Perry,

I don't buy into the idea of the US as bogeyman. The problem is that your military (and by extension your national morality) is under the spotlight with every little issue held up for criticism and sloganeering. Almost impossible to beat, btw- issues like the White Phosphorus matter do not help when the media has a vested interest in getting generals and politicians running for cover, even if it does cement negativity in the minds of people in the middle east. Which is why IMHO you need to get other nations in there. Get the French involved. The media soon loses interest when every faux breathless "scandal" is greeted by a gallic shrug.