Most Americans are unaware that some people in the world harbor resentment toward the United States. That lack of awareness is in part because many Americans are either misinformed or unaware of the role their country has played in world affairs – good and bad. Hatred toward Americans among the Muslim community stems from two main areas, bad U.S. foreign policy and jealousy toward Americans. Anti-Americanism came to a climax on September 11, 2001 when the terrorists struck us at home. As the world leader, America is expected to set an example for other countries. In order to do this we must have the best homeland security, but more importantly drastically improve foreign policy. Realistically, America will always put its best interests first, especially when it comes to politics and government. Nonetheless, what can be transformed is the awareness in American citizens of their fellow citizens throughout the world. Americans must make themselves aware of the hardships that is the reality for others in the world because “As long as this is their reality, we will be their enemy” (Zapp).

U.S. President Bush might disagree, but some say the terrorists' actions were directed not against U.S. democracy, but against U.S. military power: "They don't carry out acts of terrorism against Sweden or Switzerland because these people are not great military powers spreading their military might and using their military might in other parts of the world. So it's the position of the United States as a super military power, not as a democracy, I think, that is at the basis of these people's anger." (Zinn) Tied into this theory is the United State’s long-time military presence in the Persian Gulf. It was the permanent stationing of U.S. forces in Saudi Arabia after the 1991 Gulf War that, in part, prompted Osama bin Laden to call for a jihad--or holy war--against the United States. These most extreme groups, such as Osama bin Laden's Al Qaeda network, view America as the infidel power that is spreading its evil culture around the world. To these extremists America is the Great Satan that pollutes the world with its pornographic cinema, alcohol, and indulgence of women. Worst of all to these Islamic radical groups, America is also seen as the long-time friend of the hated Israel. To these radicals, it is crucial that Americans be driven out of “Dar al-Islam”--the lands of Islam.

Another key factor in anti-American resentment is the failure of many Muslim nations to benefit from globalization. While the U.S. boomed

Some topics in this essay:
Mideast Muslim, Trade Center, Factor Americans’, Worst Islamic, Court Hague, Middle Eastern, Cold War, Unfortunately Americans, Realistically America, America Li, foreign policy, peace security, terrorist attacks, international peace security, international peace, september 11 2001, war terrorism, standard life, israel’s policies, anti-american resentment, world americans, military power, improve foreign policy,