Introduction
The dynamics of political intrigues in the Middle East has incessantly caused worries for the United States of America. America has vast interests in the stability of the region for the simple fact that the Middle East is at a very strategic and focal position to meet some of the interests of the American government.
After world war two, the quest for peace by the world governments began in earnest. Stability was needed for the reconstruction during the post war era. However, a new challenge was gradually emerging and it threatened to polarize the globe right in the middle – the capitalism and communism ideology. This paper seeks to explore some of the interests and goals of the American government towards the Middle East after the Second World War.
The discovery of oil in the Middle East witnessed an increased American interest in the region. Washington, in an attempt to meet the immense demand for energy to drive its consumer demands, had to form a close partnership with the Middle East region. The partnership between Saudi Arabia and the US, for instance, was based on assisting Saudi Arabia with the technical capacity and know how to drill and to refine oil even as it seeks to obtain the precious commodity from Saudi Arabia and the other Middle Eastern states. In my opinion, the American government is working in the best interest of the nation in its dealing with Middle East. Supporting its industrial and financial growth would obviously require the input of oil and its products.
Post war era
Ideological split between the communists and the capitalists saw the American government move in haste to “secure” Middle East from the proponents of communism led by the USSR. The spread of communism to the Middle East would hurt the American dream of a more liberal society embedded on the ideological bedrock of capitalism; this as well, enhanced their activity in the area. Egypt, for instance, would form an important partner in curbing the spread of communism through to the African continent. It is important to note that the American government was simply focused on defending what it believes in. The spread of communism would pose immense global challenges especially on human rights issues and social liberty.
America had incessantly advocated for an independent and sovereign Israel. The American government had recognised the existence of Israel as a nation despite the brewing controversy that clouded the creation of the Jewish state. Personally, I support the existence of Israel as a sovereign state. The American government, in its desire to solve the Israeli – Arab stalemate, had to establish themselves as close allies of the Arab nations in the Middle East.
The fact is that, the existence of a sovereign Israeli nation was a concern for the Arab states. It was in the interest of the American government to commit to solve the problem that invariantly posed a threat of war between Israel and the other Arabic states. After recognition of the Israeli state, America had a moral obligation to cement peace to foster stability and its relationship with Israel.
The Eisenhower administration played a focal role in maintaining the stability of this region. In 1956, for instance, Egypt nationalised the Suez Canal thus creating tension with France and Britain. The tension eventually lead to war when France and Britain attacked Egypt. Eisenhower, in his bid to retain the stability in Middle East, refused to join that war. In addition to that, the US president worked tirelessly to end the war and convinced Britain and France to stop the onslaught. Such acts showed that the Middle East is indeed a very strategic region that Washington wholesomely relies on; therefore risking instability in the area would out rightly jeopardize the American interests in the region.
Recently, the Middle East has witnessed an intense uprising based on political revolutions that saw several regimes being deposed. American has played a very significant role in trying to pacify the antagonists. This essentially affirms the American widespread interest in stability in the region. Through its advocacy for a terrorism free society, America has carefully chosen to deal with the Middle East conflicts in a balanced manner with a view to finding allies who would assist in its fight against terrorism.
Conclusion
In my view, I think that the engagement of the US in the Middle East has been a tactical one. Any political instability in the Middle East is a global concern for all the countries that rely in the oil produced from the area. Secondly, the goal of fighting terrorism and cementing good working relationship with the Arab nations is widely dependent on America’s stand on the Middle East issues. I personally feel that the strategy of the United States is indeed very effective and works in tandem with the global agenda of establishing a new world order that respects human dignity, the rule of law and also promotes the global peace