Cradle of Civilization? Bomb and invade it. Then starve it. Aren't we good?
What's this? Terrorism? They must hate us because we're free.
Graveyard of Empires? Bomb, invade, and occupy it. What could go wrong? Aren't we wise?
While we're at it, bomb and invade the Cradle again. And this time occupy it, for good measure. Aren't we exceptional?
Still more terrorism? They must hate us because we're awesome.