America is at war. But who is the enemy America is fighting? This enemy, generally known as terrorism, lives in a different world from that of the American superpower. Terrorism is the product of decades of religious controversy, stories of deep national pride and what is seen as a violation of Islamic sacred grounds. Islamic fundamentalists in the Middle East view the American presence in Saudi Arabia as blasphemous and intolerable. The preservation of the face and the appearance of strength are key elements in the Middle Eastern world that are highlighted in various ways. Extreme humiliation and oppression are two of the factors involved in inciting desperate people who feel weak and ashamed to violent actions such as terrorism. Furthermore, Arab nations feel they must appear to have a superior position when taking part in foreign diplomatic negotiations. The internal climate of an Arab nation also plays a role in negotiations. Arab regimes must be constantly aware of their internal situation and must be sensitive to this political climate to prevent unrest and maintain internal stability. This world appears to be very different from the one the United States has lived in for so long. The September 11 attacks took the United States out of its little world and into a much more complex one. Yes, America is at war, but with whom? America is at war with a far more dangerous force that doesn't play by conventional rules. America is in an unwelcome position; he must learn to fight a war against an enemy he doesn't understand. This essay will attempt to begin to understand this enemy by understanding its surroundings. By necessity, current actions and policies... middle of paper... are very different from what the United States has lived under for so long. The 9/11 attack, however, took the United States out of its little world and into a much more complex one. Yes, America is at war, but with whom? America is at war with a far more dangerous force that doesn't play by conventional rules. America has been thrown into a world it doesn't understand, and learning to fight a war it was never a part of will be the challenge it faces. References1. Martin Kramer, September 16, 2014. http://www.tau.ac.il/jcss/tanotes/TAUnotes22.doc2. Harakat al-Muqawamah al-Islamiyya www.ict.org3. Israeli Foreign Ministry in Jerusalem www.ict.org4. Nizar Qabbani "I am with terrorism"5. Reuren Paz, May 2, 2014 http://www.wahingtoninstitute.org/watch/Peacewatch/peacewatch2014/323.html