Friday, February 21, 2014

Current US Foreign Policy In The Middle East

By Krystal Branch


The current US foreign policy in the Middle East has come under intense scrutiny especially due to shifting world concerns. The approach has been informed by politics of each generation or season which has prompted successive governments to respond differently. It is worth noting that before the world war, this region was of greater interest to Europe since the defeat of Ottoman rule.

America was regarded as non-partisan, respected and untainted before WWII. She brought the best education, medicine, professionals and especially oil engineers to the region. She acted in a mutual and friendly way and did not seem as selfish or acting with duplicity like the Europeans. The agreements entered regarding natural resources like oil made relations with countries in this area very important.

The Middle East has vast oil resources that are an important factor in the American economy. America would therefore never dream of losing hold of such allies. The allies in question include Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Morocco, Afghanistan, Kuwait and Turkey. Others are Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Pakistan. Their close ties with NATO have been a source of friction which makes relationships cold and strained.

Control of the area is exercised through aid, military support and hosting of major military bases. The nuclear weapons are also aimed at subduing rivalry with neighboring states so that total control can be exercised. The war in Iraq by the Bush administration was aimed at establishing a strong and supportive government that would safeguard American interests. The invasion shook the relationship with the world and called for an evaluation of policies regarding that region.

With the current conflict in Syria, there is a call for proactive approach in this region. The reentry of Russia into world politics has caused jitters in most regions and diluted American influence. There is evidence that America is loosing grip of the region especially after it failed to take a decisive action against Assad. Continued war has divided Arab states and made the intervention by America unwelcome.

Another issue that is likely to divide the Arab states is a nuclear agreement that was entered with Iraq. While America invaded the nation in an attempt to get rid of such weapons yet it has made an about turn. The government is not yet stable which poses a risk to her neighbors. Israel has been at the center of all nuclear confrontations with her neighbors. This is bound to raise tension among nations surrounding them for a long while.

Influence from other powers including Asia and Russia has caused jitters in Washington. The most recent is the Syrian crisis that is dragging way too much. America is also blamed for removal of Mubarak in Egypt despite his being pro-West for thirty years. There is a call for long term policy directions instead of the reactionary way that is influenced by the policies of the day.

The threat posed by radical Iranian authority is affecting the current US foreign policy in the Middle East. Her interest in nuclear technology and involvement in terrorism are to blame. One of the most vocal nations in this regard is the Bahrain government that does not hide its displeasure. The ability of America to safeguard her interest and win new allies is being tested.




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