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.
The Middle East has vast oil resources that are an important factor in the American economy. America would therefore never dream of losing hold of such allies. The allies in question include Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Morocco, Afghanistan, Kuwait and Turkey. Others are Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Pakistan. Their close ties with NATO have been a source of friction which makes relationships cold and strained.
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.
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.
Another issue that is likely to divide the Arab states is a nuclear agreement that was entered with Iraq. While America invaded the nation in an attempt to get rid of such weapons yet it has made an about turn. The government is not yet stable which poses a risk to her neighbors. Israel has been at the center of all nuclear confrontations with her neighbors. This is bound to raise tension among nations surrounding them for a long while.
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.
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 Middle East has vast oil resources that are an important factor in the American economy. America would therefore never dream of losing hold of such allies. The allies in question include Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Morocco, Afghanistan, Kuwait and Turkey. Others are Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Pakistan. Their close ties with NATO have been a source of friction which makes relationships cold and strained.
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.
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.
Another issue that is likely to divide the Arab states is a nuclear agreement that was entered with Iraq. While America invaded the nation in an attempt to get rid of such weapons yet it has made an about turn. The government is not yet stable which poses a risk to her neighbors. Israel has been at the center of all nuclear confrontations with her neighbors. This is bound to raise tension among nations surrounding them for a long while.
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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