Reasons Behind Islamic Fundamentalist Loathing of the United States

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Justifying murder is an extremely difficult task, and not one that should be taken lightly. However, Islamic fundamentalist and al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden has managed to convince millions of people that his acts of mass murder are necessary to destroy the United States, "because the US government is unjust, criminal and tyrannical" (bin Laden). Over the past several years, bin Laden has been connected to various events, including the bombing of the World Trade Centers in 2001, the 2000 bombing of the USS Cole, and the 1998 bombings of United States embassies, among many others. However, bin Laden is not alone in his ideas. The United States has become the target of many Islamic militants, but the United States cannot be considered entirely blameless for the severe hatred. Four of the most significant reasons are the United States' continuous support for Israel, the occupation of the Arab Peninsula by the United States, the fact that the United States has supported past and current corrupt Muslim leaders, and the United States' abandonment of Afghanistan.

The United States has treated the nation of Israel with a great amount of consideration, angering many Muslims who believe that the land Israel occupies rightfully belongs to Palestinians. Originally, the United Nations had formulated a plan that would divide the land into two major states and one international zone, housing Jerusalem. However, on May 14, 1948, the provisional government made a proclamation creating the State of Israel. Less than a day later, Harry Truman, President of the United States, had declared a de facto acknowledgement of the new nation. Approximately 8 months later, in January of 1949, an official de jure recognition would arrive (Recognition). Many saw this as blatant disregard for the interests of Arab people on the part of the United States,