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Cold Quote by Bernard Lewis

“In the past, foreign intervention was obviously a major problem. Foreign domination, or if not domination, interference. But that has ended. There is no foreign domination; there is minimal foreign interference. The Cold War has ended. The Soviet Union no longer exists. The United States is…” quote by Bernard Lewis
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“In the past, foreign intervention was obviously a major problem. Foreign domination, or if not domination, interference. But that has ended. There is no foreign domination; there is minimal foreign interference. The Cold War has ended. The Soviet Union no longer exists. The United States is showing minimal and diminishing interest in the Muslim world. They now have to confront their own problems. The old excuses are gone. The old justifications are gone and therefore the anger of people is turning increasingly against their own rulers.”

Bernard Lewis

About This Quote

Source Speech: Lecture on Post‑Cold War Middle East, 1990s

The decline of external control has shifted public anger toward domestic regimes.

In simple terms: Less foreign influence, more internal dissent.

Key Takeaway

Recognize internal grievances.

Themes

politics colonialism public sentiment

Mood

critical reflective

Type

analytical political

When to use this quote

  • Middle‑East politics
  • government accountability
  • citizen activism

Key Concepts

sovereignty nationalism discontent

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can leaders address rising internal discontent?
  • What role does foreign policy still play?
A Different Perspective

External factors still affect internal dynamics.

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