Most of the time, I believe that the U.S. and other Western countries, can, if they really work at it, bridge the cultural gap and reach some kind of understanding with the Arab and Islamic worlds. At other times, I think that the cultural differences are just too great.
Lately, I have been leaning toward the latter view.
That change in thinking comes on the heels of news that the U.S. military has kicked out 58 Arabic language experts ...
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Thoughtful insight into a very serious matter. The author pinpoints the language and cultural barriers between the Western and Arabic worlds as roots of major diplomatic inefficiencies. He also thinks, for the right reasons, that an American strategy based predominantly on ongoing expansive militarism and fast impatient solutions, instead of a better communication and understanding, will never solve the conflicts. It's a good article for raising public awareness. Official reactions should be expected.
