The Real Reason Behind Anti-American Protests

Huffington Post -- The pictures all seem to blur together. From Morocco to Indonesia, it has become difficult to differentiate between the widespread protests, between the anti-American chants, and even the black flags of Al Qaeda. But have the protests unfolding throughout the Islamic world really all been the same? Why have some turned violent and others haven't?

A hint: The answers have nothing to do with a pitiful film. They also have little to do with public opinion or even America.

The protests have unfolded -- and will continue to unfold -- differently in different countries because of one underlying reason: a crisis of authority. To understand why this is the case, you have to look closer at the four countries where protests have been most pronounced. (Full Story)

Avi Spiegel specializes in Middle Eastern and North African politics. He is an Assistant Professor of Political Science and International Relations at the University of San Diego, and a Fellow at the Strauss Center for International Security and Law at the University of Texas at Austin.