Why us? Experts share opinions on attack

It could have been because of the U.S.'s strong support of Israel during its continuing conflict with the Palestinians. Or maybe they did it to draw attention to their cause by striking a blow against one of the world's mightiest superpowers.

If it was indeed Saudi-born billionaire terrorist Osama bin Laden, as many now think, it could have started with the Persian Gulf War.

Or there could have been no reason at all.

The fact is, no one knows for sure why the United States was the target of Tuesday's terrorist attacks that have left thousands dead, the Pentagon damaged and the World Trade Center in rubble.

But many experts on the Middle East and American foreign policy have various ideas about what sparked such a vicious and well planned attack.

"The first thing that comes to mind is that the United States of America is a symbol of the free world and the leader of the free world," said Shaul Gabbay, director of the Center for the Study of Israel in the Middle East at Denver University.

"They think 'If the U.S. is powerful, then hurting them makes us powerful,'" he said.

Support of Israel

Another theory is that some terrorists may resent America's continued support -- real or perceived -- of Israel. The U.S. sends roughly $3 billion a year to Israel, primarily in the form of weapons, which Israelis use in its conflict with the Palestinians, Gabbay said.

"But if it's bin Laden, his origins are in Saudi Arabia, which is the strongest ally of the U.S. in the Arab world," he said. "His main target is the U.S., but not for supporting Israel."

Gabbay suggests that bin Laden, a Saudi expatriate who runs a terrorist network from Afghanistan, may harbor hatred that began during the Gulf War.

"He saw the presence of American troops on Saudi soil as a defilement," Gabbay said. "And remember, what they think about land is that it is a very important aspect of freedom for them. It's sacred. Some people say he changed psychologically then, and that's when he began his terrorist attacks."

Shahrough Akhavi, a nationally recognized authority on Middle East politics, culture and U.S. foreign policy at the University of South Carolina, said the United States has done several things that has hurt its image in the Middle East.

"The United States interferes in many places when it is not appreciated," he said. "And if it is bin Laden, there's no doubt he was radicalized against the U.S. during the Gulf War. To them, that land is holy. And the killing of Muslims is a no-no in Islamic law."

Grudges against U.S.

There is also a long list of groups with grudges against the U.S., which has dealings with almost every country in the world, according to Alynna Lyon, a professor in the political science department at Southeast Missouri State University.

"No matter how nice you are, you're going to make somebody mad sometimes," said Lyon, who teaches Middle East politics and international politics. "There is a long list of people who, rightly or wrongly, feel like they have to settle a score with the U.S."

Lyon discussed the terrorist acts with Peter Bergerson, chairman of Southeast's political science department, and Chris Schnell, a history professor, on KRCU's "Going Public" radio program.

While many struggle with determining the reason why, Gabbay tends to think there may be no rational explanation.

"It could just be killing for killing," he said. "I know we're not used to that. We think there has to be a gain for them. The answer may be just hate."

In other words, maybe the terrorists did it simply because they could, Gabbay said.

"They were successful," he said. "And that makes me worried, because I think this is just the beginning."

smoyers@semissourian.com

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