Middle East Focus: Mr. Smith Goes to Arabia, Gets Confused, Writes Book………..

Arabia Deserta

Mr. Smith Goes to Arabia, Gets Confused, Writes Book………..

“(Lee)Smith says American academicians and journalists often cite a list of root causes for Middle East turmoil, in which the U.S., the West and Israel usually play a big part: a history of colonialism and economic exploitation, the creation of Israel and American support for the Jewish state, the politics of oil, Western backing of repressive Arab regimes and the U.S. military presence in the region. Smith concedes these are factors in Arab perceptions of the West. But in his new book, "The Strong Horse: Power, Politics and the Clash of Arab Civilizations," the Hudson Institute scholar argues that the principle cause of continued violence in the Middle East — and the reason so many peace initiatives have failed — is Arab culture itself. It is a political culture, Smith argues, in which violence has always played a central role.…… Smith sees a clear distinction between the two world views vying for regional supremacy in the Middle East. On the one hand, there is Iran and its allies in the so-called "resistance" block, including Syria, the Palestinian group Hamas and Lebanon's Hezbollah. And on the other hand, there is the United States and the American-backed Arab regimes, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan………….”

Lee Smith recently (yesterday) wrote an Op-Ed excoriating Joe Biden and Obama for the slap they got from the Likud. Mr. Smith also has a book to sell.

Two world views among Middle East countries; a simple Bushist dichotomy. No need to bother with any complexities: there is THE Axis, the bad oligarchs, and the good oligarchs. But does Mr. Smith know what these “two” sides stand for? I don’t know for sure, besides the fact that all of them want to maintain their grip on power at any cost. And, pray tell, how does the United States fit into this dichotomy, since “technically” it is not a Middle East country? Since “technically” the US and other world powers are there to impose the “international community’s” will, if there is such a will?

As for a culture of violence, has Mr. Smith tried to walk the streets of LA (East and South), Houston, and perhaps even Detroit recently with his natty suit and tie? I forgot big parts of NYC and Washington (DC) (cities that I actually like, especially DC on weekends, when the predatory lobbyists are out in the suburbs).
Cheers
mhg

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