Not to mention, helping Sunni minority (Saddam) in Iraq in the 80's too against Shia Iran.
American government (and people, unfortunately) are and had always been clueless regarding world politics.
You see what happens in that case?
You're still digging yourselves in, but don't worry it always comes back to stab you in the back and remind you how misinformed you really are.
Keep diggin' kunts-in-arms!