>My question: Why are we (America) so hated by some Arabs and Muslims?
>
>That we are hated to the point that individuals are willing to give up their life in the process of inflicting damage on America seems to be widely agreed. So why is this true?

Peter,

Some people who have less of an advantage in life are being told that they win immediate "points" in "heaven" by joining the "holy" war against "the evil ones" (pretty much anyone that is not in their group). Having someone to hate makes these types of people feel better. These types of people are very open to being manipulated by leaders of who's interest in leading leans more toward power than service.

It has very little to do with nations or religions and much to do with personalities and human nature.