US Foreign Policy in the Middle East: Recent Developments and Potential Implications
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030402-N-5362A-004.Southern, Iraq (Apr. 2, 2003) -- U.S. Army Sgt. Mark Phiffer stands guard duty near a burning oil well in the Rumaylah Oil Fields in Southern Iraq. Coalition forces have successfully secured the southern oil fields for the economic future of the Iraqi people and are in the process of extinguishing the burning wells that were set ablaze in the early stages of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Operation Iraqi Freedom is the multi-national coalition effort to liberate the Iraqi people, eliminate Iraq's weapons of mass destruction and end the regime of Saddam Hussein. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 1st Class Arlo K. Abrahamson. (RELEASED).
The Middle East, a region rich in natural resources and cultural heritage, has long been a focal point of international politics. The United States, as a global superpower, has maintained a significant presence in the region, shaping its foreign policy through various administrations. Recently, there have been significant developments in the US foreign policy in the Middle East, which have potential implications for the region and the world at large.
One of the most notable developments is the US response to attacks on its forces in the Middle East. In February 2024, the United States and the United Kingdom launched airstrikes against Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen and Iraq as part of retaliation for the killing of three US service members and the injuring of more than 40 others in Jordan along the Syrian border. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan vowed “further action” against Iran-backed terrorists in the Middle East while insisting that President Biden is “not looking to get into a war.”
The US strikes against the Houthis and Iran-backed militias in Iraq and Syria have been met with criticism from some quarters. Some argue that the Biden administration should have responded before the three US casualties, given that there have been over 150 attacks on US troops since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel. Others contend that the US response is an example of appeasement towards Iran.
However, the US has a long history of responding to attacks on its forces in the Middle East. Since the beginning of the US involvement in the region, there have been numerous instances of US military action against militias and terrorist groups. The US has also taken steps to defend its interests and allies in the region, such as the deployment of troops to protect its allies in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Another significant development in US foreign policy in the Middle East is the growing tensions between Iran and the US. Iran has issued a warning to the US over potentially targeting two cargo ships in the Middle East, the Behshad and Saviz, which are suspected of serving as a forwarding operating base for Iranian commandos. The growing unease over the US strikes in recent days in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen targeting militias backed by the Islamic Republic has led to increased tensions between the two countries.
The US and Iran have a long and complex history, marked by conflict and diplomacy. The US has imposed economic sanctions on Iran, which has led to tensions between the two countries. Iran has responded by threatening to close the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial shipping lane for oil exports from the Middle East. The US has also accused Iran of supporting terrorist groups and engaging in cyberattacks against US targets.
Despite the tensions, there have been attempts to engage in diplomacy between the US and Iran. In 2015, the US and other world powers reached a nuclear deal with Iran, which placed limits on Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions. However, the deal has been criticized by some, who argue that it did not go far enough in addressing Iran’s nuclear program or its support for terrorist groups.
The recent developments in US foreign policy in the Middle East have potential implications for the region and the world at large. The US response to attacks on its forces in the Middle East and the growing tensions between the US and Iran could lead to further instability in the region. The US presence in the Middle East also has implications for US relations with other countries in the region, such as Saudi Arabia and Iran.
In conclusion, the recent developments in US foreign policy in the Middle East, including the US response to attacks on its forces and the growing tensions between the US and Iran, have potential implications for the region and the world at large. The US has a long history of involvement in the Middle East, and its foreign policy in the region has shaped international politics for decades. As the situation in the Middle East continues to evolve, it will be important for the US to consider the potential implications of its actions and engage in diplomacy where possible.
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