Dear LFC, Thanks for correcting me. Now let me clarify why I came up with such a misguided errornous analysis. As far as I knew, i.e., before I read your post that the modern Middle East always lacked the Pan-Arabian Nationalism similar to Bolivar(-ism) of South America. The region was always divided along the tribal and religious lines, and after the fall of the Ottoman Empire, the British (Kitchner, Churchill, Spikes) etc., the French (Picot) tried to carve out the territories for their own puppet regimes, and pitted one tribe against the other to achieve their own, what they tremed at that time, national interests. Before the creation of Israel, no Arab tribes were united, they fought with each other and/or among their own tribes. There was no stability to speak of, and in some sense, no desire to get rid off of the foreign intervention. After the Second World War and after founding of the modern state of Israel, some Arab governmnets decided to form an alliance and promote Pan-Arabian nationalism for example Sadat ( or is it Nasseer?-) but it failed miserabely. Afetr Israel's victory in the 6 days war, this idea died down. However, things are changing now. People are tired of their corrupt, puppet governmnets, instability etc. and the religion has taken over the tribal differences. Now its one religion vs the other, Islam vs Judiasm. In some sense, Israel's misadventures and misguided policies vis-a-vis the arabs also play an important part in rising anti semitism in the region. And enter America with its mighty power, Arabs vs. the US. The issue of Palestine was important for some religious leaders or some corrupt dictators in the region to rally the public support behind them in the past and the support to Palestine was mostly at the political level, but like I said above things are changing now. It has become an issue between the two (OK three) religions involved and given the development in information technology, internet, Al Zazeera, regional newspapers etc. the idea of nationalism -- Pan Arabian Nationalism-- of "us" vs. "them" is developing, and for the majority Arabs, America is too far and too powerful, so the anger is directed against Israel because many people are not mistaken in their belief that Israeli misadventures are the result of the US military and political backing. And in the long run, or maybe in the short, the anger will be (more and more) directed against the US. And in my opinion, this is what Mr. Carter is hinting at. Like I said in my very first post to this thread, I haven't read his book yet. My analysis is based on what he has been saying these days. Once again, I am very happy that you took your time to read my post and correct me. Now I will refrain from making misguided judgements and start learning the history of modern middle east right away. Have you any suggestion for good books? You have a good one.