“Why are we so hated?”

Following Sept. 11, 2001, and in the wake of this war on… “Why are we so hated?”

Following Sept. 11, 2001, and in the wake of this war on terrorism, it is a question that has oft been asked but rarely examined.

The answers given, particularly in regards to the Middle East, have been simplified to a combination of government propaganda, biased media outlets and religious extremism, even sheer envy.

While these reasons have their merits, they all have one thing in common — they present anti-Americanism as fundamentally irrational and unsubstantiated, a sentiment reflective of astonishing condescension on our part.

As a buddy of mine abruptly ended our discussion recently by saying that the popular opinion is that “it is trendy to hate America — that’s all.”

We have assumed a position of moral supremacy to those who oppose our policies, but the question of our entitlement to such a stance has not been pursued. Our history is not that of promotion of democracy and freedom. It is one of pursuit of national interest.

If the democracy fits, great. If not, a pro-American dictator is a good alternative.

While we forget the Shahs of Iran and our support of Saddam Hussein, the people whose lives were affected do not — cannot. It is their Pearl Harbor, their Sept. 11, 2001 — not as sudden, not as stunning, but far more devastating.

We have made the world our political playground, and the resulting side effects have produced anti-American sentiments, most visibly in regions that have repeatedly seen the impact of our ulterior motives in their own backyards.

Instead of prompt dismissal, these misguided decisions should be appropriately blamed for their considerable contribution to anti-Americanism abroad.

Yes, of course, targeting civilians is a most appalling tactic. Certainly, nothing we have done warrants such deplorable acts as witnessed on Sept. 11, 2001. But the necessity to place such disclaimers alongside any criticism of U.S. policies, so as not to be labeled anti-American, reveals just the sort of reflexive apprehension this nation continues to exhibit at the insinuation of collective blame for the current state of affairs.

We are neither the great Satan from the West, nor are we the saint.

I do not need explanations for our administrations’ policies. I understand yesterday’s threat of expanding communism. I understand the importance of Israel today. I understand the politics that have affected our foreign policy choices, and I do not neglect the inevitable influence of national interest.

The people whose lives have been affected by such decisions, however, would surely appreciate explanations.

Explain to the Palestinian kids why American tanks roll over their shelters. Explain to the Iraqi people who starved as a result of U.N. sanctions — which only entrenched Hussein’s regime — that lifting sanctions would have resulted in acknowledging a political loss to a dictator. Explain to the Iranian people oppressed and killed by the Shah of Iran that he was pro-American. Explain that we fueled the Iran-Iraq war because such a policy weakened our enemies, even if it resulted in 1.5 million deaths.

Explain any of the dozens of examples of our political gains at the expense of Middle Eastern lives. If you cannot do that in good faith, then dismiss the legitimacy of their anger, allege hatred of liberty as the motive of anti-Americanism, and declare yourself ideologically superior.

Success in the war on terrorism will not be accomplished with persisting images of illegitimate involvement best exemplified in Iraq. It will come through nation building and an improved image of America as a sincere proponent of freedom and democracy — one that does not define success by maintaining or increasing its own political influence.

First, we as Americans must recognize that today’s conditions warrant a humanitarian foreign policy and that such a shift is in our national interest.

Only then can we claim moral supremacy in this ideological war without having to cross our fingers behind our back, and answer the difficult question of “why do they hate us?” without insulting replies concerning trends and envy, wrapped in convoluted logic.

Pedja is quite trendy — he wears Ugg boots. Discuss fashion with him at [email protected].