Arab youth's anti-US sentiment surges amid war on Gaza

Palestine

Published: 2024-03-08 19:44

Last Updated: 2024-04-27 09:14


Activists in protests pro-Palestine rally
Activists in protests pro-Palestine rally

The 26-year-old, Rashad, who preferred not to reveal his last name, revealed that he has had disagreements with his family regarding the United States for as long as he can recall, according to a report by the Financial Times.

He always defended America as a positive influence while his relatives criticized US military involvements.

In response to their criticism that Washington imposed "liberal values" on Arab societies, Rashad argued that it was necessary for someone to advocate for human rights in a region where such values were not widely embraced.

However, everything changed after October 7 and the onset of the Israeli Occupation aggression on the Gaza Strip.

“That’s when I realized everything I’d been defending was a lie,” said Rashad.

“America doesn’t care about human rights . . . Not only is it watching Israel commit genocide, it’s helping them do it. And then they have the audacity to turn around and lecture us about humanity.”

The wave of resentment spreading across the Arab world towards the US is driven by perceptions of Washington's inconsistent support for the Israeli Occupation's military actions in the strip particularly amid the ongoing aggression and civilian casualties.

“We’re witnessing unprecedented levels of anger towards the west, and the US in particular,” said a western diplomat.

“This is worse than 2003, when it lost so much of its moral authority. Now I fear we’ll lose the next generation," he added.

President Joe Biden has explicitly articulated his stance showing support for the Israeli Occupation, providing military aid even during international calls and pressure for a ceasefire.

However, other US officials have voiced their urgency for a ceasefire. Vice-president Kamala Harris said on Sunday that “people in Gaza are starving."

“The conditions are inhumane and our common humanity compels us to act,” Harris said.

Source: Financial Times

Meanwhile, the majority of Arabs still believe that Biden is not pushing enough for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, particularly amid the ongoing military aid.

A recent survey called the Arab Opinion Index, which surveyed 8,000 individuals from 16 countries in the region, revealed a surge in anger over the Gaza conflict and America's response.

According to the poll, 76 percent of respondents expressed a more negative view towards the US, indicating a significant loss of confidence in the country among the Arab public.

In response to perceived support for Israeli Occupation, young Arabs have boycotted American brands, abandoned plans to study in the US, and rejected job offers from American companies.

Anti-US demonstrations have been staged, particularly in Yemen and Iraq, where the US has conducted airstrikes against Iran-aligned militias.

Source: Financial Times