A Perspective on United States Policy toward the Arab Gulf Countries and Iraq

Abstract

This study represents the author's analysis of American policy toward the Arab Gulf and Iraq. Many Americans may not agree with his perspective, but such perspectives are widespread in the Gulf region and merit the consideration of American readers. After careful research, it is the author's opinion that American policies toward the region have always been based on a number of parameters and variables that are characterized by continuity. The events of September 2001 caused important changes in the United States' national security policy, which led it to initiate aggressive foreign policies toward Islam in general, and Arabs in particular. The author presents what he considers are the most important parameters and variables that have guided American policy in the region. Relations between the United States and the region were stabilized for a long period because of a U.S. agenda focused on Arab oil and the Arab-Israeli conflict. He also presents what he feels are the most important U.S. objectives in Iraq and the Middle East, including its ends, ways, and means. To conclude, the author will discuss what he believes American policy should refrain from doing, and make suggestions as to what the policy should be doing that it currently is not.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 18, 2005
Accession Number
ADA431714

Entities

People

  • Ibrahim A. Al Shamisi

Organizations

  • United States Army War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Counter WMD
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Asia
  • Continents
  • Foreign Policy
  • Governments
  • Intergovernmental Organizations
  • International Law
  • Law
  • Middle East
  • National Politics
  • National Security
  • Political Systems
  • Security
  • Terrorism
  • United States
  • Ussr
  • War Colleges
  • Weapons

Fields of Study

  • Political science

Readers

  • International Relations and Conflict Resolution
  • Strategic Security Studies