Countries Americans Are Not Welcomed

Some research organizations surveyed various countries as to their level of acceptance of American tourists. They found 25 countries where not all residents think Americans are welcomed. Considering that there are 195 countries in the world, this lack of enthusiasm for Americans is in less than one eighth of all countries, which may not sound substantial. However, when we realize that beside of Iraq, Syria and Palestine, there are European countries such as Germany, Austria, and even our neighbor Canada in this list, one must check the cause, reason, or motivation. Of course, like everything else, there are not one or two reasons, but a combination of several facts. The remarkable thing is that when we find the grounds, we realize that none of the explanations has anything to do with ordinary American tourists, but it has everything to do with the U.S. government.

As a person who was born and raised in one of these countries and in the 20^th century, the idea that an American would not have been welcomed, was a far fetched notion in those days. America has been the land of greatness for those living in the second half of the 20^th century. Any covert operation by the United States anywhere in the world, was beyond the knowledge of ordinary people where the operation was conducted. Since intrusion into the affairs of foreign countries by American government was concealed from ordinary people, and only experts and politicians were aware of such undertakings, inhabitants of the victim country had the same pleasant attitudes towards Americans, and their own government was blamed. Because of the accessible and open global communication, people have more knowledge of politics, than they did in the 20^th century. This is perhaps one reason behind people’s consciousness, but there are certainly other reasons as well. There was a non-spoken and undisclosed deal between the United States and the Soviet Union to not only keep out of each other’s territories, but avert from expanding their ideologies further through regime change. Of course, every once in a while either would cross the red line, and as a result, the world would be alarmed. We all remember Cuba, Korea, Vietnam, and many others, and finally ending with Afghanistan. However, all the wars and the coup d'é·tats were staged in other countries, and these culprit countries were always safe. As they divided Europe between themselves after the second world war, the rest of the world was unofficially divided between the two powers as well. If in any one of these countries, someone with some tendencies to the left rose up, that person would be supported by the Soviets and dismissed by the United States. American politicians cannot accept anyone with Nationalistic or with Leftist tendencies. These two groups have always been hunted down, unless Soviets meddled in as well. In such cases, the trouble would start between the two powers and saber rattling would end with some compromise. However, ordinary people were never aware of the details, and coups by the U.S. were not apparent except for those who studied politics. In this case, America’s meddling into the affairs of other countries was necessary as a clandestine mission; examples of which are numerous and could be found on Wikipedia, an article about near 250 American military bases around the world (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_armed_conflicts_involving_the_United_States) is a good example.

By the end of the 20^th century and with the demise of the Soviet Union, America found itself in a unique position, and claimed to be indispensable and exceptional. With such attitude, the whole world had to submit to the demands of the United States. Each country, especially those which had been under the Soviet’s umbrella, had to begin with a Neo-Liberal economic policy, under the umbrella of World Bank and World Trade Organization, and then admit the United States to use that country’s cheap labor while extracting their natural resources freely or cheaply. A dictator on the top of the government, supported by US military aid, would make sure the exploitation continues. However, this regime could continue for so long, until natives found out why they were kept poor and needy in spite of all their resources, and why Americans were rich and prosperous while mastering the world. When more and more nations figure this out, that would be the downfall of American imperialism, as it has been the case with every single one of such powers before it. It gets complicated when a country, such as the government of Iran, acts as if it hates United States while adhering to any American demand and government policies follow American governments’ instructions. It gets even more complicated when American governments, knowing the benefit dictators provide, act hostile as well.

25 Countries Americans are not welcomed are listed according to the percentage of favorability, or lack of it:

Egypt:

The U.S. backing of Hosni Mubarak and a failure to do anything about overthrow of the Muslim Brotherhood leave 85% of those surveyed by Pew Research with an unfavorable view of Americans. This is of course the official view, however after Egyptians’ uprising, termed as Arab Spring, which ended with the dictator stepping down, and a religious government of Mohammad Morsi was established with United States assistance, that had planned to install religious governments all over Muslim world. As this government did not obliged by all the United States’ demands, while it was hated by people, two years later a coup d'état with the aid of American government toppled that government and replaced it with General el-Sisi. At this point, Egyptians’ attitude toward America was changed. Considering that a large portion of Egyptian wealth is derived from tourism, the military dictator has to keep a close watch on people, or his good fortune will end soon with another Egyptian uprising. People of Egypt have reflected throughout the history their knowledge of politics and their thirst for freedom, in 1919 with Saad Zaghlul, in 1952 with Gamal Abdel Nasser, in 2011 with the foretold revolution, and an ever continuing revolution.

Jordan:

Egypt's neighbor seems to reflect a similar view in the same survey—American favorability ratings dropped 13 points since 2009, leaving 85% with an unfavorable view of the U.S. The more people understand the relationship between their dictator and the United States, the more this percentage would rise.

Turkey:

A huge influx of Syrian refugees with the knowledge that Syrian war was ignited by the U.S. may contribute to the 73% unfavorable view of America reflected in a Pew Research survey. Syrian refugees are a burden for Turkish people, while they bring the news of American and Israeli bombs on their lands.

 

Palestinian Territories:

The U.S. is perceived as fully supporting Israel, which doesn't sit well with Palestinians—as reflected in a 66% to 72% unfavorable rating across multiple surveys. Israeli government, repeating Palestinians with the same treatment of their ancestors in the hands of Nazis, are fully supported by the U.S. government, and Palestinians are fully aware of this fact, while any idea of peace with the present government with the leadership of Netanyahu seems far-fetched.

 

Russia:

Relations with Russia have been chilly since the Cold War. U.S. opposition to its intervention in Ukraine could contribute to a 71% unfavorable rating in the Pew survey. It should also be added that Putin stretched his hands to American government several times with a hope of friendship, however with the absence of the Soviet Union, United States needs a perpetual foe in order to justify its foreign policy.

 

Belarus:

Belarus is friendly with Russia and seems to harbor uneasy feelings about the United States. There, 69% disapprove of Americans. Basically, any ex-Soviet government that stayed with Russia will also support Russian policies, and their people are more sympathetic with Russian populace.

 

Iraq:

Stemming mostly from the wars that have ravaged this country, Iraq’s 67% disapproval rating isn’t hard to understand. The largest American compound is built in Iraq, which is a vey large military base rather than an embassy. Every Iraqi is aware of their government as an American puppet, whose aim is more to benefit the United States than Iraqi people.

Mexico:

With a 65% not favored, Mexico isn't a fan of America. At this time, it is because of Donald Trump, and his xenophobic tendencies. However, being the neighbor of the most powerful country is not easy, especially if the people have historically been subjugated to racism and exploitation.

Greece:

Debt-ridden Greece finds it difficult to embrace any American message of hope, as shown by the 63% unfavorable rating on the Pew Research survey. Greeks openly voted against any attachment to the US and the World Bank, which is an American economic tool, but their government caved in. The memory of that event tarnishes American picture in their memories.

 

Iran:

Since 1979 when Iran seized the U.S. embassy in Tehran, there has been no love lost between Iranians and Americans—resulting in a 61% disapproval rating according to MarketWatch. It is a common knowledge that although the religious dictatorship in Iran is benefiting American strategies in the area, on the surface there is a feud between the two government, and Iranian people interestingly are aware of such game played by both sides. The survey may have confused the attitude of Iranian people towards American government and American people. As a result of a large population of Iranians living in the United States and Canada, people in Iran are affiliated and their relationship and their love of Americans is displayed in all media. However, knowing that the last two regimes governing Iran have been produced, or openly supported by American government, it creates a love and hate empathy among Iranians.

Spain:

Major disagreements from the Bush-era war on terrorism and other foreign policy issues are at least partly to blame for Spain’s 60% disapproval rating. Friendly, and submissive, relationship of Spanish governments towards the United States does help such ratings. As the language spoken in Spain is shared among almost all Americans countries south of the United States, treatment of inhabitants of these countries influence the way Spaniards view Americans.

 

Netherlands:

The majority of the Dutch public, 59%, views Americans as ignorant, fat, racist, and paranoid extremists. But, they hold out hope that the U.S. isn’t just a home for these negative stereotypes. Many Dutch citizens hope that these negatives will be shoved back into the dark holes they crawled out of once Trump is out of office. Considering liberal attitudes in Netherlands, which is not shared by average Americans, living expectations and attitudes towards life and environment are very different among Dutch people.

Pakistan:

Much U.S. attention has focused on Pakistan since 9/11, and there is a continued military presence there that has resulted in 59% to 65% of Pakistanis having an unfavorable view of Americans. Pakistan was the base of the United States in preparing Taliban army to attack Soviets in Afghanistan in 1970s and 80s. Taliban is a plural of “talabeh” which means a student of religious studies. Such schools were created in Pakistan and students were groomed to attack communist Soviets in Afghanistan. Pakistanis lost many children during those years. The long-standing puppet governments in Pakistan, while brutalizing poor and malnourished Pakistanis, creates a negative approach towards the United States.

Lebanon:

Since 2007, Congress has placed conditions on annual aid to Lebanon. Such decisions have led to a 57% unfavorable rating of Americans in the country. Lebanon is in the list of seven countries to be invaded militarily by the United States, since the government has not been fully supporting American policies in Palestine and elsewhere. It is a unique government that changes its relationship towards the U.S. and puts its inhabitants in constant alert with the policies it makes.

 

Argentina:

A majority of Argentineans do not trust the U.S. to act responsibly in the world and give America a 57% unfavorable rating, according to The Argentine Post. The legacy of Peron family is probably still alive in Argentinian hearts. It is notable to acknowledge that Argentina is one of the U.S.’s “strongest partners in Latin America”, and its government is very much submissive to American demands, the neo-liberal government of corrupt Macri.

Austria:

According to MarketWatch, Austria has a 55% disapproval rating of the U.S. This rating may be as a result of such tendency towards Americans by Germans.

Tajikistan:

This primarily Muslim country has seen a major escalation in negative perception, with a 54% disapproval rating. The government is not religious and although most of the people are Muslims, the government is one of the most democratic governments in the area.

 

Slovenia:

Slovenians have a 54% negative view of the U.S. primarily because they don't approve of its leadership. That may change with Melania Trump, who was born in the country, serving as First Lady. However, the political system in Slovenia is closer to Russia than the U.S., and that may cause a bitterness towards Americans.

 

Canada:

Our northern neighbor’s 51% disapproval rating stems mostly from their dislike of Donald Trump and his policies that directly conflict with the country’s own. Canadians enjoy more benefits from their government and being the neighbor of a rich, large, and at the same time a bully government is not very convenient.

Sweden:

Similar to Canada, right down to the disapproval score of 51%. Sweden views liberal Americans as having a “Sweden fetish” as they view it as a liberal wonderland. Donald Trump is also heavily to blame with the alienation of this democratic country as well. You’ll find he’s actually caused a lot of the rifts on this list to worsen over his presidency. People living in Scandinavian countries, especially Sweden, have a much more socialized economic system than Americans, and the disparity between the rich and the poor is not comparable to that of the United States.

China:

Over the past several years, escalating trade issues with China has led to a 49% disapproval rating. China becoming a great power in the world, is of course a thorn in the eyes of the American government. As it was mentioned about Russia, United States government is always looking for an enemy to justify its interventions into other countries, and China easily fits the bill. China’s new strategy of a combination of socialism and capitalism looks to be benefiting Chinese people, and annoying other countries vowing for power. If the trend continues, China will complete for number one economic power with the United States soon.

Australia:

Australia’s 48% not favored rating can mostly be chalked up to their dislike of President George W. Bush and President Donald Trump. Most Australians believe that Americans ambition for power fuels both white nationalists and anti-racist counter protesters in a confused medley of different views fighting for dominance.

Tunisia:

Does the anti-Islamic message in the propaganda film Innocence of Muslims posted online by a U.S. resident, contributes to the 47% unfavorable view of America in Tunisia? No one knows. But evidently, Tunisia’s relationship with the United States was supported by presidents after presidents submitting to the United States wishes, until the uprising of 2011 which was sparked by a street vendor’s suicide and ended Ben Ali’s 23 years presidency.

 

Germany:

Germans have a bit of a love/hate relationship with the U.S. In spite of a 47% unfavorable rating, many Germans simultaneously want to be admired by Americans. The winner of WWII was obviously United States, and the country that lost the most by far was Germany. The fear of the United States’ military power and the love of America, where a huge number of Germans migrated to during and after WWII, are Germans’ feelings.

Chile:

With a 47% unfavorable rating, only a little over half of this South American country views the U.S. in a positive light. It is a high rating for the country whose elected and popular president was overthrown by American government in 1973, to be replaced by a dictator who ruled the country with iron hands for over a quarter of a century. The purpose of this brutal killing and American intervention was socialist views of Salvador Allende, and in order for U.S. corporations to extract minerals from Chile cheaply.

United States government claim of exceptionality and indispensability was true after the downfall of the Soviet Union, up to ten years ago, when new powers evolved. General Wesley Clark disclosed Pentagon’s plan in March second of 2007, a comprehensive plan to attack seven countries in five years, starting with Iraq and continuing with Syria, Lebanon, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and finally ending with Iran (https://www.globalresearch.ca/we-re-going-to-take-out-7-countries-in-5-years-iraq-syria-lebanon-libya-somalia-sudan-iran/5166). The priorities after attacking Iraq was changed, but the plan continued by attacking Libya, Somalia, and Syria. However, the operation in Syria could not be completed and the war continued to this day. Invasion of Lebanon, Somalia and Iran was halted temporarily. Although United States supported different Jihadi factions to attack Syria, while American and Israeli bombing continued, US forces could not get rid of Assad’s regime, mainly due to the assistance by Russian and Iranian governments. This means that United States’ global role, in spite of the huge number of announced military bases around the world (and several hundred unannounced), is diminishing and as people of other countries learn about American government’s hegemony through military offenses, less Americans are welcomed in their countries. This is of course not fair to American people, as such policies of the government are widely disfavored by American people as well. One of the main reasons that a character such as Trump could defeat Clinton three years ago was Clinton’s war mongering posture and Trump’s promise to halt all American military adventurisms. Of course his tendency towards Russia and his anti-war slogans pushed him back by the hidden government, headed by Pelosi and Mitchel, and even though he backed off from all his election promises, he is still paying for it by the impeachment process.