The United States finds itself in a complex position as it navigates its Middle East policies amid the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While Israel remains its strongest ally in the region, the US also recognizes the need to maintain relationships with Arab partners. Recent pleas from dozens of countries and leaders to cease assaults on Gaza have been largely ignored or turned down by Israel, leading to increased tensions. However, in a surprise announcement, the White House has claimed that Israel will allow “limited pauses” in its military operations for humanitarian reasons. So far, no such pauses have occurred, but the promise remains.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has expressed his stance that Gaza should not be re-occupied by Israel and that Palestinians who fled Gaza City should be allowed to return. These statements come as the US has bolstered its military presence in the region, deploying two aircraft carrier battle groups in the Mediterranean and the Indian Ocean, and reinforcing friendly bases with additional air and land forces.
The situation in the Middle East is further complicated by various factors that the US must consider in formulating its policies. These include regional and global security, relations with Iran, oil and gas supplies, international shipping lanes, and the influence of Russia and China. The decisions made by the US in this regard have far-reaching implications.
The article highlights the challenges faced by the US due to the end of the bipolar world and its relations with Iran. During the Cold War, the division between the American-dominated West and Soviet-led Eastern Communism provided a clear framework for political allegiances in the Middle East. However, with the end of the Cold War, the US found itself in a more complex landscape.
The US experienced setbacks in its Middle East policies during the Trump administration, characterized by an off-the-hip approach and the influence of private inclinations. The lack of analytical capabilities and weakened oversight led to the US being drawn into successive wars with embarrassing outcomes. The hasty withdrawal from Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as involvement in the Syrian war, further highlighted the limits of US power and influence.
In light of these challenges, President Biden aims to demonstrate a more balanced approach in the region ahead of the 2024 elections. The goal is to show that the US still has the ability to mediate peace, even if it means addressing issues that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his cabinet may not want to hear.
Overall, the US Middle East policy faces complex dynamics as it navigates its relationship with Israel, its Arab partners, and the broader regional challenges. The ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict serves as a backdrop for these complexities, highlighting the need for strategic considerations and a nuanced approach.
