Originally posted by Isiah 2:4
I reckon its mainly because we have a tendency in Europe and maybe America to side with the perceived underdog, anywhere, regardless of context.

Also, generally we trust in our medias, and when they sustain an image or a plotline, with characters who can more or less be written to a script, its so much easier to gain attention and sell papers when you merely expand upon existing ideas or impressions about the conflict. Its like the Arab-Israeli conflict is a play, and each participant has their roles. Maybe its worse than that. A soap opera more like.
I think you have a point... the proverbial underdog. it explains it more soundly, then I did! Many people are basically self-absorbed... anything outside of their box they see the events in snippets... especially news.
As you said, a soap-opera, movie of the week, or whatever! Great thought!!