The Current US Foreign Policy In The Middle East
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 image of America, especially before world wars, was an untainted, respectful and non-partisan friend. They were credited for developing the best oil engineers, work force, medicine and the best education institutions. Compared to the Americans, the Europeans passed as selfish and unreliable because of their duplicity. Natural resources, and especially oil, have made the region strategically important to world powers. The deposits can easily determine global crude oil prices.
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.
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.
Nuclear technology remains a hot topic for Arab states and is placing this region at a precarious position. The entry of Iraq into the league in recent months through an agreement with America is an issue of concern to other allies. Its government is yet to stabilize which is considered a great risk. Israel and her battles with Palestine is the another source of conflict and tension.
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 current US foreign policy in the Middle East is facing a test from Iran. She has shown persistent interest in nuclear weapons and is blamed for supporting terrorism. Bahrain has openly shown displeasure with these developments. America is finding it difficult to hold on to old allies in the wake of changing global interests.
The image of America, especially before world wars, was an untainted, respectful and non-partisan friend. They were credited for developing the best oil engineers, work force, medicine and the best education institutions. Compared to the Americans, the Europeans passed as selfish and unreliable because of their duplicity. Natural resources, and especially oil, have made the region strategically important to world powers. The deposits can easily determine global crude oil prices.
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.
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.
Nuclear technology remains a hot topic for Arab states and is placing this region at a precarious position. The entry of Iraq into the league in recent months through an agreement with America is an issue of concern to other allies. Its government is yet to stabilize which is considered a great risk. Israel and her battles with Palestine is the another source of conflict and tension.
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 current US foreign policy in the Middle East is facing a test from Iran. She has shown persistent interest in nuclear weapons and is blamed for supporting terrorism. Bahrain has openly shown displeasure with these developments. America is finding it difficult to hold on to old allies in the wake of changing global interests.
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