The Real Roots of Arab Anti-Americanism
by Barry Rubin
From Foreign Affairs, November/December 2002

 

 

SUMMARY
Despite what many argue, Arab and Muslim rage at the United States has had very little to do with actual U.S. policies--policies that have been remarkably pro-Arab over the past 50 years. Promoting anti-Americanism is simply the best way Muslim leaders have found to distract their publics from the real problem: internal mismanagement. New U.S. policies or a PR campaign will not change matters.

 

 

  1. Do you see validity in Rubin’s thesis?

 

Damn Yankees

  1. What does Rubin argue that Americans should NOT do?

 

The Blame Game

  1. What are the problems for U.S. policy makers in the Arab world?
  2. What is your opinion of the author’s argument about the misguided Arab policy towards the U.S.?

 

An Enemy of Convenience

  1. What do you think would be the impact of the fall of Israel in Middle East stability?

 

The Enemy You Love to Hate

  1. What are the main reasons that Arab nations, intellectuals and leaders are Anti-American according to Rubin?

 

Satanic Reverses

  1. Do you agree with the author’s viewpoints regarding his analysis of Anti-Americanism under the heading of “Satanic Reverses”?

 

Of Mouse or Man?

8. Rubin brings the article to a close with a simple question: “What should Washington of in the face of this most difficult problem?” Do you agree with his assessment? Why or why not? Do you see other alternatives?