American Influence In The Middle East

Words: 1374
Pages: 6

Prior to the First World War, minimal contact existed between United States and the Arab world. At Prima facie, this interaction stated as an attempt by the United States need to counter Russian dominance in the Middle East and further her interests. The friendly platform at which this interaction started weaned and spiraled into hatred by the Arab world towards the U.S. that has slowly precipitated into a global problem, terrorism.
Before the global conflicts, Britain and France had interests in this region and colonized it following the defeat of the Ottoman Turks who controlled it. Britain for instance attached strategic significance to this region as it provided two shortcuts to her colonies in the Far East through the Suez Canal and the route between rivers Tigris and Euphrates. America's entry was a welcome relief to some countries in the region such as Saudi Arabia that remained independent despite the substantial American presence in the kingdom (Wawro, 63). Other nations in the region such as Kuwait, Iran, and Iraq were colonies of Britain. Strong economic links established between the US and Saudi Arabia tricked to influence other neighboring countries, setting in motion political and religious power. These
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Religion acts as the glue that brings together the Arab nation. The religious leaders opposed the use of products such as alcohol, vehicles, and hospital equipment. The US continued supplying these goods to the holy places such as Riyadh (Wawro, 75). In the Muslim world, the religious leaders' opinions are respected and are very influential. America continued building a bad reputation in the Middle East while ignoring all the danger signs. Instead, the army and workers in the oil drilling companies brought other types of food such as pork considered unclean. America ignored the very thread that bound the Arabic world hence creating formidable enemy over