As conflicts persist in the Middle East, many observers across the region and the Global South are increasingly critical of the West’s role and influence. The intensity of recent military campaigns and the unwavering support they receive from Western governments have left many questioning the value placed on Middle Eastern lives.
For those familiar with history, this skepticism is not new. Throughout the past century, the United States and its Western allies have often pursued interventionist and militaristic policies in the Middle East, prioritizing their own strategic and economic interests over the aspirations of local populations. These actions have frequently undermined emerging democratic movements and supported authoritarian regimes.
In the early 1950s, Iran’s Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh, a democratically elected leader, nationalized the country’s oil industry, challenging foreign control. In response, Western intelligence agencies orchestrated a coup in 1953, leading to his ouster and the reinstatement of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. This intervention halted Iran’s democratic progress and set the stage for future unrest, culminating in the 1979 revolution.
Similarly, Egypt’s President Gamal Abdel Nasser sought to assert his country’s independence by refusing to join Western-led defense pacts. When Western nations withdrew support for the Aswan High Dam project, it led to the Suez Crisis of 1956, straining relations and fostering resentment towards the West.
These historical events illustrate a pattern where Western powers have often dismissed the interests and rights of Middle Eastern peoples. Policies justified under the guise of promoting stability and combating ideological foes have frequently resulted in long-term instability and suspicion toward Western intentions.
The perception that Western governments undervalue Arab lives and rights persists today. Military interventions and occupations, such as those in Afghanistan and Iraq, have reinforced the belief that the West prioritizes its own agenda over the well-being of regional populations.
As a result, there is a growing disconnect between the Global South and Western nations. Many in the Middle East and beyond are calling for a reassessment of international relationships—one that respects sovereignty, promotes genuine democratic development, and values all human lives equally.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
