Anger at U.S. Said to be at New High

In contrast to the perceptions of many Americans after the September 11 terrorist attacks, Arabs have generally felt a close affinity to America, according to journalist and analyst for the International Crisis Group, Rami G. Khouri. However, with plans to attack Iraq traveling rapidly across the international newswires, this affinity for America has transformed into a highly politicized critique of the world’s global policeman. Although many Arabs agree that Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein should be ousted, they do not want America to be the country leading the charge. This view stems from the Arab contention that America’s favoritism towards Israel is causing Palestinians to be marginalized, and that America is in pursuit of empire. There is also a fear that an American-led attack will be waged in spite of Arab concerns and in a sense, to spite the Arabs. Although anger boils and the possibility of street protests against war with Iraq loom, top analysts in Arab countries believe that blatantly anti-American actions will be suppressed due to economic concerns. Anti-American popular actions could pose an economic and political threat to leaders in countries like Egypt, which is one of the largest recipients of American foreign aid. – YaleGlobal