Blame Canada

[StrykerFSU]

A majority of Canadians believe U.S. foreign policy was one of the root causes that led to the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks

The poll suggests that 77 per cent of Quebecers polled primarily blame American foreign policy for the Sept. 11 attacks. The results suggest 57 per cent in Ontario hold a similar view.

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/07092006/3/canada-new-poll-says-most-canadians-blame-u-s-9.html

I'd like to know what aspects of US foreign policy led to the attacks of 9/11?

[Sonny]

I think Quebec wants to leave Canada and join the European Union.

[KnoxVegas]

Fact:
Canadians burned out White House during the War... the War of 1812 that is.

Fact:
Canada controls 20% of the earth's freshwater.

Fact:
Six more teams and it will truly be a National Hockey League.

Fact:
Harvey's and the LCBO rock!

[Campbell]

well our foreign policy probably did lead to the attacks of 9/11, that doesnt make our policies wrong it just means people in the world disagree with them. I'm not an expert on US Foreign Policy, but our foreign policy is most likely directed toward what is good for the US, not a bunch of radicals.

[StrykerFSU]

I don't know that it was our foreign policy instead of just our "Westerness" that the Islamic radicals see as a threat but I don't think that was what the results of the poll were meant to suggest. The tone I read was that the US only had itself to blame for the attacks. Taking it a step further, is there a feeling around the world that our actions in Iraq somehow retroactively justify 9/11?

[Campbell]

Well we have our hands in things all over the world and for different reasons, whether it is trying to affect a change in political views or human rights, providing better business oppotunities for Americans, or arming our allies for a more secure world. So yeah we are to blame, just like you are to blame for going into a bad neighborhood and getting shot. That article is pretty fluffy in the thought that we just need to open a dialogue with these people, but how many of these terrorist groups ask for meetings before crashing planes into buildings? Radical groups would get further by leveraging their own governments to change the way they deal with the US. Instead they just hate and commit acts of violence, like common criminals, any high ideals they have of the world are diminished when they start killing people.

[horn17]

If you want to see some of the impact that our culture and world that we live in helped lead to those attacks....read "Jihad vs. McWorld" - Bejanmin Barber.....Great Book!!

[Zeuslax]

Most don't know the impact of our foreign policy due to our media's lack of coverage of world events. In addition, Americans are not travelers on an international scale. The Americans that have traveled and lived outside of the US probably have a better understanding of some of these points of view. We've had lots of impact on other countries over the years. Positively and negatively as any super power would.

The thing I find so fascinating is the length of memory and instilled thoughts from different parts of the world. The people of Iran don't forget that we ousted the Shah, and the people of Greece don't forget that the US undermined democracy and instituted a Military coup. I could go on and on and on. However, on the other hand, they don't forget our large quantities of human aid and reconstruction efforts either. I love traveling to Greece and hearing the storys of after WWII how highly esteemed the American people and our country was held. Now good luck. When you travel to Europe as an American, many times you are defending the foreign policy of this country as if you are one of the framers.

The middle eastern dynamic is a little different. I don't claim to be a scholar in this department..........but it isn't just our foreign policy that shapes political perceptions of the US. It has a lot to do with our exporting of Western thoughts and practices. I agree with this. The one thing that is so assinine to me is the statement by this administration that the terrorist hate our freedom. One of the most ridiculous things I've ever heard.

[KnoxVegas]

When you travel to Europe as an American, many times you are defending the foreign policy of this country as if you are one of the framers.

How true!

[StrykerFSU]

The one thing that is so assinine to me is the statement by this administration that the terrorist hate our freedom.

I must respectfully disagree with this. While I don't pretend to know the motivations of every single terrorist, Jihadist, or what have you I do think that some, if not most, hate the freedom inherent in Western civilization. Look at the treatment of women under the Taliban if you want an example. Many of the books I have read on these issues point to the anger that Muslim extremists feel when presented with Western ideals, be they material or philosophical. It is my impression that a vast majority of these Islamic fundamentalists would be happier living in ancient times when you could stone a woman to death for infidelity and all nonbelievers could be put to the sword.

[sohotrightnow]

When you travel to Europe as an American, many times you are defending the foreign policy of this country as if you are one of the framers.


How true!

Aye yi yi. Thank you!

[michlaxref]

Is this what was meant to be said?

The thing I find so fascinating is the length of memory and instilled thoughts from different parts of the world. The people of Iran don't forget that we ousted the Shah,

I thought we actually helped oust an elected prime minister in 1953 and installed the Shah. Then the Iranians booted him in 1979. Are you telling me that the US took him out in 1979? The Iranians were so angry still that they held the US embassy staff hostages to make sure the US would not try to install another stooge, (so they could have one of their own. (stooges.))

[mholtz]

Fact:

Fact:
Canada controls 20% of the earth's freshwater.

Incorrect. 20% of the Earth's freshwater is in the Great Lakes. Lake Michigan doesn't even touch Canada in any way.

[LaxRef]

Fact:

Fact:
Canada controls 20% of the earth's freshwater.

Incorrect. 20% of the Earth's freshwater is in the Great Lakes. Lake Michigan doesn't even touch Canada in any way.

I'll point out that 20% of the fresh water in the world being in the Great Lakes and not all of the Great Lakes touching Canada doesn't necessarily contradict the claim. There could be tons of other fresh water in Canada. Does ice count?

But I agree that the statement is probably false, since one can argue whether the U.S. or Canada (or neither) actually "controls" the Great Lakes they border non-exclusively.

[horn17]

The one thing that is so assinine to me is the statement by this administration that the terrorist hate our freedom.

I must respectfully disagree with this. While I don't pretend to know the motivations of every single terrorist, Jihadist, or what have you I do think that some, if not most, hate the freedom inherent in Western civilization. Look at the treatment of women under the Taliban if you want an example. Many of the books I have read on these issues point to the anger that Muslim extremists feel when presented with Western ideals, be they material or philosophical. It is my impression that a vast majority of these Islamic fundamentalists would be happier living in ancient times when you could stone a woman to death for infidelity and all nonbelievers could be put to the sword.

Styrker comes through again, have you readthe Barber book? This is his arguement throughout the entire book....

If anyone wants to read it, and doesnt want to buy it....let me know, ill be happy to loan it out as long as you need it....