Middle east Quote by Bernard Lewis
![“Different groups in the [Middle East] drew two lessons from [return of the shah in Iran] - one, that Americans were willing to use both force and intrigue to install or restore their puppet rulers in Middle Eastern countries; the other, that they were not reliable patrons when these puppets were…” quote by Bernard Lewis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/89b/bernard-lewis-11653_middle-east_different-groups-in-the-middle-east-drew_37501.jpg)
““Different groups in the [Middle East] drew two lessons from [return of the shah in Iran] - one, that Americans were willing to use both force and intrigue to install or restore their puppet rulers in Middle Eastern countries; the other, that they were not reliable patrons when these puppets were seriously attacked by their own people, and would simply abandon them. The one evoked hatred, the other contempt - a dangerous combination. Clearly, something deeper is involved than these specific grievances, numerous and important as they may be, something deeper which turns every disagreement into a problem and makes every problem insoluble. What we confront now is not just a complaint about one or another American policy but rather a rejection and condemnation, at once angry and contemptuous, of all that America is seen to represent in the modern world. (76)””
About This Quote
The quote argues that Middle Eastern groups view U.S. interventions as both coercive and unreliable, fostering deep resentment that transcends specific policies.
In simple terms: U.S. actions breed lasting hostility.
Key Takeaway
Policy inconsistency fuels contempt.
Themes
imperialism
trust
regional politics
perception
historical grievances
Mood
cautious
critical
reflective
Type
political analysis
historical commentary
When to use this quote
- diplomatic negotiations
- military interventions
- regional alliances
- public protests
- policy reforms
Key Concepts
foreign intervention
puppet regimes
national sovereignty
public sentiment
Practical Applications
- strategic communication
- conflict resolution
Questions to Reflect On
- How can the U.S. rebuild trust in the region?
- What alternative approaches could mitigate resentment?
![“[Theseus] soon found himself involved in factions and troubles; those who long had hated him had now added to their hatred contempt; and the minds of the people were so generally corrupted, that, instead of obeying commands with silence, they expected to be flattered into their duty.” quote by Plutarch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/127/plutarch-597_authority_theseus-soon-found-himself-involved-in-f_1143066.jpg)
