Arab Muslim Anti-Americanism

Since 11 September 2001, Americans have asked why America is hated by Arab Muslims. Analysts have offered a variety of explanations but few have identified the basis for this growing anti-American sentiment throughout the Arab Muslim world. This thesis investigates the root cause of the anti-American phenomenon throughout the Arab Muslim world. The central research question derived from this thesis is: Is Arab Muslim antipathy in the Middle East toward the United States (US) based on US policies in the region, specifically relating to the Israeli and Palestinian conflict? This thesis utilized quantitative survey data to investigate the degree of anti-American sentiment among Arab Muslims while using various sources to reveal the qualitative views that supported this data. The results showed Arab Muslim anti-Americanism is very complex and thus is very difficult to understand. The research in this thesis also investigated and analyzed two additional contributing factors termed clashing cultures and self-interested manipulation by Middle Eastern governments or influential Arab groups, that in conjunction with US polices, determines the extent of Arab Muslim anti-American sentiment. Finally, this thesis provides suggestions for dealing with this growing anti-American phenomenon and demonstrates how this anti-American sentiment is hindering US efforts in the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT).