Debunking myths in the Middle East: US Foreign Policy

Myth no.1 The USA imports large amounts of Middle Eastern oil. How do we know this is a myth? US department of Energy data- only 9.2% of oil consumed in the USA is from the Arabian Gulf.

Other reasons to explain US involvement in the Middle East Liberation of Kuwait Concerns over Kuwaiti national sovereignty Threats to Saudi Arabia Iraq broke international law Humanitarian crisis in Kuwait Invasion of Iraq Claims of WMD Spread democracy in the region Remove a despot from power Put a war criminal on trial.

Dictatorships and Despots

So why are the US so interested in Middle Eastern Oil? Answer: They want to control the flow of oil. The world economy is based on oil. Its wellbeing depends upon it. The global economic downturn in the 1970’s was caused by the 1974 oil embargo by OPEC. The US wants to ensure the free flow of oil throughout all global markets.

Do the US get Middle Eastern Oil cheaply? No. OPEC set the prices of their oil independently of the US. The US chooses to import mostly from the Western Hemisphere because it is cheaper and a more reliable source (NAFTA and more regional stability).

WHAT’S THE BOTTOM LINE? The Middle East is vital to the health of the world’s economy because of its vast oil reserves. Like all countries, the USA needs trading partners. Therefore, the US needs to ensure the rest of the world gets oil. US regulation of oil is in the world’s best interest for now. This does mean that the US can remain the world’s sole superpower.

Myth No.2 Israel has always been the USA’s best and oldest ally in the Middle East. How do we know this is a myth? The USA assisted in the creation of Saudi Arabia in Israel was not created until The USA considered opposing the creation of Israel in The USA supported Egypt’s right to possess the Suez Canal- instead of supporting the UK, France and Israel.

So when did the US begin their support for Israel? In 1961, John F. Kennedy was the first US president to lend military and financial aid to Israel.

Was this because of the powerful US Jewish lobby? No. The US chose to support Israel because of Cold War politics- the USSR were supporting Egypt, Syria and Lebanon. The US needed another ally in the region. Since then, the pro- Israel Jewish lobby has become increasingly powerful.

Which ally is more valuable to the US? Israel Pro: example of democracy, support pleases Jewish lobby, oppose Iran. Con: can strain relations with Arab states, association with a state with a bad human rights record. Saudi Arabia Pro: largest oil reserves in the world, influence it exercises over other gulf states, opposes Iran. Con: non-democracy with a bad human rights record.

What does this mean? Israel has been a liability for the US in the Middle East. Israel has been repeatedly condemned by the UN, Amnesty International and the EU for their settlement of the West Bank and Gaza strip and their denial of citizenship rights to Palestinians. It also made relations with other Arab states difficult. Support for Israel usually peaks in election years.

What does all this tell me about the USA and the Middle East? All countries will always act out of self- interest. Sometimes the best political decisions are not the morally right ones. Are we expecting too much of our leaders to act in the national interest and be moral? Do we underestimate the reality of government?

What does the US want from its allies in the Middle East? Obedience/support for policies Access to resources (but not necessarily for consumption) Intelligence Stability Democracy

What do Middle Eastern allies of the USA get in return? Security Income generated from a stable global economy (that is based on oil) Support (as long as they support the US)

Essential Questions for this Unit What forces are acting upon Middle Eastern countries that dictate their interests? Do these forces create or destroy unity and co-operation? What does each country in the region want? How do they prioritize these interests? Are there priorities/interests that are shared by different countries? How can problems in the Middle East be solved?

How are we going to answer these questions? 1.Address the question of identity- Group discussion. 2.Examine historical background of the Middle East- “Culture Clash packet”. 3.Examine the current geopolitical situation of the Middle East- Map. 4.Identify and prioritize national interests- Table. 5.Explain causes of problems and begin identifying solutions- Project.