As an Arab American, I embarked on a journey to the United States in search of freedom, a place where I believed human rights and values were cherished. The American dream beckoned with promises of equality, justice, and opportunity. However, over time, the actions and consequences of American foreign policy, particularly its invasions and interference in Iraq, Libya, Syria, and Yemen, have deeply shaken my faith in the country's commitment to human rights.

Arriving on American soil filled me with a sense of hope and a belief that I had escaped the oppression and turmoil that plagued my home region. The United States stood as a beacon of liberty, a country that cherished its diverse population and respected the fundamental rights of all individuals. It was in this environment that I hoped to build a new life and contribute to a society that valued human dignity.

However, the actions undertaken by the US government in the Middle East have jarred my perception of the country's commitment to humanitarian values. The war in Iraq, launched under the guise of dismantling weapons of mass destruction, resulted in destabilization and chaos that continue to ripple across the region to this day. Innocent lives were lost, communities were torn apart, and sectarian tensions were exacerbated, leaving a vacuum that gave rise to extremist movements.

Similarly, the invasion of Libya, under the pretense of protecting civilians, disintegrated the country and led to the rise of armed groups. This not only caused further suffering for the Libyan people but also led to the spread of instability across North Africa and the Sahel region.

Moreover, the devastating war on Syria, which has claimed countless lives and displaced millions, further eroded my faith in American foreign policy. The inconsistent approach, wavering alliances, and inadequate response to the humanitarian crisis left me disillusioned and questioning the prioritization of strategic interests over the lives of innocent civilians.

Related News

Contrasting melodies at the UN General Assembly

US engagement with Mali junta exposes double standards

The ongoing war on Yemen has seen the United States providing military support to the Saudi-led coalition. The human cost of this war cannot be understated, with widespread civilian casualties, famine, and a crumbling healthcare system. Witnessing this tragedy unfold, it became painfully clear that American foreign policy was often guided by alliances and geopolitical interests instead of a genuine commitment to human rights and the well-being of the affected populations.

These experiences, coupled with the glaring discrepancies between the lofty rhetoric of human rights and the realities on the ground, have deeply impacted my faith in American foreign policy. The contrast between the promising principles upon which the United States was founded and the actions undertaken in the pursuit of national interests sometimes seem irreconcilable.

As an Arab American who sought refuge in the United States, my journey from hope to disillusionment has been marked by the dissonance between the espoused values of human rights and the consequences of American foreign policy in the Middle East. The wars in Iraq, Libya, Syria, and Yemen have left scars on the region and have raised questions about the moral compass guiding the decision-making process. 

And now as a Palestinian-American… When will it stop? 

Palestinian-Americans were left with the impression that they were abandoned and disillusioned as a result of the unwavering support that the United States maintains for "Israel". This support is driven by strategic alliances and geopolitical considerations. The hope that the United States would act as an impartial mediator in the war quickly dissipated as it became clear that American foreign policy was attempting to benefit "Israel" at the expense of completely ignoring Palestinian life.

Anguish and rage have been reignited as a result of the most recent events in Palestine, particularly the ethnic cleansing that is taking place. I am still struggling to wrap my head around the complexities and contradictions that are ingrained in American foreign policy, which have contributed to the continued suffering of the Palestinian people. My skepticism regarding the effectiveness and sincerity of American foreign policy in establishing a lasting peace and protecting Arab interests, in particular those of the Palestinians, has increased as a result of the protracted nature of this war.

Arab-Americans, and specifically, Palestinian-Americans' journey from hope to disappointment is a convoluted one when viewed in the context of American foreign policy in the Middle East. This is because the path from hope to disappointment was shaped by a complex web of historical events, geopolitical realities, and shifting alliances. As the relationship continues to develop, there is an urgent need for a strategy that is more inclusive and that acknowledges the diverse points of view held within the Arab-American community. The wounds caused by disillusionment can only begin to heal with the application of knowledge and empathy, which opens the door for more fruitful interaction between Arab Americans and decisions made regarding foreign policy that affects their lives and history.