Analysis & Opinions - Foreign Affairs
Does the U.S. Have the Wrong Middle East Strategy?
Events in the Middle East tend to have serious policy implications for the United States given the range of important U.S. economic, political, counterterrorism, and broader military interests in the region. Although there is a healthy debate to be had about where the Middle East might fit into a potential recalibration or rebalancing of U.S. global priorities, at this juncture I don’t believe it would be in U.S. interests to turn its back on the region’s crises and just hope for the best. That said, the historical record shows that there is tremendous room for improvement when it comes to the effectiveness of U.S. policies in achieving the country’s larger strategic objectives or helping resolve underlying causes of conflict in the region. Moreover, although the United States may at times have an important role to play, the challenges facing the Middle East are likely to only be fundamentally resolved from within and over time.
Want to Read More?
The full text of this publication is available via the original publication source.
For more information on this publication:
Belfer Communications Office
For Academic Citation:
Nowrouzzadeh, Sahar.“Does the U.S. Have the Wrong Middle East Strategy?.” Foreign Affairs, December 11, 2018.
- Recommended
- In the Spotlight
- Most Viewed
Recommended
News
- Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School
Belfer Center Experts on U.S. Withdrawal from the Iran Nuclear Deal
Analysis & Opinions
- The National Interest
Recognizing the Limitations of American Influence in Iran
In the Spotlight
Most Viewed
Analysis & Opinions
- Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists
To Enhance National Security, the Biden Administration Will Have to Trim an Exorbitant Defense Wish List
Journal Article
- Research Policy
The Relationship Between Science and Technology
Book Chapter
Russian Presidential Election, Basic Election Facts
Events in the Middle East tend to have serious policy implications for the United States given the range of important U.S. economic, political, counterterrorism, and broader military interests in the region. Although there is a healthy debate to be had about where the Middle East might fit into a potential recalibration or rebalancing of U.S. global priorities, at this juncture I don’t believe it would be in U.S. interests to turn its back on the region’s crises and just hope for the best. That said, the historical record shows that there is tremendous room for improvement when it comes to the effectiveness of U.S. policies in achieving the country’s larger strategic objectives or helping resolve underlying causes of conflict in the region. Moreover, although the United States may at times have an important role to play, the challenges facing the Middle East are likely to only be fundamentally resolved from within and over time.
Want to Read More?
The full text of this publication is available via the original publication source.- Recommended
- In the Spotlight
- Most Viewed
Recommended
News - Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School
Belfer Center Experts on U.S. Withdrawal from the Iran Nuclear Deal
Analysis & Opinions - The National Interest
Recognizing the Limitations of American Influence in Iran
In the Spotlight
Most Viewed
Analysis & Opinions - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists
To Enhance National Security, the Biden Administration Will Have to Trim an Exorbitant Defense Wish List
Journal Article - Research Policy
The Relationship Between Science and Technology
Book Chapter
Russian Presidential Election, Basic Election Facts