mercredi 19 février 2014

The Current US Foreign Policy In The Middle East

By Krystal Branch


World politics have influenced the current US foreign policy in the Middle East over the years. America has responded depending on shifting global issues and successive governments. The region was controlled by European countries before the world wars especially after they defeated the Ottoman Empire. This area is very sensitive and has mixed political, religious and social issues.

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.

Oil prices are an important factor when dealing with Middle East countries. This makes the region strategically important to American interests. The allies that exist in this area include Jordan, Israel, Kuwait, Turkey, Egypt, Morocco and Afghanistan. Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Qatar also fall among American allies. Their membership in Nato has always been questioned and led to cold relations with America.

Some ways used by America to maintain influence are hosting large military bases and weapon hauls, provision of military support during wars and humanitarian or economic aid. The increasing importance of nuclear weapons has also influenced the issues for this key region. Iraq was invaded by Bush administration with the aim of installing a friendly government. This has defined relationships with other countries considering the oil reserves and how strategic the country was.

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.

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.

Some Asian countries and Russia are asserting more influence at the Persian Gulf at the expense of America. The Syrian crisis revealed waning influence of America among Arab nations. America was considered responsible for the ouster of Mubarak despite his policies which were West-oriented. The fact that democrats and republicans have shown divergent policies on this region has led to instability.

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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