Influence of the First Crusade on the Current Situation in the Middle East

The Medieval Crusades have fundamentally shaped the Christian and Muslim world for almost a thousand years. The First Crusade was the start of the crusading period and as such, is the critical historical event that defines the relationship between Islam and America today. The interaction between the Franks and the Saracens during the First Crusade further developed the clash of cultures that began when Islam invaded Western Europe in the eighth century. Both cultures define their interaction during the First Crusade in a different way and from opposing points of view. Although Muslim and American scholars agree on some of the basic facts of the First Crusade, such as dates and outcome of battles, their historical interpretations of who did what and who was justified often starkly contrast each other. This gap in historical facts and interpretations highlights part of the current problem in the Middle East. Both sides believe that they are justified in their actions. Americans believe that their actions in the Middle East are moral and good. Islamic fundamentalists believe that Allah legitimizes their actions in the Middle East and around the world. "God Wills It!" Neither side acknowledges the validity of the opposing point of view, nor can they, given their religious (Arab Islamic) and ideological (American) justifications.