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*A historical focus for Europe’s greed* Those familiar with the history of the region will recognise the features of today’s invasions and occupations in those of the bloody campaigns pursued by the European powers of the past. The ruthless crusades of the Middle Ages during which western European feudal lords plundered the riches of the Middle East, initially claiming to be defending a small group of Maronite Christians living in what is now Lebanon, caused havoc. But partly due to their acquisitions and also to the development of sea routes to the far east and Americas, Europe’s attentions eventually – but temporarily – switched away from the region. Of course, because the main overland trading route between Asia and Europe passed through the region, it always remained a focus for rivalries between the different western European powers, notably France and England, and later Germany. This meant that for nearly six centuries following the end of the Crusades, it was. . . full at: https://rdln.wordpress.com/2015/04/06/the-middle-east-blowback-from-the-iraq-war/ _________________________________________________________ Full posting guidelines at: http://www.marxmail.org/sub.htm Set your options at: http://lists.csbs.utah.edu/options/marxism/archive%40mail-archive.com
