Paranoid, insensitive or snooty, perhaps all of that combined this is what I think of USA. I confess I have never set my foot on US soil but have always longed to go there. The negative reports post 26/11 have made me rethink. While I am not a Muslim or look dangerous I do not want to be in a place where I am not welcomed. Do I blame US? Yes and no.

The original occupants of USA were the rogue elements from UK not criminals but nonconformists. So instead of being exiled to Australia, they were banished to USA. There they drove away red Indians and with the help of black slaves exploited the riches of the continent. Soon they asserted there independence. Once slavery was abolished, it became known as a land of meritocracy – a place where hard work was rewarded amply.

Of course it was arrogant and had double standards. With the eclipse of UK, it asserted its place on the head of the high table and had a long cold war with Russia. Vietnam gave them a bloody nose yet they wanted to contain Russian influence in Kabul at any cost so they committed the same blunder which we did with LTTE. US supported ISI and Taliban, caring little for the long term consequences.

With the collapse of Russia it reassessed its position went for a working relationship with China and furiously went for the control of oil in the Middle East. This is where it earned the wrath of Muslims. The clash of 21st century and 16th century civilization was inevitable. What we know as terrorism is a fight between Muslims and Christians.

26/11 was a slap on its cheek when its soul was ripped apart. The violent reaction was inevitable. But Guatemala and Iraq attack as also deep suspicion of Muslims further widened the wedge. By being insensitive and revengeful it ensured resentment within moderates as well pushing them towards the arms of hardliners. Then purpose could have been achieved in a sensitive manner without heart burn. But while lecturing us to mend fences with Pakistan, they started treating every Muslim as the representative of Osama bin laden.

Will they learn their mistake and make amends, I doubt in the short term. So please expect much more alienation till like mending fences with China they are forced to realise their follies. I wonder despite Prez Obama being half Muslim he is not practicing what he preaches while in Middle East. So Muslims please be ready for more such shocks while proceeding to USA, if you do not want to have unnecessary heart burn. After all Khan is a four letter word.