[Intro – 0:00–0:45]
(Cinematic tone. Slow instrumental background — dramatic yet neutral.)
Kelvin Jasi (narration):
Not every country waves the American flag with open arms.
Across the world, the influence of the United States is powerful — but it’s not always welcome. From the Middle East to Asia, from Africa to Latin America, history has left behind deep scars. Wars, sanctions, coups, and cultural dominance have all played a part in shaping how people feel about America — and not all those feelings are positive.
Today on Yekare History, we look at 15 countries where Americans are not exactly welcome. Whether through government bans, anti-U.S. sentiment, or deep historical resentment, these nations have grown wary of what the “land of the free” represents.
Let’s count them down — from 15 to 1.
#15. China
For decades, China and the United States have been rivals — economically, politically, and ideologically.
In recent years, tensions have skyrocketed over trade wars, technology bans, and the issue of Taiwan. Many Chinese citizens view Americans not as tourists, but as potential spies or agitators.
American journalists are closely monitored, and tourists face heavy scrutiny. Even online, U.S.-linked accounts are often targeted for spreading “Western propaganda.” In this new Cold War, being American in China can mean living under quiet suspicion.
#14. Turkey
Turkey is a complicated ally — a NATO member, yet a fierce critic of U.S. policy. Relations soured after America supported Kurdish fighters in Syria, whom Turkey considers terrorists.
Since the 2016 failed coup, anti-American rhetoric has increased sharply. Turkish media often accuse Washington of trying to destabilize the government.
Tourists from the U.S. might still visit Istanbul’s wonders — but beneath the surface, resentment simmers. The American passport, once a symbol of privilege, now attracts cautious glances in Ankara.
#13. Venezuela
In 2019, when the U.S. recognized opposition leader Juan Guaidó as Venezuela’s “legitimate president,” relations officially collapsed.
American sanctions crushed the economy further, and state media labeled the U.S. as the architect of Venezuela’s suffering.
Today, the Venezuelan government often accuses Washington of plotting coups or oil theft. Americans are rare in Caracas — and when they appear, they’re watched closely. Here, the “Yankee” symbolizes decades of imperial arrogance and economic meddling.
#12. Russia
Since the invasion of Ukraine, U.S.–Russia relations have reached their lowest point since the Cold War. The Kremlin calls America the “main enemy,” and propaganda paints Americans as warmongers.
Most U.S. citizens have been advised to leave Russia. Those who remain face harassment, arrest risks, and suspicion of espionage. Even before the war, resentment was growing — but today, for many Russians, America is synonymous with sanctions and hypocrisy.
#11. Cuba
Cuba has lived under U.S. sanctions for more than 60 years. The Cold War embargo, meant to crush communism, instead became part of Cuban identity — resistance against “the empire.”
Although tourism reopened briefly under Obama, Trump reinstated restrictions, and relations remain cold. Many Cubans distrust U.S. visitors, suspecting them of working for intelligence agencies or pushing political agendas.
Cuba’s story is one of survival — a small island standing firm against a superpower.
#10. Iran
Since the 1979 revolution, Iran has called the United States “The Great Satan.” The CIA-backed coup of 1953, which overthrew Prime Minister Mossadegh, remains a painful memory.
Iran accuses the U.S. of decades of interference — sanctions, assassinations, and propaganda. Americans are strictly banned from visiting unless under tightly controlled conditions. For many Iranians, the U.S. represents both cultural temptation and political corruption — a powerful enemy wrapped in Hollywood glamour.
#9. North Korea
Few places on Earth are more closed than North Korea. After the tragic death of Otto Warmbier, an American student detained for allegedly stealing a poster, Washington banned all U.S. travel to the country.
Inside North Korea, citizens are taught from birth that America is evil — a ruthless empire that tried to destroy their land. U.S. visitors are viewed as spies or potential propaganda tools. Even in the 21st century, the Korean War never truly ended — it just froze.
#8. Syria
A decade of war, fueled in part by U.S. involvement, has left Syria in ruins. Washington backed opposition groups and bombed targets linked to the Assad regime.
For many Syrians, America’s “war on terror” turned their homeland into a battlefield. Journalists, aid workers, and travelers face danger from both the regime and militant groups who see the U.S. as the enemy. In Syria, being American is not just risky — it’s life-threatening.
#7. Afghanistan
After 20 years of U.S. occupation, the Taliban returned to power in 2021. The withdrawal left chaos — and resentment.
Many Afghans remember drone strikes, civilian casualties, and broken promises. The Taliban government views America as an invader. Even ordinary people, weary from decades of conflict, blame the U.S. for their suffering.
Today, Afghanistan is a graveyard of empires — and America, its most recent ghost.
#6. Yemen
The war in Yemen has been one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. The U.S. supported Saudi Arabia’s bombing campaign, leading to thousands of civilian deaths.
As a result, American presence is unwelcome. Both rebels and civilians associate Washington with the destruction of homes, hospitals, and lives.
It’s another tragic example of how geopolitical interests can erase humanity on the ground.
#5. Libya
Once a thriving African nation under Muammar Gaddafi, Libya descended into chaos after U.S.-led NATO strikes toppled its leader in 2011.
Today, Libya is divided among rival militias, with no strong central government. Many Libyans blame America for destroying their stability and leaving them in perpetual war.
For Americans, entering Libya is nearly impossible — and unwelcome. The ghosts of the 2011 bombings still linger.
#4. Pakistan
America’s relationship with Pakistan is one of contradiction — allies on paper, adversaries in practice. U.S. drone strikes in Pakistan’s tribal areas killed hundreds of civilians, creating deep resentment.
After Osama bin Laden’s death in Abbottabad, anti-American protests erupted. Many Pakistanis believe Washington disrespects their sovereignty. While urban elites might tolerate U.S. presence, rural communities remain hostile.
To some, America is seen as a friend who betrayed — and then bombed — them.
#3. Somalia
For decades, Somalia has been portrayed through the lens of piracy, famine, and terrorism. But many Somalis trace their instability back to Western interference — especially U.S. military actions in the 1990s.
The 1993 “Black Hawk Down” incident, where American soldiers were killed in Mogadishu, left deep scars. Since then, anti-American militias like al-Shabaab have flourished, fueled by resentment and revenge.
Today, Americans are banned, targeted, or kidnapped. Somalia remains one of the most dangerous places for any Westerner.
#2. Sudan
Sudan spent years on the U.S. “state sponsors of terrorism” list. Decades of sanctions isolated the country and crippled its economy.
Even after political changes, many Sudanese still view America as a bully that punished them collectively.
With conflict reigniting between rival factions, foreigners — especially Americans — are seen as outsiders meddling in local affairs.
#1. Iraq
And at number one — Iraq.
The 2003 U.S. invasion, based on false claims of “weapons of mass destruction,” destroyed a nation and destabilized a region. Hundreds of thousands of civilians died. The country descended into chaos, sectarian war, and foreign occupation.
Today, Iraqis still live with the aftermath — broken cities, trauma, and mistrust.
For many Iraqis, the word “America” is synonymous with occupation, oil, and blood.
Even though U.S. troops remain under the banner of “security cooperation,” the damage is already done. Iraq is the ultimate symbol of how interventionism turns liberation into resentment.
[Analysis – 8:00–9:00]
Across these 15 countries, patterns emerge. The U.S. claims to promote freedom — yet its military bases, sanctions, and foreign policy often produce the opposite: instability, anger, and resistance.
For some nations, America represents opportunity — democracy, progress, and prosperity. But for others, it represents empire — a force that decides who rules and who falls.
Being American abroad is not always a privilege. Sometimes, it’s a reminder of history — of wars fought, resources taken, and promises broken.
[Yekare History Shop Promotion – 9:00–9:30]
Before you go — remember that history isn’t just what we read. It’s what we wear and represent.
Visit the Yekare History Shop — where our culture, resilience, and truth come alive through fashion, art, and storytelling.
From ancient symbols to Pan-African pride — wear history, and carry the spirit of knowledge wherever you go.
(Link in the video description.)
[Closing – 9:30–10:00]
The story of America abroad is one of contradictions — power and fear, admiration and hatred, liberty and domination.
As the world shifts toward new alliances, one question remains:
Can the United States rebuild trust where it once spread fear?
This is Yekare History — telling global stories through African eyes.