Middle Eastern countries are in turmoil due to internal and external conflicts. American middle eastern policy depends mainly on Oil and Israel. After the collapse of Soviet Union, there was no one to challenge United States dominance in the region. As the time passes the US is losing its grip on the Middle East. This is creating an opportunity for India, China, and Russia.

Americans are active in the Middle East since near birth of their nation. The actual presence and foreign policy changes happened after World War 2. The United States replaced British as the major player in the middle east. Oil is a big factor and it is vital for Americans to have a good policy towards all countries in middle east. American policy was based on opposing the Soviets. Now there are other factors are affecting it.

American support to the Jewish nation

One of the major factors in American middle east policy is Israel. American support to the Jewish nation is relentless. From Six Days war and Black September American firmly stood against Arab countries. Being NATO ally Israel gives a platform for Americans to keep a close watch on Middle East countries.

After 9/11 the middle eastern policy changed drastically. U.S. has been more active in the middle east with CIA being its spearhead. With no external power influence, American policy was built around counter terrorism operations. Keeping Weapons Of Mass Destruction out of hands from middle eastern countries.

Middle east policy & conflicts

The post 9/11 policy failed horribly for Americans from Afganistan to Iraq where ever American started the war they could not able to finish it. This given Muslim extremist to post oppressed propaganda to American interference in their respective countries.

The Shia and Sunni conflict are one of the factors as well. It will be good if Americans stay out of this delicate matter and concentrate around keeping Arab counties check against each other.

Iran is a big headache for American leadership. The Iranian interest in Nuclear arms is a major threat to the American interest and of Israel. Americans need to improve relations with Iran and friendly countries for achieving good relations with all middle eastern countries.

The core U.S. interest in the Middle East, as in other vital areas, is to preserve a rough balance of power and prevent any single state from dominating.

Syria has been a major disaster of American foreign policy from U.S. Interference in Internal politics resulted in Civil war. The US has accused President Assad of responsibility for widespread atrocities. Riyadh is a major provider of military and financial assistance to several rebel groups, including Islamist ideologies.

Russian interests

Russia one of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s most important backers. The survival of the regime is critical to maintaining Russian interests in the country. Syrian civil war leads to extremist getting free had. It resulted in brainwashing youth to become part of their cause. Millions of people died in this conflict which could have been avoided.

Trump administration has a big task to make stable relations. A more balanced approach in the region encourage all states of the region to do more to win America’s favor. At this moment all this feels not achievable and would inch towards disaster for American interests in the Middle East.