You invest quite a bit of modifying power in one simple noun. Wouldn't it be more intellectually honest to admit you only have a pedestrian awareness of the subject?
"Western imperialism" is an overused phrase, and I did hesitate to use it. But you can't say that the history of the ME has not been shaped by imperialism.
When your only tool is a hammer all your problems are called "nails." This observation has less than nothing to do will the current situation, and I consider it sophomoric to even attempt to inject it as an mitigate.
... but I would argue that the primary radicalizing issue is Isreal
Then by all means, proceed!
But I do know that we are closely associated with Isreal in the eyes of both the Muslim world and the world in general.
And for good reason, but I would argue that association in the mouths of critics more resembles Dashel associating Rush Limbaugh with the Washington Times than any real offense perpetrated against them.
"Wouldn't it be more intellectually honest to admit you only have a pedestrian awareness of the subject?"
Um, in a sense, that is what I did. As I said, I am a moderately well-informed citizen, and I stand by that. I don't want to argue this point anymore, because it is a very stupid argument for one as well-read as yourself to be having.
Maybe I am stupid though, because I have no idea what this is supposed to mean: " I consider it sophomoric to even attempt to inject it as an mitigate."
Are you claiming that the US does NOT have a close association with Isreal? That the Arab world is incorrect in this assumption? If so, by all means, proceed!
Really, give me one positive argument, just one. I'm begging you.