Saturday, August 10, 2013

The World Is Focused On Current US Foreign Policy In The Middle East

The World Is Focused On Current US Foreign Policy In The Middle East

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.

Respected leader, Mahmoud Abbas was named President in 2004 and President of the State of Palestine in 2008. He has been involved in the politics of that nation most of his adult life.

More than one office is held by Prime Minister Netanyahu. He is the Foreign Affairs Minister in Israel. In addition, he fills two other official roles.

President Shimon Peres, Israeli head of state, is now 90 years old. He has been an influential force for his country over the past 65 years, living through wars and other peace negotiations. He was not present at the recent meeting.

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.

The current US foreign policy in the Middle East is intended to be fair and objective when dealing with friendly countries and some that are not so friendly. Secretary of State Kerry has furthered the cause of peace in his relatively short time in office. Most significantly between Israel and Palestine.




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