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.
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.
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.
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.
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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