Betty Crocker in Dante’s Inferno

Chapter 8 in Thomas Friedman’s

From Beirut to Jerusalem

Ruth Burrows

“I used to love visiting the Marine spokesman just for the opportunity to munch on their

baked goods, although, I have to admit, the practice left me feeling strangely out of sync

with the wider Beirut environment, as though I were nibbling Betty Crocker brownies in

Dante’s Inferno” (Friedman 190).

How does the chapter title relate to its content?

• Betty Crocker represents Americans.

• Entered Lebanon with naïveté and innocence

• Perceived Lebanon as a country similar to America– American politics, patriotism, and an

united nation under God

Chapter Title continued

• Americans were unprepared for the “inferno” of Lebanon

• Violent, bloody, full of hatred and unconventional politics

U.S. involvement in Lebanon• Began in April, 1982 when

President Ronald Regan dispatched 800 marines.

• Yasir Arafat “understood that the American umbrella covering the PLO’s withdrawal was the best insurance against Israel breaking its promise not to invade Beirut” (190).

An American Misconception

• Americans were optimistic about involvement in Lebanon.

• Mingled freely among Muslims and Palestinians.

Beginning of the “inferno”

• Bashir Gemayel was assassinated .

• Israel invaded West Beirut.

• Palestinians were massacred in Sabra and Shatila.

America was eager to solve Lebanon’s problems but only in American terms.– Rebuild Lebanon’s central government

and its army.• Alienated Muslims

Problems with America’s involvement

• Anger towards the U.S. rose

• Bombing of American Embassy

• Battle of Souk el-Gharb turned over U.S. peacekeeping mission.

• Muslims retaliated by bombing U.S. marine headquarters.

Conclusion

• Americans were not prepared for attacks/violence as well as the consequences of supporting Gemayel’s regime.

• Tipped the balance between factions in Lebanon.