Letter: U.S. hypocrisy is the reason for Arab resentment

Wednesday, March 13, 2002 | 8:29 a.m.

I am not surprised that the polls conducted in the Middle East vastly disapprove of the U.S. policies and actions towards the region. Some analysts called Arabs stupid or unappreciative, referring to, among others, the Gulf War to free Kuwait from Iraq.

The truth, which is always hidden from the American public, is that the majority of the Arab masses are so distant from their rulers. For example, during the Gulf War, Americans only saw allied Arab armies and politicians siding with the U.S. against Saddam. But the reality on the streets of the Arab world was quite different.

The Arab masses did not want to see Iraq bombed and Iraqis killed to save the Kuwaiti monarchs, the most discriminating Arab regime against their brethren Arabs and Muslims, and against women until this day (contrary to Iraq).

On the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the U.S. has many times publicly and bluntly expressed its unconditional support to Israel, despite its illegal occupation of Palestinian lands, and its continued violations of human rights that have been condemned by the entire world and by human rights organizations and reports here in the U.S.

Before the U.S. can expect positive polls from Arabs and Muslims, it needs to end hypocrisy and truly stand for justice and peace.

KHALIL AMRIKANI