The United States was the sole western nation largely anticipated to exemplify a just and novel approach towards colonialism and the suppression of peoples. Following the war, these methods were repurposed and employed under different guises and titles. Consequently, when the oppressed populations realized that European nations were consistently misleading them, they turned to the United States.
American actions such as openly advocating for the rights of weaker nations, terminating all international agreements containing concealed terms or confidential clauses, and straightforward diplomacy led people to view the United States as an equitable country with no aims other than worldwide justice aligned with fundamental human and national rights. However, after the U.S. endorsed France's mandate over Syria (despite its awareness of the injustices and severe tyranny France was imposing there), more truths were unveiled to people in the East, particularly Syrians. They became aware of previously unknown issues which either altered or will alter their perceptions of the United States' ethical standards and benevolent intentions. Moreover, these revelations also cast doubt on the integrity of other Western countries.
In truth, the world had hoped that America would serve as a conduit for political and ethical dialogue and comprehension between East and West. Alas, these expectations were gravely let down by the Americans. Once considered a friend by the East, they now view the United States as no different from other western nations who delight in dominating and enslaving other peoples and lands. Thus, if Eastern peoples were to distance themselves from America due to recent revelations, it would be the fault of the United States alone. The East sought closer ties with America and desired to maintain favorable relations; however, America severed those bonds of friendship and chose to lose Eastern peoples' respect and goodwill.
The United States was the first country to betray President Woodrow Wilson's principles while its press hypocritically condemned Germany when its ambassador refused to fly their flag at half-mast following President Wilson's death. The German ambassador's refusal stemmed from the President's involvement in European affairs that brought substantial suffering to Germany. More importantly, it was the American people who should have been reprimanded for forsaking Wilson and disregarding his principles.
The United States dispatched an investigative commission to Syria to ascertain Syrians' opinions and wishes regarding self-determination. The Americans learned from this commission that any form of protection, guardianship, or supervision starkly contradicted the authentic aspirations and national sentiments of the Syrian people. It was unimaginable that the United States would officially recognize France's mandate over Syria after boasting about its ethical uprightness and support for humankind. Nevertheless, Syrians should express gratitude to both divine providence and their circumstances for withstanding such a painful experience. Eastern nations should glean valuable lessons from this ordeal.
The enticing allure of the US dollar seems to have obscured the sight of Americans, morphing them into ruthless supporters of aggression against other nations' freedom, regardless of the ramifications of such appalling actions. Consequently, they have upset peace-loving countries that once held them in high esteem – countries that believed in an aspect of American loyalty that had become woefully lacking in the West. The Americans have wounded these nations' pride and punished them simply for their admiration of the United States. Some of these countries have lost countless young lives in horrific battles that lacked any concern for honor. Ultimately, this shameful deed will catch up with Americans.
I am uncertain about the justifications Americans offer for their disgraceful choice to support France's mandate over Syria, though I do know that nothing could sufficiently excuse this decision in the eyes of others. It is unforgivable even under unique circumstances, so how can it be acceptable under regular conditions that transform simple ratification into direct complicity against Syria's liberty and rights?
From initial evidence, it seems the United States had utilized ratification as a means to expand its extraterritorial rights or exclusive benefits provided through the Capitulations to its citizens. This constitutes a blatant act of aggression against Syria's freedom since the United States effectively adopted privileges resulting from said aggression.
Now, let's examine these advantages and how they serve the interests of both America and its citizens, convincing the US to willingly categorize itself alongside hostile countries and accept responsibility for aggression's destructive consequences before witnesses worldwide and throughout history. Germany, a nation surpassing America in numerous ways, previously followed this path, leading to disaster when it provoked global fury after attacking Belgium until it exhausted military alternatives.
It is well known amongst both Americans and Syrians that there are so few US citizens residing in Syria that they hardly warrant acknowledgment. Additionally, they recognize that prior to the US ratification of France's mandate in Syria, these Americans enjoyed numerous privileges primarily due to the positive perception that Syrians had of the American people. This admiration stemmed from the thought that Americans belonged to a nation devoid of unchecked or imperial intentions, seeking justice between people and nations, not engaging in aggression, remaining impartial while avoiding favoritism, and refraining from supporting oppressors. In fact, Syrians granted these American residents greater respect than any other foreign nationals throughout the country, irrespective of whether they obtained benefits through imperial advantages.
Many Syrians once admired and envied the Americans for the respect they garnered wherever they went. Even the French, who had special privileges under colonial rule, felt jealousy and sorrow, as they didn't feel as comfortable or welcomed as the Americans and were often ignored by the locals. What was it that the Americans lacked during that time, and what extra advantages could their government have acquired from France in return for approving its mandate over Syria?
It appears to me that the only thing missing for Americans in Syria was a reason to drive Syrians away from them and provoke their hatred towards the United States. While many attempts to distance the Syrians from the Americans were unsuccessful, America succeeded remarkably where others failed. They requested to be detested, and quite frankly, they obtained exactly what they desired. All we can do now is join in with our popular mir'at al-Gharb saying, "Long live the American Dollar!"
The Americans wanted equality with the French in Syria. Let them have their request; Syrians have nothing to lose while Americans risk losing their revered position and the trust of the Syrian people. If, in future days, Americans find themselves shunned by Syrian patriots for disrespecting Syria's dignity, they will likely blame Syrians for all issues both large and small, accusing them of being barbaric and savage despite Syrian innocence. What would stop them? Their dormant consciences? Their hardened hearts? Their tainted emotions? Their unyielding minds? Their empty humanity? A scarcity of statesmen? No. Nothing can prevent them.
In upcoming years, it will be recorded in history that the United States has fallen from universal morality and humanism, similarly to great France before it. The United States should know that no matter how prosperous or powerful its dollar becomes, it cannot obscure historical vision.
The United States previously attempted to infringe upon Syrian dignity and hurt its national sentiment when U.S Congress embraced the Balfour Declaration, designating Palestine as a Jewish national homeland. Syrians patiently endured that blow. Then came the American endorsement of French colonization in Syria, which Syrians never believed the United States would do. It seems that America has a hidden motive beyond its pursuit of extra privilege—it wants to demonstrate to the world its deficiency of honorable individuals, as nobody in the country stood up to condemn their government's aggression toward a small, peaceful nation that had saved countless lives defending the United States and its flag. From this viewpoint, America has successfully accomplished its goal.
The United States' support for France's colonial control in Syria is an appalling injustice and one of the most heinous acts of aggression ever witnessed. It shouldn't be shocking if it contributes to the decline of the United States. However, what is strange is that the United States keeps boasting about its democratic principles and sense of fairness and decency, despite its deplorable conduct. They assume that the world will be swayed by such hollow rhetoric and unbelievable assertions. This is a grave miscalculation and significant lack of foresight on behalf of the United States. In fact, the world no longer views American financial aid to other countries as humanitarian efforts because the U.S. has become an accomplice in undermining these nations' liberty and inherent rights.
The United States must realize that money cannot undo the harm it has inflicted by supporting colonial rule in Syria without proper justification after extensively studying the situation for months or even years. The Americans should have dismissed this issue, as it held no real significance for them, and maintained their esteemed position in the hearts of not only the Syrian people but also Eastern communities and nations at large. Their once-respected standing in the global community has been jeopardized. Now, what are the chances we can find someone who will persuade the U.S. to heed the call for justice and reassess their decision?
The instant the United States granted approval for France's colonization of Syria, knowing well beforehand the suffering it would bring upon Syria, historical judgment was cast, causing America's moral standing to plummet shamefully. The U.S. will remain trapped in this state until they choose to alter their ways. Regardless, their endorsement of French colonization will persist as a dark stain on American history until time ceases to exist.