Originally Posted by Dollarmansteve

Why would the United States, as a rational national actor 'care' about the 'feelings' of a group of people who already 'hate' them. It makes no difference if people in the middle east hate the US 'more'. If you think that Iran or some terrorist is sitting around going "Man I really hate the US.. but i wont do anything yet, but lemme tell you if they send another aircraft carrier make me MORE MAD then Im really gonna fuck them up" then you are deluding yourself.

Anyone who wants to harm the US/west doesnt need a tipping point - save it be for political reasons. Unlike the US however, domestic politics in the middle east is a farce. Crazy totalitarian leaders dont worry about the latest approval ratings or re-election.