The global clash of emotions -

The global clash of emotions - Opinion - International Herald Tribune:

"Thirteen years ago, Samuel Huntington argued that a 'clash of civilizations' was about to dominate world politics. Events since then have proved Huntington's vision more right than wrong. It would be more correct, however, to speak of a 'clash of emotions.' The Western world displays a culture of fear, the Arab and Muslim worlds are trapped in a culture of humiliation, and much of Asia displays a culture of hope."

India and China are re-emerging after 250 years in the economic wilderness. After having lived through colonial exploitation and communist/socialist tyranny - the recent market forces unleashed in these countries are working magic. When you're going up up, doubling and tripling, from 80s levels of GDP $400-750 per capita, really fast it is hard not to be hopeful.