Husain Haqqani of the International Herald Tribune writes a well thought out article on why Muslims blame the West for their problems. He asserts that only economic development can turn the tide away from the failed “cult of the warrior” towards much needed intellectual rigor and economic growth.
Haqqani mentions a Pew Research Center opinion poll that states 86% of Pakistan's supports General Musharraf while 65% support Osama bin Laden. He interprets this to suggests that Muslims admire power as apposed to scholars or inventors. When Muslim leaders blame external forces for their past humiliation at the hands of others, it forces Muslims to channel their energy toward a simplistic "us vs. them" mindset. This eventually results are increased violence, resentment, and terrorism. It's an interesting theory presented in a way that does not bash the West too much (Although the article does poke around the issues related to America supporting strong military Muslim leaders). It’s worth a read.
I'm going to have to read more of Husain Haqqani.
