Wednesday, February 19, 2014

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.

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.

Escalating conflicts and the Arab spring have called for a rethinking of the handling of issues at the Persian Gulf. Russia is gaining a lot of influence in world issues and pulling some countries to its side. Syria presented a difficult test to America with the insufficiency of intervention by Obama administration highlighting loss of influence. The duration of the Syrian crisis has angered most countries allied to America.

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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