Thanks, Amos, for your well-thought out post. For many years, the United States was the destination for the best and brightest. Years ago, when I was at school, fellow students came from all over. My school was strong in the sciences and engineering. I remember particularly classmates from the Middle East, most supported by grants from their governments. Some of these students remained to become citizens, others returned home to teach American ways of doing things- but all that was gained has been lost.
Since that time, I believe U. S. policies have been largely responsible for the growth of anti-American governments and the alienation of the majority of peoples in that part of the world. Failure of the United States to recognize the valid aspirations of Middle Eastern peoples has led to frustration, hatred and the growth of actions against it.
Roadblocks put in the way of citizens of other nations, such as those from China, Brazil and other Latin American countries, are further contributing to the isolation of the United States.
Nations such as China and India are developing centers of excellence in technology as they struggle to succeed. I am afraid that in the future the U. S. will be hard-pressed to maintain its position.