speech, freedom of the press and rights to publish, freedom of religion and worship. And of course there is no freedom to vote for your government leaders. My, what a culture! A culture sure to produce an educated, objective and free exchange of ideas! Ha! Ha! Ha!

Yes, there may be an "end of manners" Ayman, as the pitiful Muslim dictators and mullahs encounter the clamor for freedom via the fledgling democracies the U.S. seeks to inculcate there.

It's about time someone called it like it is! Thank you.

Self determination, to live and do as you will, as long as your "will" does not infringe upon an others right to do the same. You may say anarchist, socialist, democracy, communist, totalitarianism, I say fascism, these are words with definitions given to you by media and our culture. It is always good to understand the definitions of the words we use, and the historical contexts we believe we know, and the real context of the words in reality. I put to you that all governments and societal structures in all history are all fascist by nature. The difference is, to what degree. This difference of degree is how most people define their system of government. I am finding that people don't even know enough to ask real questions. Americans believe for the most part in what we call democracy. I would bet money if you asked 100 Americans what our system of government is, you will get the answer, “its a democracy of coarse“ and a few funny looks for even asking, not knowing the truth. They will look at you even more funny if you ask, what is democracy? You will get 100 different answers. Maybe if I asked, was the soviet union a socialist or communist government? “Of coarse“, they will say. Then, what is socialism? How about this, did we actually win a cold war against the Russians? Americans have not doubt in their mind, and that is scary to me. Americans, "know" all the answers they are supposed to know as an American citizen. Did you really think about the questions and do your own research, or did you repeat what you heard on TV and your news papers. Russian citizens for your information have no notion that the cold war ever ended. You may say, "but their economic system collapsed because of their failed socialist government". There are a lot of assumptions in that statement. Did the country really fail? This is what the mass and mainstream media in this country portray. Truth is that after the Russian economic collapse, it was no longer profitable for us, (corporate and political Americans who own your government), to keep Russia as an enemy in the public mind, so our government created another. I put to you, that economy and government are two different things. The Russians see a continuing cold war with a massive economic restructuring in the late eighties. And did the economic system collapse because of the type of government in Russia? Or historically was it just the exact same thing that causes most economic collapses and depressions throughout all history, in all nations?
We as Americans "know" why, because our media is free and independent, right? They wouldn't lie to us. Propaganda helps governmental institutions to subjugate and control the group mind. Many of the things we as Americans think of as truth, are not even in the same ballpark as reality. Why do I need a permit to build on land that I own? Do I actually own that land, when the government came take it away at any time? Why do we pay for registration on our cars when this is exactly what a license plate is anyway? How come I can't start a business without permission from the government? Why do I pay taxes on something that I own? Why is the government involved in the affairs of its individual citizens in the first place? We are not free. We are free to operate within the framework. So, now ask yourself, what is this framework? What does it do? Who owns it, and what is the true history of our American system? Who benefits from it? Is the farmer in Idaho free when lobbyists in D.C. for oil companies have their politicians legislate and force with laws that make it illegal to grow potatoes in a certain quantity because “in the name of becoming independent from foreign oil” we need to grow more ethanol for them. All governments control their populations in some fashion. Some are more open about it and just use guns and bombs and force. They don’t lie about it, they just do it. These are what Americans call dictatorships, totalitarianist states, communist, fascist. But with countries that are said to have free people, the governments can not use violence openly, so they use propaganda, misinformation, lies, secrets, and the political system itself, and the use of outside threats to rally the people. To make the people want to give up their freedoms and liberties through fear rather than bullets. It is all the same thing, just a different approach.
I would love to see a true democracy, this means a not for profit government by the people for the people to manage national things, like the post office, national defense, trade, and foreign matters that effect the nation as a whole. We do not need the government to tell us what or how to do anything. We have States that can manage local laws and taxes, and the redistribution back to the national treasury. Imagine a personal income tax code one sentence long. tax of 10 percent directly apportioned to all individual income. No IRS, we may have national laws on business that will extend beyond the boarders of the states and country that will also be so simplified. We only need government to manage national issues, not regulate and legislate the individual, this is what local and state government is for.
Examples, a helmet law, while riding on motor bikes. If you don’t want to wear one, then don’t. Everybody knows that a helmet is a good idea. Why do you need a congressman in D.C. to force it upon you “for your own sake”? Who gets hurt if it is left up to the rider? The rider only. there are a lot of people who value their lives who need donor organs for their survival. I think if we get rid of a helmet law, we will have more donors.
If you want to reduce crime, just get rid of the laws that only hurt society. Like our war on drugs. If its not a crime to smoke marijuana, no crime is committed, no one gets hurt, and the drug war is won. You can’t legislate morality, safety, and security in a free society. If it is truly free, people will be able to chose for themselves and sometimes yes, learn the hard way. And we must be enlightened enough to let go of control of others and except everyone’s decisions even the bad ones as long as it does not hurt others. NOW I know some of you will be thinking, if we have no laws everything will go crazy. I NEVER SAID WE WOULD NOT HAVE LAWS. The only laws humans needed are those basics, like stealing is illegal, speeding on the road is illegal, killing people is illegal, only laws to protect all individuals from other people and government and the protection of our rights. Oh yeah, we already have this, its these little old pieces of paper called the constitution and the bill of rights! Laws do not make anything safer or better against crime because criminals do not follow laws in the first place. So, by making more laws to “protect the people from terrorists or outside threats” only makes life harder for those who abide by those laws that were already there in the first place. How many laws must we make that say the same thing before we enforce one of them. The people are the ones who suffer these laws and controls. The biggest threat to any government on this world in all history is always the people governed. Laws in our society are often used not to protect the people from anything, they are used to protect the government from the people. Like say the PATRIOT ACT.
It is this, “CONTROL OF OTHERS” that humans have a hard time with. It is mostly very blatant with laws and regulations, but much more subtle with a words like “should”, or “that’s not right”. There is no line to cross for this because it is so culturally excepted for people to express their opinions and judgments of others choices. Now, there is nothing wrong with an opinion ever! Only when it is used to coerce or force people to make the same choice that the controller wants. We must truly let go. It sounds easy, and most people say that they already do this. When was the last time you made fun or joked about what someone else did or said. Have you ever said that someone should not wear that? When was the last time you complained about how someone else was driving too slow? When was the last time you thought about what others think of you and your decisions? It is never wrong to give opinion, or help educate, or be truly constructive without ego when criticizing. When you feel yourself doing these other things, all you have to ask yourself is this , who benefits from your words? If the answer is, the person you are helping, then it is not out of a fear based, egotistical need for controlling others. If the answer is anything other than the person and their interests only, then you are a controller.
The big secret to letting go is to let yourself go from the wishes and opinions of others first, to separate your motives from others, then you will see the difference, when others do this to you and others around you, much more clearly, and this will set you free.

Sami Moubayed,
please don't blame us americans. The majority of us voted for Gore in 2000. G. W. Bush became President because of frauds in Florida.

Hey Ayman, why would he need to "propose" an easy to prove fact? That just sounds plain dumb! Also, where did "Dr." Sami get his Phd I wonder? By definition if the institution is of any repute then it had to have been from somewhere in the West. Also, by definition, almost everywhere in the Arab & Muslim world there is a total lack of freedom of speech, freedom of the press and rights to publish, freedom of religion and worship. And of course there is no freedom to vote for your government leaders. My, what a culture! A culture sure to produce an educated, objective and free exchange of ideas! Ha! Ha! Ha!

Yes, there may be an "end of manners" Ayman, as the pitiful Muslim dictators and mullahs encounter the clamor for freedom via the fledgling democracies the U.S. seeks to inculcate there.

President Bush's policy has been a public relations disaster for the US and all of its allies, and that’s a given few would question.

Dr. Moubayed eloquently proposes this easy to prove fact, and all knee jerk Zionist can do is label him a "stooge," and a Syrian regime apologist. I remember days when Arab outlets exclusively spouted such venom and hatred, while Israel's sympathizers seemed passionately mellow.

I bet you that this stylistic reversal is a forbearer of big changes. The "end of manners" is the beginning of the end of any civilization. The “light upon the nations” culture of Spinoza and tsim tsum is seemingly blinking out into darkness. Stay cordial, and keep on writing Sami.

I see my very first post yesterday proved prophetic....the left-wing whack jobs showed up in force! Very amusing stuff!

Sammy-my-mannie, would you be able to offer such a critique of your "King" Assad of Syria...without getting your head chopped off??

(Somali, you're a boob.....from a very proud white man! ha,ha,ha)

Sammy, I admire you man. You are NOT like the stupid, African and Muslim "jornalists" who populate these pages saying things to please their white slave driver. Many people who call themsdelves "journalists" and "writers" have SLAVE mentality. They talk the talk their Master, the white man wants to hear. They think this is the only way they can make a LIVING. It is all ABOUT making ends meet for these stinkers who call themselves "journalists" and "writers". They WILL support the white mass murderer, the terrorist, the war criminal, they will shut their eyes to crimes of the white people because if they don't do this the white man will NOT write their cheque and they will be out of a job.

It's a baseless fear, but the white man has PUT this fear in the minds of these stupid, dumb African and Muslim writers.

Pathetic.

But you, sir, I congratulate you for letting your own humanity shine THROUGH your words. Good for you, sammy. I admire men who look the devil in the eye and call him exactly what he is, the Devil.

PK:

I wasn't saying that President Clinton was a horrible President or anything. Domestically and internationally I feel he did some great things, and I voted for him. So, I'm not a Clintonphobic. All I'm saying is that on the issue of the Middle East, past presidents, President Clinton included, need to share the blame for the situation in the Middle East and US relations with the region. This includes Presidents all the way back to President Truman. Of course, President Bush has been the worst so far with this issue (by and far), but that fact alone does not absolve prior administrations of their share of the blame. That's all I'm saying. I'm no fan of President Bush, and his attitude and actions towards Arabs and the Palestinian conflict have certainly exacerbated an already sensitive issue. But one man did not make this mess himself. The pot's been simmering for a half a century now.

46&2 wrote:

"The writer is mistaken to heap most, if not all the blame upon the current administration. Let's not delude ourselves, President Clinton was as big a Zionist as the current occupant of the Oval Office. He just was not so quite to pull the trigger and let the bombs drop."

Just exactly how long will it be before you Clintophobics quit blaming every ill in the world on Clinton? As long as it will take to win in Iraq I imagine.

This is all about the man who dropped the bombs this time.

The writer is mistaken to heap most, if not all the blame upon the current administration. Let's not delude ourselves, President Clinton was as big a Zionist as the current occupant of the Oval Office. He just was not so quite to pull the trigger and let the bombs drop.

Well Sami, you said a mouthful. Most of it true from my viewpoint. However, I must refuse the label of responsibility of America for the Qana, Jenin, Gaza, and Arafat incidents as they were committed by the Israelis, not the Americans.

Sure, and someone who stands to the side and watches their friend beat an innocent isn't a very nice person, they still aren't responsible for the beating.

I'd be perfectly happy to come over to Iraq and rebuild schools, bridges, canals, power plants, homes, etc. for a year for nothing more in return than a couple decent meals a day, clean water to drink, medical care, and a semi-quite place to sleep at night, as long as I didn't run the very real risk of being kidnapped, beaten, tortured, maimed, or killed just because I'm a white, christian, American man.

While I tend to agree than Mr George W. Bush and Richard Cheney have committed crimes against the people of the United States and should be impeached for them, as well as having committed war crimes and crimes against humanity and should be brought to justice for those also; I and others here haven't succeeded in convincing enough people in the U.S. to agree with that position and begin the trial process. Frankly, you don't seem to have any better luck convincing the U.N. or the world court to take them on with the international war crimes and crimes against humanity charges; so please don't be too vitupritive about the ineffectuality of the average American in controlling their own government.

If it's any consolation, a single person can't hold onto our nation's reins of power for more than 8 years. I pray daily that we choose the right person for the next 4 to 8 years and hope that they can begin the process of our making amends.

We need American statesmen and Presidents who cam build not destroy, who can resolve not dissolve, who can unify not dismember, who can resolve not make it worse, who can create not burn, who can strenghten our economy not weaken it, who can deliver the beautiful American message to the whole world the way Kennedy did, not make unfortunately everybody hate America!

This a what a superpower should adopt as its long term strategy. The present U.S. administration is very far from this goal.

Let us hope CHANGE in U.S. policy would materialize in the coming presidential elections, to the best of America and the entire planet!

George Y. Krikorian
Orlando, FL
www.TimeShex.com

Mr. Moubayed's article is searing, passionate, well stated, and TRUE. It is absolutely true that the American regime believes only American blood has any intrinsic worth, and the rest is inconsequential. It is absolutely true that the American regime as a whole has no interest in or knowlege of other cultures. It is absolutely true that America preaches democracy but routinely dismisses it or, worse, overturns it when it suits their shortsighted interests. It is ablolutely true that America tolerates no criticism of Israeli policy, even though in Israel itself there exists a lively and open debate. It is absolutely true that Americans routinely dismiss any criticism with the simplistic "They hate us for our freedom."

I hope that Mr.Moubayed believes, with me, that just as we should not judge all Arabs by their worst representatives, so should he understand that most Americans have come to judge Bush as a grotesque perversion of American ideals and founding principles. Mr. Moubayed should also understand that in America there is a toxic mix of national characteristics. One is that of anxious masculinity fostered by our "rugged individualist" mythology. The other is a herd mentality fostered by our addiction to advertising, mass media, and who knows what else. We are told when and what to buy, what phony news should command our attention, when to be frightened, and who to hate. And we obey.

Bush has exploited this into what has become a spectacular success for the 9/11 perpetuators, and for his political agenda. There is no way that Osama could have predicted that after his attack, the leader of the free world would respond by having a coniption fit and completely turning his own country upside down, while Osama himself would be not only alive, but regrouping and gathering strength.

I would point out to Mr. Moubayed that there is an upside to the hideous Bush regime. Bush has held a mirror up, and we have seen our worst face. The vast majority of Americans don't like what we have become under Bush. We know we are better than that, and I am personally optimistic about the future. Amid our bad characteristics, there are some wonderful ones that I have omitted. One is that we are a nation of doers with a can-do attitude. Bush has shown us the work we have to do, and, by golly, we will do it. That, too, is the American way. The second thing is that we, appearances aside, are a truly good people. We get wrapped around the axle some times, because of all the technology, media, and the all too fast pace of life. But at our core, we are generous, hard working, and strive to be the best we can be. We know that we are better than Bush. We know that we are better than what you see right now. We are counting the days till the end of this regime. And we will one day live our values instead of merely trumpeting them.

Mr. Moubayed's article is searing, passionate, well stated, and TRUE. It is absolutely true that the American regime believes only American blood has any intrinsic worth, and the rest is inconsequential. It is absolutely true that the American regime as a whole has no interest in or knowlege of other cultures. It is absolutely true that America preaches democracy but routinely dismisses it or, worse, overturns it when it suits their shortsighted interests. It is ablolutely true that America tolerates no criticism of Israeli policy, even though in Israel itself there exists a lively and open debate. It is absolutely true that Americans routinely dismiss any criticism with the simplistic "They hate us for our freedom."

I hope that Mr.Moubayed believes, with me, that just as we should not judge all Arabs by their worst representatives, so should he understand that most Americans have come to judge Bush as a grotesque perversion of American ideals and founding principles. Mr. Moubayed should also understand that in America there is a toxic mix of national characteristics. One is that of anxious masculinity fostered by our "rugged individualist" mythology. The other is a herd mentality fostered by our addiction to advertising, mass media, and who knows what else. We are told when and what to buy, what phony news should command our attention, when to be frightened, and who to hate. And we obey.

Bush has exploited this into what has become a spectacular success for the 9/11 perpetuators, and for his political agenda. There is no way that Osama could have predicted that after his attack, the leader of the free world would respond by having a coniption fit and completely turning his own country upside down, while Osama himself would be not only alive, but regrouping and gathering strength.

I would point out to Mr. Moubayed that there is an upside to the hideous Bush regime. Bush has held a mirror up, and we have seen our worst face. The vast majority of Americans don't like what we have become under Bush. We know we are better than that, and I am personally optimistic about the future. Amid our bad characteristics, there are some wonderful ones that I have omitted. One is that we are a nation of doers with a can-do attitude. Bush has shown us the work we have to do, and, by golly, we will do it. That, too, is the American way. The second thing is that we, appearances aside, are a truly good people. We get wrapped around the axle some times, because of all the technology, media, and the all too fast pace of life. But at our core, we are generous, hard working, and strive to be the best we can be. We know that we are better than Bush. We know that we are better than what you see right now. We are counting the days till the end of this regime. And we will one day live our values instead of merely trumpeting them.

A very interesting article.It shows how bias you are regarding the Palestinian / Israeli Conflict. First of all, let me remind you that before the Oslo process (the so-called Peace process), Palestinian in the occupied territories could freely roam the entire Israeli territory without any check point or roadblock. Unemployment was very low, and then the Peace process came in, and with it it brought the terror and suicide bombings. This created borders, checkpoints and obviously Palestinians lost their jobs in Israel. I hope you agree with me that if someone is intending to kill you, you do not let him come in. This explains the lamentable state of the economy of Gaza, and the West Bank. Israel did not create this situation. It was the Palestinian themselves that forced Israel to take such measures. As regards your contention that Arafat was eliminated. Hey, I wonder why the french doctors did not make their report available to the media. Maybe it has to with HIV/AIDS??? Come on, do not invent. As regards Palestine. When was Palestine an independent country? If it were ever indeed, why was the West Bank annexed by Jordan and Gaza by Egypt? All over the world, armed conflicts generated transfers of population. The most important of which is the Pakistan/India conflict when Millions of Muslims left India to wards Pakistan while other Millions Hindus left Pakistan toward India. I do not see anywhere anybody asking a right of return for these. The Palestinian Refugees were kept in such a situation because they were made a pawn in the hand of corrupt Arab regimes. The UNRWA was created for the sole purpose of keeping the refugee in camps. Instead of helping them it turned them into assisted people... As for the Middle East, do not blame President Bush for the failure. Blame rather the corrupt leaders, and the sheepish Arab people who are ready to follow hollow and empty slogan. Who are ready to forget their welfare just for the sake of some hollow and empty promises. With Billions and Billions of Oil revenues, they could help the Palestinian in Gaza to create a jewel. But not, not even a sewage system is available.

George W. Cheney and his accomplices in the Congress, Fox News, The Weekly Standard, The American Enterprise Institute, and the BIG OIL industry may very well have ruined the Middle East for Middle Easterners. Frankly, most Americans couldn't care less. Mr. Moubayed seems to understand our country much better than so many Americans understand their own country. Ours is an ignorance borne of arrogance and intellectual laziness or flat out emptiness. We're the best, forget the rest. We don't need to know what people in other cultures think or how they live because we're the greatest country ever and only traitors would challenge this assessment. We don't need to be concerned with Arab lives lost for oil since we're barely concerned with American lives lost for oil. The Bush/Cheney cabal (and their allies listed above) is not solely responsible for this ignorance. It was always there. The B/C group simply took advantage of that ignorance and used it as their source of power. How far will Americans dumb themselves down before we hit bottom? Stay tuned to Fox and see. I'm willing to bet that there is no bottom, we'll just keep falling until our brains abandon ship and our knuckles drag the ground. My personal apologies Mr. Moubayad, we're just not serious people in this country and don't look for that to change any time soon.

Your hatred towards the US obviously clouds your reasoning. Grow a pair and stop whining. Your victimilogy rants make you undeserving of respect. I'll print your picture the size of a full page and step on it.

That'll feel good.

Gary E. Masters wrote:

"Attack us in the USA and we will respond. That is the price."

This is one of the saddest things I've read. This is why the piece by Mr. Moubayed is written. Iraq did not attack us.

It is not American to punish the innocent for the crimes of the guilty. If someone robs your home do you level the town it happened in?

Thank you for giving me much to think about. Those who knee-jerk and start immediately defending the President and the war in Iraq are missing out on a valuable opportunity to understand what is going on in the world.

Poor Mr. Moubayed.

I have news for you - sir - the Middle East was screwed up a long time before Bush took office. The unwillingness of governments in the Middle East to provide freedom and opportunity to its citizens has created a group of angry people. Instead of blaming themselves or their countries policies, it is much easier to blame the all encompassing boggy man - Uncle Sam. Why we send you any money or aid is beyond me. I say build a wall around the Middle East and let you eat yourselves. Any culture that hands out candy to children after murder is committed is not worth saving.

Without a doubt the Bush invasion of Iraq and the perceived total support for whatever Israel does, along with the failure to end this 60 year-old conflict are American mistakes and failures. First you must separate Bush and his administration from the American people where 70% of them now are in complete disagreement with him and want him out now. But having said that, you can not dismiss the actions of the fanatics in 9-11 and in Iraq, the sectarian hatred between Sunni and Shia and Al-Qaeda that contributed to the bloodshed if not causing it entirely. One cannot create a stable democracy overnight. Bush was ignorant, bloody, and wrong. But so are Muslims who bomb European and American cities. So are the monarchs and dictators of the countries of the ME and the corruption that infuses them. There is enough blame for everybody, but I do not discount the American role or the pain and misery inflicted by Bush. But remember, it is Bush, not us as a nation. And America can right itself in the ME, but it can not unilaterally make, enforce and insure that the countries of the ME will be democratic and stable. It can help. It can lead honorably, sensibly, insistently, by example, by its history, but it will require the same from the people of the ME, and religion does not help things, as it does not help things in the US, which is a major reason for the election of Bush twice.

Lousy a president as George Bush has been, reading the above diatribe makes me think he must have been pretty good, if this moron hates him.

Bush is a idiot, and a Criminal no doubt, but like so many in the Middle East, this writer ignores the forest for the trees on so many issues. Israel Actions in Lebannon have ALWAYS been a response to attacks from Lebannon. Some of the responses may have been over reactions, or poorly planned, but they were reactions. Lebannon's current woes are a direct result of Hezbola actions, which are only possible due to Syria's and Iran's own actions.

Even greater levels of BS come later
"Ariel Sharon's provocation in visiting the al-Aqsa Mosque." A Jew visited their most holy religious site, the horror of it all. Was the visit designed to provoke, most likely, but what was demonstrated beyond a doubt is that all Jews would not have access to the Wailing Wall if the Palestinians had complete control of it.

The Palestinians need to learn that if a person builds a wall across your land( actually their land, but it doesn't matter now), they still aren't to blame if you repeatedly bash your head against until you pass out.

What you have written is true that the united states has not been even handed in its approach to the middle east. Bush has allowed Israel to do what ever it wants to do, the results have been the same Israel bombs and destroys countries and is surprised that the people turn to Hezbollah for protection.

Mr. Mouayed

Like the Roman governor said in Jerusalem- "What is truth?", when it was staring him in the face. The truth is that we are all at fault - Bush, the Arabs, Americans, Syrians, Palestinians, Jews, etc. To demonize and "crucify" one over the other is injust, although the struggle to survive seems to require the sacrifice of one to the benefit of the other. To take a position that one group is evil while the other is "justified" is literally seeing the speck of dust in your neighbor's eye while disregarding the planks in your own. If we make a "truthful" self examination we would all be ashamed!

Mr. Mouayed

Like the Roman governor said in Jerusalem- "What is truth?", when it was staring him in the face. The truth is that we are all at fault - Bush, the Arabs, Americans, Syrians, Palestinians, Jews, etc. To demonize and "crucify" one over the other is injust, although the struggle to survive seems to require the sacrifice of one to the benefit of the other. To take a position that one group is evil while the other is "justified" is literally seeing the speck of dust in your neighbor's eye while disregarding the planks in your own. If we make a "truthful" self examination of the Arabs or the Jews or the Americans (not to mention the Europeans), we would all be ashamed!

Sami Moubayed speaks Assad's language and is in the business of shoring-up an oppressive ruler who killed 1000's of US soldiers in Iraq. Shame on W.Post for giving him a podium.

Mr. Moubayed,

My experience has been that Western readers in general find it unsettling to garble with strong emotions. They prefer to separate feelings from facts, faith from the state, history from quotes, and the human life from reale politique. Loss of life in military jargon is collateral damage, and infringing on other nations’ sovereignty is furthering the national interest and upholding national security.

It would be more palatable if you were to shame Bush for cheating his way to presidency, exasperating the American economy, or standing against women’s right to abortion. Some Americans might totally be on your side if you were to remind them how Bush claimed he spoke to God and how his war on Iraq was a heavenly command.

It is unacceptable and intolerable to the guilt-ridden Western conscience to hear any criticism to Israel. The number of children killed in Gaza, villages destroyed, and human rights violated is as irrelevant to their political creed as is the number of British soldiers killed by the terrorists of Haganah, or the US servicemen killed and wounded on USS Liberty with American-funded Israeli bombs.

The beacons of Western democracy will always discard your anger as unprofessional and undereducated. Like the many rude and vulgar comments you received, many will feel no shame in talking to you in condescending racist terms just because you are Arab, Syrian, and Muslim – regardless of where you got your PhD in political science from or what it took you to get it.

It would be very interesting if the Washingtonpost were to carry out an opinion poll in Israel to see how many Israelis think that Bush, Sharon, Olmert, and Blair had done their future lives a service. It would be interesting to hear what they have to say about American and Jewish American money buying off their politics. The majority of Western readers might then listen and read, and maybe try to change the course of history.

I understand your anger because we live here and we have to deal with it every day of our life. Our children will have to deal with it, and their children for so many generations to come.

Please keep writing and stay angry. One day your anger and that of people who value human life over political “interests” will change the world.

Mr. Moubayed,

My experience has been that Western readers in general find it unsettling to garble with strong emotions. They prefer to separate feelings from facts, faith from the state, history from quotes, and the human life from reale politique. Loss of life in military jargon is collateral damage, and infringing on other nations’ sovereignty is furthering the national interest and upholding national security.

It would be more palatable if you were to shame Bush for cheating his way to presidency, exasperating the American economy, or standing against women’s right to abortion. Some Americans might totally be on your side if you were to remind them how Bush claimed he spoke to God and how his war on Iraq was a heavenly command.

It is unacceptable and intolerable to the guilt-ridden Western conscience to hear any criticism to Israel. The number of children killed in Gaza, villages destroyed, and human rights violated is as irrelevant to their political creed as is the number of British soldiers killed by the terrorists of Haganah, or the US servicemen killed and wounded on USS Liberty with American-funded Israeli bombs.

The beacons of Western democracy will always discard your anger as unprofessional and undereducated. Like the many rude and vulgar comments you received, many will feel no shame in talking to you in condescending racist terms just because you are Arab, Syrian, and Muslim – regardless of where you got your PhD in political science from or what it took you to get it.

It would be very interesting if the Washingtonpost were to carry out an opinion poll in Israel to see how many Israelis think that Bush, Sharon, Olmert, and Blair had done their future lives a service. It would be interesting to hear what they have to say about American and Jewish American money buying off their politics. The majority of Western readers might then listen and read, and maybe try to change the course of history.

I understand your anger because we live here and we have to deal with it every day of our life. Our children will have to deal with it, and their children for so many generations to come.

Please keep writing and stay angry. One day your anger and that of people who value human life over political “interests” will change the world.

It's not just Bush.

Bush is just the poster-child for the dangerous combination of arrogance and true stupidity which affects so many people here in the states.

Granted, Bush also lacks any morals, including following the rules of the country he governs. He has not signed a single bill into law or even promoted a single issue that would benefit the citizens of the US.

That so many people supported him is testament to why this country is on its last legs.

So far, on England has had the courtesy and forethought to plan for the demise of their empire. This country is still so hung up on itself that it honestly doesn't know that it is second-rate in nearly every category. That's what happens when you worship at the alter of American capitalism; we have become conditioned to hang our hats on having more stuff and better things, and that is about the most bankrupt system of life there is.

I had to laugh and laugh over Bush's attempts to forge his SOFA agreement with Iraq; if he had even a single knowledgeable person around him who didn't fear telling him why he's wrong, then he would have known that what he asked cut to the heart of Sharia laws. He would have had better luck trying to open a clinic for late-term abortions in St. Patrick's cathedral.

Dear Mr Moubayed,

Mr Bush has indeed marched into history with great dishonor, and he has dragged his country and its ideals with him. I only hope that the peoples of western Asia will find it in their hearts to forgive what has been done to them in our name. But let them not forget it! For too long, some states of that region have focused on Israel as the bane of their existence, when the real problem is closer to home.

It is time that those countries that have been blessed (or cursed) with petroleum resources begin to change the reality of their world by investing their income in the education and the health of their people. In some rich countries of that region, 'princely' families or dictators have squandered that wealth which might have been used to bring peace and prosperity to all. And above all, remember your history (both the good and the bad) and honor your culture. Bush has been able to get away with his treatment of Iraqis only because the Moslem world was disunited. An educated, cultured population is the best defense. And a united voice is the best offense.

Caliphate (Middle East) was ruined/destroyed in 1914/1916. But now Caliphate will be restablished if Allah/God wishes very soon. Rest is here in:

http://www.google.com/books?id=FoMZ9tpMBXsC&dq=The+Election+of+Caliph/Khalifah+and+World+Peace&pg=PP1&ots=qkKIz3ybHb&sig=07l7MdxT1hR-d0Q4fU9dVfGdx-w

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=The+Election+of+Caliph%2FKhalifah+and+World+Peace&btnG=Google+Search

sir: Also consider what the regime of Bush/cheney/rove have done to america's own people. We are suffering mightily,losing jobs, losing wealth, going into subprime foreclosures
on homes,increasing poverty, paying high taxes while millionaires and billionaires increase in number,suffering from inflation and oil specualtors.
Many Americans oppose the policies of Bush,regardless of their religion.We abhor torture
as much as terrorism and fear for our civil rights. We have no illusions about democracy in the Middle East,filled with monarchies,one party and military rule. What we fear is that our own freedoms are being taken from us by our own government and we are being told lies daily that this is not happening.

Americans know little of the history of your region and its culture and politics. We are not
in favor of imperialistic policies and economic exploitation of other nations.
We are not like the british people in the 19th century who occupied large areas of the world
for their own gain. Americans fought against
British authoritarianism for its independence in 1776 and established a bill Of Rights for its own people.
We have no interest in telling you or anyone else how to live.We basically want to be left alone to solve our own problems,which are many. 45 million
Americans live with no health insurance and depend on charities for food and clothing.
Our food is being infected with germs like E-coli
and salmonella. We have pollution and global warming to worry about.We have huge debts and high taxes. We don't need or want to solve or be involved with anyone elses problems except our own.

What leaders abroad say and do and have said and done are not our responsibility.If Bush/Cheney have committed evil acts abroad, they have done as bad in America. Study the hurricane called Katrina and how Bush allowed the city of New Orleans to be destroyed.Americans do their best to survive from day to day,like everyone else.Our lives are filled with stress,long hours of work
and barely enough money to get by.

Americans are continually told something not truthfull by politicians who care little for most of us.We have no say in what they do and millions don't vote in elections because they have no faith
in anything.You should consider these conditions before you hurl so many charges at us.

Thank you Sir, However:

Not quite correct.

It was the British, French, and US that ruined the Middle East all somewhat before the Bush family went after the US national treasure.

You are far too kind to the Bush family.

You are far too kind to the failed Israeli State.

Faramarz Fathi is exactly correct.

Poor Mr. Zeno is living in a nightmare that by his own declaration: "I ... avid Zionist", is of his own making.

Mr. Robertson never provides argument for supporting Israel like his hero Mr. Carter, but only blathers on about blah blah blah.

Mr. Masters: poor, poor Mr. Masters; and ZIMM: poor, poor ZIMM.

Israel is a failed state put in place by silly American and British politicians long since dead.

Bring the Jews to America and return Palestine to its rightful owners.
This should have been done long, long ago.

What saddens me most is that people like Mr. Zeno admit to being Zionists as though it were a badge of honor instead of a mark of shame.

Again, Mr. Moubayed, thank you for an insightful piece.

Providence Candlelight

Sami Moubayed's article, Bush's Mideast Dishonor could have just as aptly been titled Bush's United States Dishonor without changing one single word.
Mr Moubayed all the citizens of the United States are not Bushees, we are human beings. History does repeat itself. At the time of the First Crusade in 1096 there were Arabs, Jews and Christians and others living in harmony in Jerusalem with mutual respect for each other's Religious and lifestyle preferences. When the Crusders came and slaughtered the citizens, Arabs, Jews, Christians and others in Jerusalem the seeds of today were sewn. The Colonial Powers acerbated the Middle East Conflict between East and West and now we have Bush slaughtering people trying to finish the job the Crusaders and the Colonial Powers started. Peoples in nations have disputes with other people in their nations, aka the United State Civil War. In the long run it is better for neighbor nations to stay out of the conflicts within neighboring nations. Just as it is unwise for any leader of any nation to unilaterly invade another nation based on a lie, WMD.s, or for any other excuse. The Israel, Palestinian conflict cannot be solved by guns, fences, abd hard words but by mutual respect and consent. It would appear at this time that their is no prospect for mutual respect and consent and the lessening of hard words between the Israelis and the Palestinians. However, by their neighbors acting as good faith brokers it might be possible. First get Bush, Rice, Hezbollah, Syria and Iran out of the mix. Israel must recognize the right of the Palestinians to have a homeland and work toward that end with the Palestinians in a non confrontational way then the immediate neighbors might be able to step in and help, also in a nonfrontational way. I can hear the scoffers now saying,"who does this clown think he his, peace in the Middle East, forget it". This clown says " what is the alternative"? Incessant death and destruction of the Middle East and possibly the world. Think about it. Thank you.

First of all, I am inclined to agree with your premise: Bush has done little, if any, to further any peace process between Israel and Palestine. In fact, he may have derailed it. However, I have issue with a few of your facts. The Palestinian villages destroyed in 1948 were a result of the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, the war started by Arabs unilaterally against Israel immediately after Israel declared independence. Perhaps you can cut Israel a little slack when they were fighting a war for their very survival. Also, remember that 1948 was in a different era. Today we would consider those an atrocity--a human rights violation. However, this is just three years following such events like the bombing of Dresden, Nagasaki, Hiroshima. Are those events treated with the same disgust as Israel's actions? The total number of Arab casualties in that war is as little as a quarter as that in the single bombing of Dresden in World War II. Please know that I am not supporting such military actions--I am just trying to point out that those military actions were still acceptable in 1948, even if today they are not.

Second, the democratically elected Arafat in Palestine may have done some good, but in they eyes of many, threw away an opportunity for peace at Camp David in 2000. Ehud Olmert offered him a deal that gave him control of Eastern Jersualem, nearly all of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, reparations for the refugees, as well as a phased withdrawal in return for a reduction in terrorist violence. Prince Bandar of Saudi Arabia, adviser to Arafat, urged him to "take this deal." And again, "I hope you remember, sir, what I told you. If we lose this opportunity, it is going to be a crime." Obviously, Arafat walked away, without leaving any substantial counter-offer. It is perhaps a small wonder that the United States disapproved of Arafat. Were there actions against Arafat following that appropriate? Perhaps not. I too am tired of the Bush doctrine that seems something like "shoot first and ask questions later." But in my mind, Arafat is hardly the hero of the sad conflict between Palestinians and Israelis.

I think we are both in agreement regarding the state of American image abroad. Even *if* Bush has made us safer from terrorism (a big *if*), he has ruined our reputation with nations who we should be working together with. As a side note, while we can perhaps blame Bush for blundering into Iraq, it is a bit of a stretch to blame him for the travesties at Abu Ghraib, or the inconsiderate behavior of the American soldier ripping the Koran to shreds for target practice. Those incidences wouldn't have happened but for a war in Iraq, but Bush is no more responsible for those than Arafat is for the Passover Massacre in 2002.

Finally, while the United States can (and perhaps should) play a role in a peace process between Palestinians and Israelis (and Israelis and other Arabs), is that not exactly what has garnered Arab hatred of the United States? In some senses, we are respected by the Arabs when we tell Israel to quit bullying the Palestinians around and make amends. But when we decide to stretch our influence in the region (e.g., trying to clamp down on violence by Palestinians, disapproving of regimes committing human rights violations in their use of torture and their treatment of women, invading Iraq), we get none of the respect. As an aside, I think Iraq is perhaps the biggest foreign policy mistake in American history, so don't get me wrong--I don't agree with that policy (and other saber-rattling diplomatic techniques). What I am saying is that when the United States is brought in to resolve this conflict, we bring along our own worldview. I believe we try to deal as fairly as possible (and President Clinton did a very good job of that, in my opinion), but remember--America has more Jews than Israel (many of whom hold very influential and powerful positions in our society and government), so we are very pro-Israel in our sentiments.

Second, images of bloodied civilians running frightened through the streets after a suicide bombing in a restaurant or nightclub is far more provocative than bulldozers running over houses, which seems almost mundane (regardless of the malicious intent or government approval or disapproval). Events like that swing public opinion in the United States in favor of Israel, and thus, a president will tend to also favor Israel. Does that help his image among Arabs? Of course not, but at the same time, it is being realistic here.

I do not agree with all of Israel's actions, all of the Palestinian actions, the Arab actions, or even the actions of my own country and President, the United States. Little has been done regarding the situation in the Middle East in the past 7 years. America is bogged down in Iraq, turning the Middle East and Arab world against our President, and in effect, slowing progress on the Israeli-Palestinian process, which in turn lowers public opinion of the President when nothing is happening. In that sense, it seems to be a vicious cycle of violence and hatred that is spiraling down. Perhaps Bush's only hope for a long-term favorable legacy is if a free, democratic, peaceful Iraq emerges in the future: a nation respected by its neighbors as well as other countries around the world. Unfortunately, that certainly won't happen for a while.

I appreciate your post, because I believe it sheds light on the perceptions of our President (and society) in the Middle East. Perhaps our next President will understand those sentiments and put into practice a foreign policy that Arabs (as well as Americans and Israelis) can freely embrace. I think you're right though--it's too late for Bush to fix that part of his legacy, at least for now.

Mr. Moubayed,

Don’t mind some of these ignorant fools and their comments. This country produces a lot of them! These same characters have traditionally supported, and continue to support, the long US government tradition of crushing progressive movements and then installing despots in power (especially in Middle East). And then here they come with their same ignorant and tired arguments of why these Arabs “complain” so much? Or why cannot they self-govern? Or don’t they “understand democracy”? Only if they about "learn democratic values" from their next door neighbor, Israel (never mind the 60-year old slow genocide that is taking place there).

So, ignore them. They don't read anything of value or learn anything. They are the same s**t kickers who got Bush elected in the first place!

"George W. Bush has in fact ruined the Middle East"

Yeah. It was so peacful and prosperous before.

Ahh the Post and its anti-American propoganda.

Thanks for sharing thing enlightened viewpoint with us.

Bob Zeno:

You claim to be a Jew. Are you getting Manna and Salwa from Heaven? If answer no, please don't claim to be a Jew. Same is true for me. Can I fast properly like early Muslims and answer is no. So that is why Air of holy Iraq became free to bomb and kill. Here is the life of greatest Saint of Islam in Holy Baghdad.

In his gatherings, he would enjoin the people to do the good and to abjure for committing wrong. His advice addressed rulers, ministers, governors, judges, his disciples and the common people. According to Ibn Kathir, the great historian, "Standing in the mosques, he reprimanded publicly the rulers who committed wrong, in the presence of all as witnesses and in his public speeches. He avoided any sort of political appointments, never feared anyone in his speech except God Almighty and was unaffected by the reproach of anyone." Once when the caliph of the Islamic world at that time apointed an unjust person to be chief judge, Sayyidina Abdul Qadir Jilani stood up in the largest mosque in Baghdad to give the Friday sermon. He spoke in his sermon to the caliph directly. He said, "You have apointed the worst of the unjust ones to judge the affairs of Muslims! What will be your answer tomorrow in front of the Lord of the worlds, the Most Merciful of the merciful?" Upon hearing this, the caliph shook with fear. Shedding many tears, he quickly went after the prayers to dismiss that judge.

Sayyidina Abdul Qadir called on the people to correct themselves, to purify their hearts and to dispel excessive love of the worldly life from their hearts. He urged them to fill their hearts with the love of God and of his Messenger and his saints. He exhorted them to follow the Prophet in every deed and thought, behavior and manner, to avoid hyprocisy and pretence, to dispel pride, self-praise, hatred and enmity, jealousy, tyranny, decietfulness and rancor from their hearts. He called on the people to break their attachments to this world and dependence on those who are enslaved by it, and to turn themselves with their whole hearts to the Sustainer of the worlds, God Almighty, seeking His good-pleasure, His guidance and His mercy and forgiveness.

He opened the door to the people to renew their covenant with their Lord. Muslims and non-Muslims alike, they came forth in masses to hear him, to repent from their wrongdoing and to accept him as their leader and guide to the path of God, accepting to not associate partners with God, whether obvious or subtle, to praise God and thank Him for His bountiful favors, to follow the path of the righteous precedessors in religion and right guidance, to avoid all deviation and schisms in religion, to unify their hearts and join as one hand under the love of God and His prophets and saints. They turned their hearts from love of the worldly life to love of the Hereafter and from the pleasures of lust and fortune seeking to the pleasures of God's love and acceptance of His ordinances and prohibitions.

Who abolished Caliphate and the answer is a secret Jew named Atatur. Why Muslims and Jews vanished from Spain and later 4 continents of Americas and Australia were stolen by European Thieves. Please reade that history below:

Here is more quotation from Joachim Prinz's 'The Secret Jews'; page 50 and 51 on financing by a Jew to defeat Muslims in Al-Andalusia (Spain)after 800 of rule.

But the best proof of the Jews security was the appearance in 1484 of the most outstanding Jew of his time, Don Isaac Abravanel, whose father had already held the highest position in his native Portugal as financier of Prince Fernando, son of King Joao. His grandfather and great-grand-father had also been treasurers and financiers of the royal household of Portugal. Don Isaac had inherited many millions of maravides from his family and had added many more himself. Yet he was not merely a millionaire and a financial genius, he was a Jewish Scholar of note and a distinguished statesman. That he was received by Ferdinand and Isabella was a sure sign that all was screne in the Jewish community. With so much protection and such influential friends at court, what could happen to them? But even as Abravanel negotiated with the king, the plan for the total expulsion of the Jews had been decided upon. It happened that at that time the Spanish army was engaged in the final struggle against the Moors, the battle of Granada. (Please note for non-Muslims it is struggle and for Muslims after 800/1400 years it is terrorism and that is the problem) . A great deal of money was needed and if a Jew of Abravanel’s financial genius could provide it, why not postpone the expulsion of his people until a more propitious moment? That even Abravanel, a man of extraordinary political experience and acumen, could mistake a police and cordial reception by the monarchs for assistance of his people’s security seems incomprehensible. But it is consistent with the experience and attitude of Jews throughout their history……It can be safely be said that the only ones who were oblivious to the possibility of their own destruction in fifteenth-century Al-Andalusia (Spain)were the Jews. So they surrendered, died or lost their fortunes. And those who survived were finally expelled from the land of their birth.

Same Jew also financed to discover America by Al-Andalusia (Spain)according to Prinz's 'The Secret Jews'; page 125-126.

After the discovery of the New World, the descendants of the rich Spanish Jewish families, who had financed the voyages of Christopher Columbus, (a Jew himself) and contributed (sometimes through the Inquisition’s confiscation) to the treasuries of the princes of Aragon, began to play a pivotal role in the development of the new capitalism. And when international commerce became the main source of income, particularly for those countries whose explorers had discovered new sources of gold, spices and other riches, the Marranos became deeply involvd in the exploitation of the new markets.

I don't believe that the US or Israel's security
has been enhanced in any respect by the behavior
of the Bush Presidencies.

I do not dispute the fact that the Bush Administration has been a disaster. It has been a terrible eight years and no revisionist history will erase what has been done to the Middle East and elsewhere. But your tirade against the Administration without any mention of the incompetent leadership in the Arab and Muslim world should make any serious reader question what you have to say. Bush is terrible, yes we know. But solely responsible for Lebanon? Is that a joke? Has Syria/Hezbollah/Iran had only a positive influence on that nation? Please, take a look in the mirror and stop blaming everyone but yourself.

OY:

There are two individuals whom I consider afronts to all human beings in recently history. Those are George Bush and Natan Sharansky. My opinion of Mr. bush has been printed here on few occasions. As for Mr. Sharansky, how peculiar of him to write and speak for freedom and democracy when he is consumed in so much hate for non-Jews. Mr.Sharansky who has only been received by the other living dyslexic outside Israel, conveniently forgets that the land he found freedom to insult and stain democracy is the land that its rightful owners were driven out and off with machin guns behind their heads. how peculiar of him !

Sir:

First, let me state my background. I am Jewish and an avid Zionist. My father, Albert Zeno, was a delegate from the United States to the World Jewish Congress in Montreux, Switzerland in 1948.

I am with you when you speak of the great harm that the Bush administration has done in the Middle East: picking Dr. Rice as a Secretary of State at a time when our biggest need for real diplomacy was with the Arab nations. Not only does she lack any diplomacy at all but she is a black WOMAN. Mr. Bush has no sense of propriety. ( He even tried to give Chancellor Merkel of Germany a back massage!)

Certainly, Senator Obama would be a refreshing change. At least his I.Q. is over 100! Look for his Ambassador at Large to the Middle East to be of Arab-American descent.

HOWEVER, I strongly insist that you due your due diligence with your history.In particular to the history of Modern Israel vis a vis "the Palestinian problem". I refer you to this url:
http://www.terrorismawareness.org/what-really-happened

I would like to submit that this "problem" is the making of the Arab nations that surrounded the new State of Israel in 1948. YOU wanted war! YOU created the Palestinian refugees! YOU are the ones that never once welcomed these refugees as citizens of your own countries! YOU are the ones keeping the Israelis and the Palestinians apart and at war!

IT'S JUST THAT BUSH HASN'T HELPED THE SITUATION!

Unfortunately Arab wold wants someone else to fix their problems. They need to stand united forget sunni/shia divide, then no one can sabotage thier ideas/goals. How many rich Arab/Islmaic countries give substantial aid to Palestine? Why palestine has to depend on US/European aids-

Syria says to Israel: give us back the Golan we will Suuuck your you know what..... Syria is ready to do anything shameless to get a piece of land without fighting for it. they are ready to switch sides from Iran&Hezbo to US&Israel if US throw a bone at them, now Mr Mobayed talks like the most honorable arab in the world. what a load of garbage. Sami! syria is a weak and shameless country , it has to wait at the back of the line as Bush said it long time ago

I too agree with your piece, Mr. Moubayed. I like to add also that another victim of all of this has been Jewish Humanism. You know, the idea and tradition that values social justice, freedom of thought, and respect for others. It got the final blow and was wiped out this decade by a Zionist movement that has gone awry and genocidal. And has given Judaism a bad name.

Sami:

You just can't simply say Arabs can passively sit on their aass and wait for others to fix them or break them. Isreal bombed Syria few months ago, what Syria did? Israel is occupying Golan for 30 years, Syria even can not stir a bit of problem in there, Syria wants to gain their rights by begging and ass kissing and at the same time complaining why has no respect.At least learn from Hezbollah who pushed Israel out of Lebanon and put up a great fight against Israel in 2006. or learn from Iranians who don't bend against world pressure and everybody has to think twice before even think to attack them.

You don't want to admit that any Arab or Muslim has any responsibility for anything that happens to him. You're perfectly willing to blame George Bush for all the evils in the middle east. This is about the most one-sided bit of blogging I have seen in a long while. Surely, if you want to be considered credible, you should try to take a more even-handed approach. You blame Israel for killing Palestinians, but you never mention the Palestinian suicide bombers, or the despicable habit the Palestinians have of hiding their rocket launchers in the middle of civilian housing so that if Israel destroys the launcher, civilians are inevitably hit - and then you do your best to make it all Israel's fault.

Mr. Moybayed.
I am a politically moderate American of European ancestry who supports Israel within its 1967 boundaries, like former President Carter- whom I admire. There is a fundamental psychological divide in this country between those who believe as I do, and those who believe that Israel conquered the Arabs in 1948 and 1967 and therefore the Arabs should submit as conquered ones. If you press them on this, it turns out they believe that the exploitation of Arabs by Israelis is justified by the Bible and/or the Torah. You can't win a rational argument against religious dogma, whether it comes from Christian fundamentalists, orthodox Jews, or Al Qaeda. In the United States, we started to go down this road in the 1960s when southern Americans started to educate their children in religious schools in order to avoid desegregation. We're now on the third generation of such people, and it seems like each generation is more bigoted and narrow minded than the last. The only hope is that in about 10 years time, when the US government becomes bankrupted, that our Chinese, Indian and Arab creditors will order the US military to be drastically downsized and Israel will be forced, kicking and screaming all the way, to reach a peaceful accommodation with its Arab neighbors instead of just continuing to take more and more Arab land every year by force. I have given up on the American political system being able to do anything to help this situation, now that Barack Obama has cozied up to AIPAC. That was our last hope of a peaceful outcome to this situation.

Moubayed is just a useful idiot of the Syrian regime, pay him no mind.

I am ashamed by the acts of our president. It may never be possible for future leaders of this once great nation to improve the worlds opinion of us. Bush and his oil cronies have led this nation from one of surplus to one of unbeliveable debit. I can only hope that with the next administration things will improve, and we can maybe stop the constant failed nation building that never seems to work out as planned by Washington.

For the many reasons you write, and then some, Bush is indeed the shame of America. But as a non-American, perhaps you don't understand the greater shame: the millions of Americans who elected this war criminal to the most powerful post in the world. These are those whom the TV pundits have begun calling persons of "low information." Basically, these are the lesser educated, but often the educated, among us who are the dupes of right wing politicians and fundamentalist church men who would foist their theological absurdities upon the whole world. It has been reported, and I can't confirm it, that Bush told an audience in Israel that "God told me" to invade Iraq. The very great sorrow -- and shame -- of America is that millions of us would believe him if he spoke of a divine command in a more public forum.

I actually agree with Mr. Moubayed that President Bush has shown himself unworthy of the legacy handed down to him by his predecessors in the White House.

Still, it is remarkable that nowhere in Mr. Moubayed's entire lengthy post here is any reference made to the idea that Arabs bear some responsibility for their own problems -- not in Palestine, not in Iraq, not anywhere. Threats and murder for Arab enemies, outrage that the Arab position is opposed on any issue, but not one word of acknowledgement that any Arab problem is the Arabs' fault and responsibility to solve.

I regret this. I fear it will leave many Americans with the impression that though their country may have done many things wrong during Bush's administration, doing all those things right wouldn't have made much of a difference, because the Arabs would still blame us and other non-Arabs for all their problems and would still wallow in their ancient struggle between dull tyranny and bloody-minded fanaticism. Such an impression would be unfortunate, if only because some American actions taken under this administration can never be justified regardless of the circumstances.

“Why do they hate us?” Actually most Americans would rather not know. That's because the corporate media tells Americans what to think. Truth is the enemy of the U.S. media - especially when it concerns Israel.

The only hope is that Americans will open their eyes and ears, think for themselves, and see things the way they really are.

The Palestine Review
http://palestinereview.com

If the Arabs would welcome the Jews, they could gain much talent and knowledge. A joint Palestinian and Jewish work force could teach the entire region how to make industry from their oil and not just live of the money it produces. They could be a center for finished goods and chemical stocks to supply the rest of the world and have a population of educated well paid people. But some want to live in the past and return to the past. They tell and retell grievances from centuries ago.

Attack us in the USA and we will respond. That is the price. As we leave each country it probable that it will not be able to continue to live in the past. It will be its time to move into the future. We can help this process. Europecould also help. The lesson of life is to either grow and learn or die.

The people of the Middle East are too valuable to let die. And they do not deserve to be stuck in the past.

Oy! Read Natan Sharansky? That fraud? That racist? That moron? That Russian Nazi? Natan Sharansky on democracy? Only one democracy ever honored him and that was the Bush's US - the laughing stock of the real free world. Enough said. Natan Sharansky. The man who wrote a banal and idiotic book about democracy but who hated Arabs and wanted them eliminated from Israel - but not before they could be persecuted.

Just look at his face - it tells you everything you need to know. Oy - to offer Sharansky as an authority says so much about you. Pathetic, already.

I congratulate Mr. Moubayed's courageous article noting how this Bush's administration has ruined America's reputation not only in the Middle East but all over the world. Travel and sadly listen to the comments people have on Bush and his administration.

Want to know why we are currently living in a post-American world?

Read and re-read Sami Moubayed's, above.

Don't forget to keep copies for your children and grandchildren, in case they ask "WHY?"!

I whole heartily agree with your piece. I'm not defending the ignorant Americans who have written hate mail to you, but you have to understand that the majority of Americans have no clue what’s going outside their own local cities. Most Americans don’t realize the horrors that the Palestinian people are faced with everyday. I've been to Palestine and have seen for myself. For a non-Jewish person, that makes me a very rare person from the U.S. I was once one of those ignorant Americans. I read the newspaper daily and wondered why were these Arabs were committing these bad acts against these poor Israelis. Then I saw for myself. I've told many people back home what I saw and a lot of them are very surprised. If more Americans weren’t blind by the media and took a first hand account I'm quite sure we would raise a voice. If Jolie and Brad Pitt went over there to raise awareness, then more Americans would be more sympathetic

1. Read Natan Sharansky's book about democracy. He says there are two types, a Fear Democracy and a Free Democracy. In a place, like most of the Arab/Muslim world and certainly in the territories, 'twas a Fear Democracy. Where one can't practice a religion, speak out, criticize the government, vote, etc without fear of negative consequences, there goes a Fear Society.
Israel, alone in the ME, is a Free Society/Democracy. Arafat and Hamas, and the group in Lebanon are merely the sham of a freely elected democratic process, in reality, they are no different than an election in Russia, China, Syria, Cuba, etc, where the people really aren't free to choose.

2. Had the Arabs accepted the two state solution in 1948 and not gone to war against Israel, there would be two prosperous states in the ME, fewer refugees, etc. There would not have been the 850,000 Jews kicked out of the Arab countries, nor the 650,000 Arabs who fled, per the Mufti and other "leaders" so the Jews could be pushed into the sea and the flee-ers could then come back and plunder the Jews property.

3. How is it the the "peace loving" Arabs/Muslims teach their children that the Americans are Crusaders, the Jews dogs, apes, and monkeys, that no Jew can live in any Muslim land, and that somehow that's going to lead to peace?

4. Bush's heart was in the right place, his strategy and tactics suffered from tunnel vision and not getting input from a variety of resources on what to do after we won the war.

5. Where were the Arab armies opposing Sadam when he went into Kuwait? What would the world be like now if he had been allowed to stay?
What would the world be like if the Israelis hadn't bombed his nuclear reactor in 1981?
Heck, what will the world be like if Israel doesn't bomb the Iranian facilites?

6. You forgot to explain how the war between Iraq and Iran was Israel's or America's fault.
Or how the takeover in Lebanon by Syria and it's proxies is contributing to freedom and democracy.

7. Also waiting for the condemnation of killing of Israeli civilians, including many Muslims, by terrorist bombs, rockets, guns, etc. And explain why the terrorists purposly position themselves behind civilian shields hoping to draw return fire and civilian causalities.
Explain why Arafat turned down an offer of 98% of what had been requested.
Explain why, after the withdrawl of Israeli troops and civilians from Gaza, the rockets continue, the business like the famous greenhouses were destroyed instead of put into use providing jobs, and why 850,000 Jews could be resettled in Israel almost immediately, but 650,000 Arabs, now numbering over 2.5 million in Israel alone, could not be absorbed into any Arab/Muslim country in over 60 years?
Tell me why, from 1948 until 1967, the Jews had zero access to Eastern Jerusalem, and why Jewish gravesites, synagouges, buildings, etc, were systematically destroyed and defaced.

I'm guessing I'll have a very long wait...

I would like to know where Mr Moubayed got his education in history. It is the most historically inacurrate and partisan hatchet job I have read since...well, until I read Salamon's comment.

To believe that President Bush has had such a fantastically influencial impact on a such an equally fantasically described Utopia like the Middle East is either giving Mr Bush way too much credit or saying that the Arab culture is so bankrupt that a world leader from 10,000 miles away can have such sway over its historic path; I suspect it is a lot of both.

When the inhabitants of the Mid East stop blaming everyone else for their cultural and socioeconomic shortcomings and start taking a little more, check that: a LOT more responsibility for the governments they get (and deserve) than maybe it will not be the place best know for only two exports: oil and terrorism.

The aricle by Sami Moubayed is as close to reality as one can get in 1000 words or so. The consequence of the actions written above is the decline of the USA as military, political or economic superpower. Some more of the militarism/CIA rearrangement of political mileaus in ME and other Islamic states will completely destroy the USA by her own will and actions.

When the world's "greatest bankers" and "greatest superpower" has to go to Qatar, Saudi Arabia etc with a begging bowl [Citigroup, USB, etc and the President of USA], then the errors of USA foreign policy clearly indicate the reality, as opposed to wishful thinking examplified by the commentators below, Robert B., ZZim and TRUE AMERICAN

What a jerk.

Great propoganda Sami, it almost sounds like all the Arab world's problems are the fault of someone else.

Also, I don't see how the situation in the Middle East is any more "precarious" than it was in 2000. Or 1992. Or 1984. Seems pretty stable to me. Hating and killing fill the news. How is that "ruining" the Middle East? Sounds to me like George Bush is leaving it like he found it.

Minus Saddam, heh.

Fascinating comments coming from a stooge of the Syrian dictaorship! as for war crimeshow about what Hafez Assad did to the city of Hama in 1982 where Syria killed anywhere from 10-40 thousand people.

"everybody in the Arab world holds Bush responsible." How do you know that? Besides Iraq and Kuwait (another country we saved), can you tell me of one true Democracy? The only opinions we know of are the kings and mullahs that hold their people hostage and in misery. So you don't really know what the people want do you? I have a hunch they'd want freedom from despots.

I think Bush has done a swell job. He's taken the fight to the terrorists and there hasn't been a 9-11 again on U.S. soil since 9-11.

You hold up the bloody, despicable Arafat as a model of a "democratically elected" leader. How quaint. One cannot take you seriously. Why, Arabs and Muslims live infinitely better in Israel (even serving in Parliament) than in any other mid-east country. Doesn't that make you embarrassed?

Your rant has the hallmarks of a militant Hamas-like radical.

I'm sure you'll find the usual left-wing whack-jobs that will agree with you here on the Post's blog. But out in the real word and when history takes the long view, Bush's legacy will be that he was the Great Democratizer.

Oh, that gives you shivers of rage doesn't it, Sami..?