American Priorities in the Middle East

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Other

American Priorities in the Middle East

Given the tumultuous and mutable dynamic in the Middle East, the United States must set reasonable expectations on how it can influence change in the region.

By Marwan Muasher

Published on Nov 20, 2012

Source: CSPAN

Given the tumultuous and ever-changing dynamic in the Middle East, the United States must set reasonable expectations on how it can influence change in the region. Speaking at an event hosted by the Woodrow Wilson Center, Carnegie's Marwan Muasher argued that “the United States must understand that what is going on in the region today is a domestic process and that U.S. influence is limited.” The economic impact of the global financial crisis, the Iraq war, and the failure of U.S. diplomacy to foster a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict have led to limited U.S. economic, military, and political influence. With that said, Muasher was careful to note that Washington can still exert influence in the region, but warned that the United States must be disabused of the notion that it can pick winners and losersthere.

With political Islam on the rise, Washington must talk to all parties engaged in the political process, not just liberal or secular parties with views more amenable to the U.S. policy. Ultimately, Muasher noted, “the United States must be patient. This process cannot be looked at through a two year prism. It will take years to result in a democratic culture.”

About the Author

Marwan Muasher

Vice President for Studies

Marwan Muasher is vice president for studies at Carnegie, where he oversees research in Washington and Beirut on the Middle East. Muasher served as foreign minister (2002–2004) and deputy prime minister (2004–2005) of Jordan, and his career has spanned the areas of diplomacy, development, civil society, and communications.

Recent Work

Q&A
The Myriad Problems With the Iran Ceasefire
- +1
  Amr Hamzawy, Andrew Leber, Eric Lob, …
Commentary
The Iran War Is Uncovering the Weakness in U.S.-Gulf Ties
- Marwan Muasher

Political Reform Security Middle East North Africa

Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.

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