ENVS_50_2
Before the World War 1, the European influence applied the regime change in thinking of the Middle Eastern nations. This form of ideological persuasion was meant to instill democracy in the Middle East. This was since it most often pushed the US involvement to apply force. The European nations moreover called for a joint military practice that saw not a single nation that would act by itself, but with the support from other Middle Eastern nations (Khalidi, 7). Any form of intervention ought to have a strong base of values so as to unilaterally invade another nation. This was seen in the US’ attack on Iraq that was questioned by most European nations like Russia.
The values admired by Middle East in the westerners were numerous. This views include scientific developments, technical and education developments. The Middle East also admired the military and government structured system of the Westerners. Many people in the east admired the liberal values especially for women). The need to copy and emulate these factors quickly spread in Middle East society.
Iran and Ottoman Empire are some of the countries that had established constitutionals of democracy. However, these developments were hindered by colonization attempts by the west. This was through acquisition of their land to the north and it increased with time forcing them to look for new ways to resist this act. The democracy was also severely affected by the word war 1 (Khalidi, 11). The example set by French and other western as ideal governments derailed them.
The enduring irony was the fact that the Europeans lure to expand the Mediterranean and Southeast outweighed the need to spread their constitution. The Europeans were also not concerned with spreading their democracy in the Middle East. France, Belgium were constantly increasing the need for individual freedom but captured other countries as colonies (Khalid, 19). They did this without caring about their own constitution and democratic rights. Algeria had resisted the colonization by France due its subjugation process and sequestration of land. On the other hand Libya refused to be colonized due to Italy’s brutality, bringing down of the nation’s social set up and the removal of its people from the coastal areas for use by the colonialists. These two acts by Italy and France brought about resistance from the two African nations.
In Syria, they faced a revolt between 1925 and 1926. The French domineered in the country for so long. The revolt was established by use of bombardment on villagers and innocent civilians. The colonialist adapted division of people along ethnic rules in order to rule successfully. French continues to contribute to current crisis in Syria by the control of ethnic and religious conflicts which was applied by Britain in India (Khalid, 23). The French use it in Syria and Lebanon as a divide and rule act so as to abuse inner centers that existed. In Syria this happened in Alawis and Druzes, while in Lebanon it was in Maronites.
The Westerners got involved in acts of political Islam through Protestant missionaries by building churches, schools and hospitals. This act brought about small antagonism as they merged well with the local Orthodox and religious settings like Christianity as opposed to directing their acts to Muslims. The westerners viewed Islam as the reason behind Arabs lack of democracy. This reason has made Islam become more political in its fight to prove otherwise. Islam also became political since people associated with the religion were viewed as terrorist (Khalid, 32). In order for the people to defend the religion, the political aspect had to be considered.
People resisted colonial rule by revolts from the local civilians and nationalist resistant. Khalid argument on the importance of understanding the past is important. He may be over the view that the Middle East is constantly involved in war because of colonization (Khalid, 30). The effects of colonization are still felt in many parts of Middle East. For people to understand the current situation in the Middle East it is important for them to understand the past. A good example is what took place in Iraq, Iran and Syria where the locals stood up for what they knew was rightfully their right that was being infringed on.
After the Second World War, the United States was not involved in the Middle East colonization. This fact made the Arabs to view them with a favorable thought. It was seen as a good friend by nations in the Middle East and old colonial bodies (Khalid, 34). The US was involved in Libya in early 1950s and in the Suez Conflict that took place in 1956 as well as the Algerian Conflict of Liberation from France in late 1950s. The US was similarly involved in the creation of Free states like the Jewish state seen as the first nation to recognize it.
The author would have probably argued that the attack was justified. He would try to give reason that Israel did not understand Iran and that is why the attack was launched. He would have argued the west should discuss matters concerning Iran in their countries and not in Israel. Israel should not be involved in Iran matters would probably be his thought.
Reference
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Khalidi, Rashid. Resurrecting Empire: Western Footprints and America’s Perilous Path in the Middle East. Boston: Beacon Press, 2004. Print.
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