That's not 100% accurate. The US did nothing to stop the IRA, and many American's knowingly contributed money to the IRA on a regular basis. Until 9/11 the US didn't oppose ALL forms of terrorism. |
That was the "tried" to part. It's not always to recognize terrorist activity. However, when we identify it, we try to fight against it. But, priority is to protect our own country.
People will bitch about the US no matter what. If we don't protect the world, then we are not doing enough. If we try to protect the world, then we are just being monsters picking on the rest of the world. You can't have it both ways. All we can do is try to protect our own.