Why the Middle East is so important to the US - BBC World Service

Summary

For nearly a century, the U.S. has played a pivotal role in the Middle East, driven by strategic interests rather than oil dependency. While the region holds vast energy resources, U.S. involvement also revolves around military influence, arms sales, and geopolitical power. The complex web of alliances and interventions includes partnerships with countries like Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, while adversaries like Iran challenge American influence. Key events like the Iraq War, the rise of terrorism, and shifting alliances shape the U.S.'s enduring presence. The future of the Middle East seems intrinsically linked to America's strategic interests and military footprint.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The U.S. has maintained a presence in the Middle East for nearly a century, influencing regional dynamics through diplomacy, military intervention, and alliances.
• 🛢️ Oil has been a central factor in U.S. involvement, not due to dependence, but to control global access and maintain strategic influence over competitors like China.
• 💰 The U.S. leverages arms sales as a tool of influence, with countries like Israel being major recipients of military aid, fostering strategic power and alliances.
• 🤝 U.S. alliances in the region are diverse, including NATO members like Turkey and informal partners, often shaped by historical conflicts and geopolitical shifts.
• 🇮🇱 The U.S. has a unique and longstanding relationship with Israel, supporting its security and facilitating peace processes with the Palestinians.
• 🇮🇷 U.S.-Iran relations shifted from close allies in the mid-20th century to adversaries after the 1979 Iranian Revolution, reflecting broader ideological and strategic tensions.
• ⚔️ The 2003 Iraq invasion is highlighted as a pivotal U.S. intervention, with consequences including regional instability and the rise of terrorist groups like ISIS.
• 🛰️ Recent U.S. strategy emphasizes remote warfare, utilizing drones and missiles, while maintaining limited on-the-ground presence due to domestic war fatigue.
• 🚢 The Middle East remains strategically crucial for global trade, with key shipping lanes like the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, and Suez Canal impacting international commerce.
• 💪 Overall, the U.S. involvement in the Middle East is driven by power, strategic dominance, and a responsibility to maintain global security and stability.

Q & A

Why has the United States been involved in the Middle East for nearly a century?

The United States has been involved in the Middle East for almost a century due to the region's strategic importance, resource wealth (particularly oil), and the geopolitical dynamics that have made it a key focus of U.S. foreign policy.

What was the significance of the discovery of oil in Saudi Arabia in 1938 for U.S. involvement in the Middle East?

The discovery of vast oil reserves in Saudi Arabia in 1938 was crucial for U.S. involvement in the region. While the U.S. doesn't rely on Middle Eastern oil for its own consumption, it seeks to control access to this resource globally, which is vital for maintaining its economic and strategic influence.

How did the U.S. establish a military presence in the Middle East?

The U.S. established its first military base in the Middle East in 1945 with the construction of an airfield in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. This marked the beginning of a long-term U.S. military presence in the region.

Why is the Middle East strategically important beyond oil?

Beyond oil, the Middle East is strategically important due to its position as a key market for U.S. arms sales, its role in global shipping lanes (such as the Persian Gulf and the Suez Canal), and its political significance in balancing regional powers like Iran and Russia.

What role do U.S. arms sales play in its influence in the Middle East?

U.S. arms sales are a significant tool of influence in the Middle East. By selling military equipment to countries in the region, the U.S. not only strengthens its alliances but also buys political and strategic influence, ensuring these nations remain aligned with U.S. interests.

How has the U.S. relationship with Israel evolved over time?

The U.S. relationship with Israel has been one of its most consistent alliances. The U.S. recognized Israel almost immediately after its founding in 1948 and has supported it both ideologically and militarily. This special relationship has been central to U.S. policy in the region.

What was the impact of the 1953 CIA-led coup in Iran on U.S.-Iran relations?

The 1953 CIA-led coup in Iran, which overthrew the democratically elected leader Mohammad Mossadeq, set the stage for long-term tensions between the U.S. and Iran. While Iran was initially an ally, this intervention led to resentment, and after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the two countries became fierce enemies.

How did the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003 affect the Middle East?

The U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003, under the premise of eliminating weapons of mass destruction and combating terrorism, had far-reaching consequences. It destabilized the region, leading to the rise of groups like ISIS and increasing anti-American sentiment. The invasion is widely regarded as a failure that worsened regional instability.

Why did the U.S. shift towards remote warfare in the Middle East in recent years?

The U.S. shift towards remote warfare, relying on drones and missiles, is due to the growing reluctance of American citizens to have troops on the ground in the Middle East. The U.S. continues to maintain military influence in the region through technological means rather than traditional troop deployments.

How does the U.S. ensure the security of global shipping lanes in the Middle East?

The U.S. plays a critical role in ensuring the security of global shipping lanes in the Middle East, particularly the Persian Gulf and the Suez Canal, by deploying military assets to deter threats such as piracy, terrorism, and regional conflicts that could disrupt international trade.