Whatever else, good or bad, you might say about the United States, one thing you can say is that we don’t typically hold a grudge against our enemies. Soon after a conflict ends, our enemies quickly evolve into former enemies or more often into strong allies. For that matter, once whatever conflict we had is over, most of our enemies similarly soon abandon their grudges against us.
This began with the birth of our nation and our own American Revolution. You don’t need to check a history book to know that our enemy at the time, England, is now one of our staunchest allies. In fact, going into the current Iraq War, England was just about our only ally.
Similarly, after our Civil War, except perhaps for a few pockets of the South where the Confederate flag still flies higher than the Stars & Stripes, there is no longer any concern about a “house divided.” And while we may “Remember the Alamo,” we no longer consider Mexico to be an adversary.
In the 20th century, we fought two World Wars against Germany. In WWII, the German enemy were the Nazis, perhaps the most nefarious opponent in the history of the human race. As if that was not enough, we then went on to confront a Communist East Germany, with a conflict symbolized by the Berlin Wall. Yet today, all of that is behind us. We have a mutual and friendly alliance with Germany.
Perhaps even more surprising is Japan post-WWII. While it might be understandable that we would let go of our grievances after the war, it is far less clear that Japan would reciprocate. After all, they were on the receiving end of two nuclear bombs dropped on their civilian populations. If ever there was something worth holding a grudge for, that would be it. Yet, Japan and the United States are today about as close friends as could possibly be imagined.
It isn’t just when we win a war that this happens. Even in the case of the Vietnam War, where the Communist North won, we are at least on civil term with Vietnam today. It has even become a popular tourist destination for many Americans.
I mention all this because it struck me the other day how different these results are as compared to what goes on in the Middle East and related locations such as Afghanistan. In Iraq, Sunnis and Shiites battle over religious differences that date back thousands of years. And, of course, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has its origins in competing claims for the same land that date back to passages in the Bible!
I have no great insight into what accounts for these differences, other than obvious statements about differences in the various cultures. And I know there are some exceptions to these generalizations. Still, it is some food for thought. It also gives me a glimmer of hope. If we can put aside old grudges maybe — someday — those in the Middle East will find a way to do the same.