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.

The view of Americans as untainted and respectable people existed before the Second World War. Americans were viewed as the source of modern medicine, education, oil experts and other transformational institutions. They did not display the duplicity and selfishness that was associated with Europeans. The sharing of natural resources, especially oil heralded a need to cement positions based on national interests.

The economy of America delicately requires oil and thus is always interested in such regions for personal security. This has made it necessary to have such allies as Jordan, Israel, Afghanistan, Morocco, Turkey, Egypt and Kuwait. Other allies of America include Qatar, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Some of these countries are closely tied to NATO which strains their relationship with America.

America has used military and weapon bases, financial aid and military support during war to ensure that their grip is not lost. Nuclear technology is a threat to old ties as different countries show interest. It has become a hot issue and created factions. The war in Iraq shook the American image as the Bush administration could not stomach a hostile government. The oil reserves in the country were too strategic for American economy.

The issues of the Persian Gulf were made worse by the Arab Spring. America has undergone a major test on its ability to maintain influence in this area. Syria has seen a conflict drag on for years now with the Obama Administration developing cold feet as it seeks a solution. This has made it an unreliable friend and revealed cracks in influence and control.

Arab states are divided by the debate on nuclear technology as different countries in this area show their interest in developing such systems. Iraq signed a deal with America that has brought tension between states who consider the government as unstable. The never ending conflict between Palestine and Israel is a major test and determines relationships between any nation and the region.

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.

Iran poses a big threat to the current US foreign policy in the Middle East. Some of the Gulf States are not comfortable with its nuclear ambitions. Bahrain has been vocal about this concern and has not wasted any opportunity to show displeasure. America seeks to safeguard its current allies and win new ones in the region.




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