Nebor
Lifer
- Jun 24, 2003
- 29,582
- 12
- 76
I don't believe that at all. Look at other countries not getting involved in world politics the way the US does. Terrorists are not targeting them.
"Western" also corresponds to Canada and Europe. Also Japan and Australia.
Personally I think US foreign policy and actions in other countries are the main points terrorists have issues with. Why would anyone care what anyone else does unless it affects you or a group you are affiliated to? There are people who hate the US, true, but why? The unresolved Israel-Palestine conflict, invading countries without declaration of war, torture and abduction, bases in foreign countries against the will of the people, support of dictators all don't make people like you better. I'm 100% certain that if you could ask any terrorist he would not say "I hate you!" - instead he would say "I hate you because xyz!" There are reasons why people do things, even terrorists.
You are making the same mistake of assuming that our actions cause their behavior, or that we're somehow guilty and getting what we deserve. The fact is that they fight us first because we're the ones hunting them down and putting up the most resistance. If no one resisted them, they'd be trying to push their backwards religion as fast and as far as it would go, and that would include acts of terrorism in "peaceful" nations. And FWIW, terror plots targeting virtually every first world country are foiled every year. For the US, UK, France & Australia, it's more like every month.
I recommend the book "The Control Factor" by Bill Siegel. It's a psychology book that addresses American's need to feel in control of the world, and our tendency to reshape problems until they fit a predetermined solution, even if that solution won't work.