Quote:
Originally posted by Sir_Tainly:
[QB]re Muslim Countries responses, it was not so much an issue then, as a) Egypt has a large Christian population b) in those days it was the West against the Russians/Communists. That said Russia did threaten war over it so big consequences 
QB]
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Sadly, the Muslim countries' response (and memory) was much more of an issue than was ever considered. This is a key point. The US support of Israel is only a small (increasing growing) part of the overall anti-WEST sentiment. Your example is only one of many that don't involve the US. The Middle Eastern memory is long regarding transgression.... whose isn't?
a.) The Egyptian Christian population's perceived importance, at that time, is really hugely reflective regarding the ignorance of the Muslim POV (at the time).
b.) You are exactly right. Sometimes the lesser of two evils is the way to go, but it doesn't always work out on the long term. Suddenly, it seems like the former Soviet's have always had a great respect for the freedom of the Middle Eastern nations.
Control of the Middle East (known by the West as influence) was important to the West during the Cold War, and it's at least that important today regardless of political correctness.
EDIT - I've reworded (a.), and it still doesn't read quite right, so just to be clear 'the ignorance of the Muslim POV' is regarding the perception in the 50's and not the use of the example.
[ 02-18-2003, 09:26 AM: Message edited by: Ronn_Bman ]