Changing political environment has placed the current US foreign policy in the Middle East under test. Different governments over the years have shown disparity in their tackling of issues affecting the region. The sensitivity of this relationship reminds people that the region was strategically a European stronghold considering that they defeated the Ottoman rule.
The view of Americans as untainted and respectable people existed before the Second World War. Americans were viewed as the source of modern medicine, education, oil experts and other transformational institutions. They did not display the duplicity and selfishness that was associated with Europeans. The sharing of natural resources, especially oil heralded a need to cement positions based on national interests.
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.
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.
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.
Russian and Asian economic giants are gaining ground by offering better deals than America. Russia has been at the center of the Syrian crisis at the expense of America. The instability in Egypt is blamed on American indecisiveness which saw Mubarak forcibly removed despite his pro-west stand. The unstable policies guided by change in governance are causing concerns to Gulf States.
Iran poses a big threat to the current US foreign policy in the Middle East. Some of the Gulf States are not comfortable with its nuclear ambitions. Bahrain has been vocal about this concern and has not wasted any opportunity to show displeasure. America seeks to safeguard its current allies and win new ones in the region.
The view of Americans as untainted and respectable people existed before the Second World War. Americans were viewed as the source of modern medicine, education, oil experts and other transformational institutions. They did not display the duplicity and selfishness that was associated with Europeans. The sharing of natural resources, especially oil heralded a need to cement positions based on national interests.
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.
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.
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.
Russian and Asian economic giants are gaining ground by offering better deals than America. Russia has been at the center of the Syrian crisis at the expense of America. The instability in Egypt is blamed on American indecisiveness which saw Mubarak forcibly removed despite his pro-west stand. The unstable policies guided by change in governance are causing concerns to Gulf States.
Iran poses a big threat to the current US foreign policy in the Middle East. Some of the Gulf States are not comfortable with its nuclear ambitions. Bahrain has been vocal about this concern and has not wasted any opportunity to show displeasure. America seeks to safeguard its current allies and win new ones in the region.
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