Navigating U.S. Security in the Middle East
America’s next president and Congress will face a difficult challenge in the Middle East: how to balance among long-term American interests in democratic values and regional security; how to counter terrorism and nuclear proliferation; how to promote human rights and forge strong relationships with peoples and governments who are finding their own voices, fighting extremism, and – while willing to work with Washington – eager not to be seen as “followers” of the West. Little in this year’s election debates – and certainly not sloganeering – will help the U.S. meet those challenges.
U.S. has long-term interests in the Middle East and will face challenges and opportunities that transcend partisan politics in the years ahead. This is what Ambassador Stevens understood, and what he and his colleagues gave their lives for. Brian Katulis, senior fellow at the Center for American Progress and Middle East expert, puts the Obama administration’s Middle East strategy in perspective: “Since 2009, the Obama administration has undertaken the mother of all foreign policy cleanup jobs—rebuilding U.S. power and credibility with a pragmatic and reality-based policy in the Middle East.” Katulis adds, “But this effort is still very much a work in progress. Threats from al Qaeda and its affiliates are much diminished due to a more effective counterterrorism strategy, but as the events in Libya and Yemen remind us, those threats remain. The strategy to stop Iran from getting a nuclear weapon took its initial form in a two-pronged approach of diplomatic engagement combined with economic and military containment in the closing years of the Bush administration, and the Obama administration appears dedicated to using the right tools at the right time to stop Iran. The political transitions in the Middle East remain in their early stages.” [Brian Katulis, 9/27/12]
“Zingers” are no substitute for specific national security policies. Time’s Tony Karon writes today, “achieving U.S. policy goals for the next president is going to require some new thinking — and policies that align realistic goals with available means in an erstwhile U.S.-dominated region that has begun to remake itself on its own terms.” But Governor Romney’s op-ed—like the debate of recent weeks — is long on criticism and short on substantive policies to deal with one of the seminal developments of our time. The Washington Post has noted that this trend goes beyond the Arab Awakenings: “he [Romney] should be presenting a broad, positive vision of how and where he would lead the United States in the world. If he thinks Mr. Obama is betting on and therefore accelerating the decline of U.S. leadership, don’t just call him nasty names (‘Jimmy Carter,’ for example), but explain to the American people why U.S. leadership is sustainable and necessary in the coming decades.” The editorial continues, “Instead, there have been too many cheap shots and miscues that have only called attention to Mr. Romney’s inexperience in foreign affairs.” [Time, 10/1/12. Washington Post, 9/14/12]
Influence and leadership will succeed when they are welcome both to the leaders and the led. Bruce Jentleson and Charles Kupchan write, “Leadership, however, is much less about chest-thumping and self-congratulation than building partnerships and taking effective action with like-minded nations. Brute force and national self-confidence certainly have their place, but they can do more to invite resistance than acquiescence unless wielded with care. How the United States deploys its power and influence is key to its success as the world’s dominant country. Judicious diplomacy, the fashioning of coalitions, engagement with international institutions — these are the critical elements of good statecraft.” This contrasts starkly with Romney stating, “amid this upheaval, our country seems to be at the mercy of events rather than shaping them.” [Bruce Jentleson and Charles Kupchan, 8/30/12. Mitt Romney, 9/30/12]
What We’re Reading
The U.S. military death toll in Afghanistan reached 2,000.
Hundreds of Libyans handed over weapons to the army as a part of a disarmament drive targeting militia groups.
Bahrain’s highest court upheld the prison sentences given to 9 medics for their alleged role in last year’s pro-democracy protests.
Iran’s rial hit an all-time-low against the U.S. dollar, with a loss of 25% in one week.
The U.S. began the controversial deployment of Osprey military aircraft to Okinawa, Japan.
President Obama blocked a Chinese company from building wind turbines in Oregon, citing national security concerns.
The al Qaeda-aligned al-Shabab militia said it had withdrawn from the strategic port of Kismayo, Somalia after an African Union military assault.
The eurozone unemployment rate stayed at its record high 11.4% for August with Spain and Greece having the highest unemployment rates.
A third suspect is fighting extradition to the U.S. from the U.K. on charges of terrorist fundraising.
Two supporters of Venezuelan presidential candidate Henrique Capriles were killed while campaigning, at a road block manned Chavez loyalists.
Commentary of the Day
Roger Cohen discusses the divide in foreign policy views and the reality of a changing world.
Brian Fung explains why campaign rhetoric on China might change in future.
Christopher Stephen describes how the citizens of Benghazi are fighting against extremists.
