Only the side-issue of politics inserted an occasional bit of uneasiness. In both of these countries, as in an increasing number of places around the globe, I suspect, it is uncomfortable and perhaps perilous to admit being American. The citizens of both Lebanon and Cyprus readily made the distinction between us as American people and the policies of the U.S. government. We found all with whom we had significant contact to be ready to accept us warmly for ourselves.
People are naturally curious and are free to ask where their visitors come from.
For both it was generalized as the symbol of superpower aggressive dominance and the obvious double standard of punishment that we apply in the region. Cypriots want to know why we turn a blind eye to Turkey's abominable human rights record, and instead provide their adversary with extraordinary military and economic benefits. In war-ravaged Lebanon, it becomes even more personal. They see America as being complicit in the Israeli occupation of their lands and as the principal provider of the weapons used to inflict harm against their people on a daily basis. Fortunately for us, the people of Lebanon and Cyprus, as well as the Palestinians, do not hold Linda and me responsible for those U.S. policies and actions.