Articles

❯

Engaging the Middle East: The View from Washington

The Obama presidency begins at a time of great challenge and great opportunity in the Middle East. Iran continues to pursue nuclear weapons, U.S. relations with Syria have deteriorated, the Lebanese government is weak and fractured, and the conflict between Israel and Hamas threatens to exacerbate regional instability. However, the governments of Iraq and Afghanistan have become U.S. allies, the Persian Gulf states have deepened their ties with the U.S., and have committed to fighting terrorism and developing, democratic institutions—all of which makes possible a major strategic realignment in the region that would favor U.S. interests.