Ever since the fall of the British Empire, the end of the Second World War, and the rise of American power, we have seen an increase in American presence in the Middle East. Before the mid 1900s the British had the most influence in the region, due to their strong empirical views, but the failure in British Hegemony meant a British withdrawal and the establishment of the United States as the key Western power in the Middle East. The US established its presence in the Middle East in the mid 1900's for one key reason; To stop the spread of communism. Throughout the Cold war, with the institution of the Truman Doctrine (1947), the Eisenhower Doctrine (1957), the Nixon Doctrine (1969), and the Carter Doctrine (1980), the US saw itself more and more intertwined in the Middle East. The creation of Israel as a Jewish state, the ousting of the Shah in Iran, and the rise of Islamic fundamentalism and extremism, have also increased American stakes in the Region. So it is very clear that the Middle East is of utmost importance to the United States Currently and is especially important in the 2008 Presidential election, which will mark the introduction of new policies and a new era in US foreign policy in the region.
As you are all well aware the 2008 Presidential election features Barack Obama, the Democratic nominee, and John McCain, the Republican nominee. Both of these candidates come from intriguing and unique backgrounds which shape their political views. In terms of Middle East politics, both have presented their distinct views, and although their goals are almost identical, their plans to achieve them are sometimes drastically different. This post will largely focus on their Iraq and Iran policies due to their greatest importance at the moment along with a few other side issues.
Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama's Middle East Policy contrasts greatly from McCain's and President Bush's policies over the last eight years. In general Obama wants to take a more diplomatic approach in regards to the Middle East and the world. He claims that Bush's policy of not talking to our “enemies” is faulty. Obama thinks it is necessary for the United States to engage in diplomatic talks with every country, whether they are an ally or enemy. He promises to spread democracy through diplomacy and not through the gun by establishing consulates in the roughest parts of the globe. By having more consulates in varying regions, the US will expand its diplomatic power. The goal of Obama's diplomatic policies is to regain global confidence in the United States that was lost during Bush's eight years as President and to increase American legitimacy.
On the Iran issue, Senator Obama states that it is necessary for the US to establish diplomatic talks at the highest level, without preconditions, with Iran in order to prevent another war. Obama opposes the "saber-rattling" approach used by Bush to try to influence Iran. Bush's method of militarily threatening Iran in order to derail their nuclear ambitions has not only failed, but has instead bolstered Iranian drive to do so. Obama presents the example of diplomatic talks between the USA and USSR during the Cold War which ultimately led to the downfall of the Soviet Union and the end of the conflict.
Obama's plan in Iraq is clearly the most popular among Americans as shown in polls. The Democratic nominee believes that the US needs to establish a plan for withdrawal from Iraq. Obama believes that the last six years in Iraq has put America in a difficult spot both diplomatically and economically. There has been a huge strain on the military and military families. Obama states that it is time for Iraq to take more responsibility and gain the capability of running its own country. Obama proposes a troop cut of one to two brigades a month, which means almost full withdrawal in sixteen months. A small US force will remain for counter-insurgency missions and to aid the Iraqi government. With the withdrawal from Iraq Obama plans to re-establish more military presence in Afghanistan in order to defeat the Taliban and capture Bin Laden.
Republican nominee John McCain's Middle Eastern Policy differs greatly from his opponent and is stylistically very similar to President Bush's policy over the last eight years. In general Senator McCain takes a more militaristic approach to global and Middle Eastern foreign policy. He supports a stronger US military by increasing the number of enlistments and modernizing our armed troops technologies and weapons. He claims that the global war on Terrorism require that the US keep its military dominance and establish new technologies in order to combat Terrorists.
On the Iran issue, John McCain criticizes his opponent for proposing unconditional talks with President Ahmadinejad. McCain Iran plan is tougher and less flexible on Iran than Obama's. He proposes stronger US and global sanctions on Iran. The Republican nominee wants to work with the UN and countries outside the UN to impose targeted sanctions, impose sanctions on the Central Bank of Iran, to designate the Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist group, and to restrict Iran's ability to import refined petroleum. These steps will decrease support for the already unpopular Mullahs, and will lead either in Iranian cooperation or even better a fall of the religious government.
On Iraq, McCain thoroughly believes that the US should only leave when we emerge victorious and a strong, democratic Iraq is established as an ally in the region. Although McCain did not agree with Bush's early tactical strategies in Iraq, he is in full support of the recent troop surge in Iraq and believes it is the only way the US will succeed. He criticizes Obama for not affirming that the surge has worked. The Republican nominee has never established an exit strategy and has stated that the US will only withdraw when the Iraqi government is strong enough to protect its people and its borders.
Both John McCain and Barack Obama present distinct views and policies on the Middle East. In order to determine which plan is best for America currently and in the future we must consider the past, the present, and the future. Currently the US economy is in a state of turmoil. The stock market is declining as more and more people lose their jobs and money. Inflation is on the rise and recently the government passed a 700 billion dollar bailout to save the economy. On another front the US is losing legitimacy over its unpopular war in Iraq. Both American citizens and other countries are in favor of US withdrawal from Iraq. Talks of war with Iran also have both Americans and the International community on edge.
Obama's Middle Eastern policy relates more with Americans and the people of world. His more moderate and diplomatic approach would be more effective in achieving US interests and establishing global confidence. Although I believe that more time has to be spent in Iraq to ensure the Iraqi government's capabilities to protect its people and itself, the US economy is in recession largely due to the costs of the Iraq war. Finally, the troops have preformed honorably and have sacrificed greatly for this country. It is time now to take them out of harm’s way, bring them home to safety, and treat them as the heroes they are.
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