I read many letters published in this section criticizing the United States and other western nations over their alleged role in the unrest in the Middle East and the Muslim world. We Muslims have to do away with the mentality of blaming others for our plight. While criticizing the US, we forget those billions of dollars that many countries across the Muslim world receive in aid for socioeconomic development. Those dollars usually end up in the pockets of our leaders. Should we blame the US for our politicians’ corruption?

Yes, the US policies have affected the Muslim world but it is all about politics. There is no free lunch in global politics. Everything comes at a price. Why should we expect US or any other country to act against its national interests?

Instead of criticizing others, we should reflect on our past mistakes and devise a balanced strategy to pull ourselves out of the current mess.