The following is a study of the history and dynamics of the period commonly referred to as the "Cold War," and how the actions of the United States contributed to the rise of Militant Islamism and ultimately the so-called "Global War on Terror." This thesis considers several contributing factors to the situation including the history and religious background of the indigenous players, the actions of the international community and those of the United States. This thesis discusses the historiography of the situation as the story unfolds across the region. It attempts to offer an unvarnished assessment of how the United States' own actions in the region, combined with the rich historical background to lead to the inauguration of the Global War on Terrorism. This thesis offers a different take from the flat allegations of American imperialistic hegemony offered by many in the academic world, as well as maintaining distance from the simplistic and myopic opinions that are often espoused in the American version of events. Critical analysis of actions in the region must allow for both the Machiavellian and altruistic natures of the American government and people. Tying the long established history of the feud between Jews and Muslims to the massive conspiracies of the Cold War and ultimately to the rise of groups like Al Qaeda is often seen only from one perspective or another. This thesis seeks to correct that limited point of view and provide a better understanding of the situation.
