http://www.veteransforamerica.org/?Page=Module&ModuleID=109Islam's Struggle and the West
The fast-paced Western world has yet to realize that the Medieval Crusades, foreign colonization and Cold War-era competition across their region are powerful memories today. These memories carry fears of invasion, imposed foreign occupation and control, exploitation and being left with less. It is from this perspective that all U.S. actions are viewed – regardless of their intent.
Unresolved issues such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and U.S. support for autocratic leaders, among other factors, offer ripe adverse conditions on which to conduct the global war against terrorism. Every misstep or inability to achieve improved living conditions in Iraq or Afghanistan invites grave suspicion. Overall, Muslim reaction has largely been defensive with even moderate Muslim support becoming more radical.