Friday, August 9, 2013

Current US Foreign Policy In The Middle East Influences Others

By Andrea Davidson


Since his installation as US Secretary of State, John Kerry visited the Middle East a half dozen times. The current US foreign policy in the Middle East has many Arab nations to take into account as well as striving to further an agreement between many of those countries and Israel. His diplomatic endeavors have resulted in the recent return of Israeli and Palestinian leaders to the negotiating table. This follows a three year lapse, since September of 2010. The two leaders met in Washington for the initial talk.

The US is known to be the major world power. As such, it has an influence on the decisions and policies of other countries. Although every country claims to want peace, in some, their actions belie that statement. Kerry had a monumental task, that of bringing the Arab leader and the Jewish leader to the same bargaining table after a three year hiatus.

President Obama phoned Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, to thank each of them personally for once again opening negotiations between the two governments. He met in person with them prior to the phone call. Further discussions are planned between the two. They are to meet over a nine-month period. Future meetings will take place either in Israel or Palestine.

Mahmoud Abbas, respected Palestinian statesman has held the office of President of the now replaced National Palestinian Authority. He currently is President of the State of Palestine.

Israeli Prime Minister holds a number of responsible positions in his country. That is in addition to being President. He is Foreign Affairs Minister, Chairman of the Likud party and Minister of Public Diplomacy.

There is another dignitary in Israel. President Shimon Peres, who has reached the age of 90. For the past 65 years he has been a force in the politics of his country. He did not attend the first peace discussion.

The US sets standards for many worldwide corporations. The US Secretary of State, John Kerry, has the responsibility of carrying on diplomatic interactions with his counterparts in other nations. They usually hold the title of foreign minister of their respective countries. President Obama is the final authority when it comes to the actions of the Secretary of State. This will apply if the President and the Secretary of State have a difference of opinion.

The US has a formal foreign policy. It is promoting a prosperous and protected nation to benefit the American citizens. The $15 trillion economy and a defense budget of $711 billion provides powerful influence and the US has an impact on the rest of the world. Additionally, the US government is interested in being a positive influence for the international economy.

The United States House Committee on Foreign Affairs must set export controls. Plus, there is serious concern about the countries that are advancing nuclear technology. US aid is an important task. How much to give and which nation to give it to are always cause for disagreement and debate.

There are many facets to be addressed concerning current US foreign policy in the Middle East. John Kerry, the current Secretary of State, seems to have contributed to one concern, that is peace talks between Palestine and Israel.




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