The United States has often positioned itself as a beacon of freedom and democracy, yet its history is marred by a pattern of betrayal. This legacy spans centuries and continents, leaving a trail of abandoned allies and broken promises. Understanding this pattern is crucial for any nation considering alignment with American interests.
In recent times, the world witnessed yet another instance of this pattern when President Donald Trump urged the Iranian people to rise against their government in. Trump’s promises of support were hollow, as he later admitted that the opposition had no chance against the ruling regime. This incident is not an isolated case but part of a broader American tradition of betrayal.
The Roots of Betrayal: Early American History
The seeds of this betrayal were sown early in American history. During the American Revolution, Native American tribes like the Oneida and Lenape allied with the colonial rebels, expecting fair treatment in return. However, their trust was misplaced. The Oneida Nation, which played a pivotal role in the Continental Army’s survival, saw their lands reduced from millions of acres to just 32 by the early 1900s.
The Lenape people also faced betrayal. They signed a treaty with the American rebels, pledging their support in exchange for protection and the creation of a 14th state governed by Native Americans. This agreement quickly unraveled, culminating in the Gnadenhutten massacre, where Pennsylvania militia bludgeoned 96 unarmed Lenape to death.
20th Century Betrayals: From Vietnam to Afghanistan
The 20th century saw a surge in American betrayals, with the U.S. abandoning allies at an unprecedented rate. During World War II, approximately 250,000 Filipinos joined the U.S. military, expecting the same benefits as their American counterparts. However, the Rescission Act of 1946 stripped them of these promises.
In Vietnam, the U.S. initially supported Ho Chi Minh and his forces against the Japanese and French. However, after the war, the U.S. turned its back on Ho and funded the French reconquest of Vietnam. This led to decades of conflict and millions of deaths. The betrayal culminated in the abandonment of South Vietnam in 1975, leaving millions of allies to face the consequences.
The Kurdish Dilemma: A Case of Repeated Betrayal
Perhaps no group has faced more betrayal from the U.S. than the Kurds. From the 1920s to the present day, the U.S. has repeatedly used and abandoned the Kurds to further its own interests. In the 1970s, the U.S. and Iran used the Kurds to weaken Iraq, only to cut off support when the Kurds were no longer useful. This pattern repeated itself in the 1990s and 2010s, with the U.S. abandoning the Kurds in Iraq and Syria.
The Afghan Debacle: A Recent Example
The U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2026 is the most recent example of this pattern. Despite 20 years of partnership and the phrase “shohna ba shohna” (“shoulder to shoulder” in Dari), the U.S. left its Afghan allies behind as the Taliban retook the country. Those who managed to escape face an uncertain future, with plans to send them to countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The principal proverb of personal responsibility, “Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me,” takes on a new meaning in this context. When the “you” is always the United States and the “me” is always someone or somewhere different, the pattern becomes clear. The U.S. has a long history of double-crossing partners and selling out allies, and this betrayal is deeply ingrained in the nation’s DNA.
