US-Mideast Policy from Harry Truman to George W. Bush
George W. Bush isn't the first president to lose his way in intractable Middle Eastern policies. The United States' direct involvement in the region dates back more than 60 years, although learning from history seems not to be the strongest suit of American foreign policy in the region. Welcome to six decades of disorder.
An Election Largelty Driven By the Middle East
No question: the economy is the dominant issue in the 2008 presidential election between Barack Obama and John McCain. But foreign affairs is a close second, because it's on foreign affairs that the electorate is gauging the candidates' judgment, stability, leadership, knowledge and convictions. And when we talk foreign affairs these days in the United States, it pretty much comes down to one pla…
No question: the economy is the dominant issue in the 2008 presidential election between Barack Obama and John McCain. But foreign affairs is a close second, because it's on foreign affairs that the electorate is gauging the candidates' judgment, stability, leadership, knowledge and convictions. And when we talk foreign affairs these days in the United States, it pretty much comes down to one pla…
Ronald Reagan on the Assassination of Egypt's Anwar Sadat
President Ronald Reagan addressed the United States on radio and television briefly on Oct. 6, 1981, following the assassination of Egypt's Anwar Sadat. Here is what he said.
President Ronald Reagan addressed the United States on radio and television briefly on Oct. 6, 1981, following the assassination of Egypt's Anwar Sadat. Here is what he said.
Analysis: What the Biden-Palin Debate Says of Their Middle East Policies
An analysis of the Joe Biden-Sarah Palin vice presidential debate, focusing ion Middle East issues from the Iraq War to Afghanistan, Iran, Israel, Palestinians, Pakistan and more.
An analysis of the Joe Biden-Sarah Palin vice presidential debate, focusing ion Middle East issues from the Iraq War to Afghanistan, Iran, Israel, Palestinians, Pakistan and more.
Should US Embassy in Israel Be in Tel Aviv or in Jerusalem?
The US Embassy in Israel has always been in Tel Aviv. Should it be in Jerusalem, where no other country has its embassy? US Law says it should. US policy says it shouldn't.
The US Embassy in Israel has always been in Tel Aviv. Should it be in Jerusalem, where no other country has its embassy? US Law says it should. US policy says it shouldn't.
McCain-Obama Debate the Middle East: Excerpts from the Sept. 26, 2008 Debate, 2
Excerpts from the Barack Obama-John McCain presidential debate of Sept. 26, 2008, on Middle Esat issues, Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, al-Qaeda, terrorism and Henry Kissinger
Excerpts from the Barack Obama-John McCain presidential debate of Sept. 26, 2008, on Middle Esat issues, Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, al-Qaeda, terrorism and Henry Kissinger
McCain-Obama Debate the Middle East: Excerpts from the Sept. 26, 2008 Debate, 1
Excerpts from the Barack Obama-John McCain presidential debate of Sept. 26, 2008, on Middle Esat issues, including the Iraq war, Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, al-Qaeda, terrorism and Henry Kissinger
Excerpts from the Barack Obama-John McCain presidential debate of Sept. 26, 2008, on Middle Esat issues, including the Iraq war, Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, al-Qaeda, terrorism and Henry Kissinger
Biden-Palin Debate: Excerpts on Middle East Issues
Excerpts from the Joe Biden-Sarah Palin Vice Presidential debate of Oct. 2, 2008, on Middle Esat issues, including the Iraq war, Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, Israel and the Palestinians, Hezbollah and Darfur
Excerpts from the Joe Biden-Sarah Palin Vice Presidential debate of Oct. 2, 2008, on Middle Esat issues, including the Iraq war, Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, Israel and the Palestinians, Hezbollah and Darfur
How John McCain and Barack Obama Ignored the Middle East
How John McCain and Barack Obama managed to ignore most of the key issues confronting the United States in the Middle East in their first presidential debate--the one focused on foreign affairs.
How John McCain and Barack Obama managed to ignore most of the key issues confronting the United States in the Middle East in their first presidential debate--the one focused on foreign affairs.
How John McCain Name-Dropped Waziristan and Misunderstood Pakistan
John McCain says he's "been to Waziristan." Has he really? And if he has, has he learned anything? McCain appears to misunderstand Waziristan and Pakistan.
John McCain says he's "been to Waziristan." Has he really? And if he has, has he learned anything? McCain appears to misunderstand Waziristan and Pakistan.
Arab Americans in the United States: Population Breakdown
A table graphically breaking down Arab American populations in the United States in California, Michigan, New York and seven other states, according to the Census Bureau and Zogby International estimates.
A table graphically breaking down Arab American populations in the United States in California, Michigan, New York and seven other states, according to the Census Bureau and Zogby International estimates.
How Arab Americans Vote
How Arab Americans have voted in presidential elections from 1996 to the present, including projections for the Barack Obama-John McCain presidential race in 2008.
How Arab Americans have voted in presidential elections from 1996 to the present, including projections for the Barack Obama-John McCain presidential race in 2008.
"Mission Accomplished" Speech by President Bush on USS Abraham Lincoln
Transcript of President George W. Bush's "Mission Accomplished" speech from the deck of the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier on May 1, 2003.
Transcript of President George W. Bush's "Mission Accomplished" speech from the deck of the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier on May 1, 2003.
Joe Biden's Middle East Policy
Obama running mate Joe BidenÂ’s Middle East policy aligns closest to that of Jimmy Carter: Negotiations first and foremost, enhanced by large infusions of non-military aid where necessary. HereÂ’s a comprehensive run-down of BidenÂ’s Middle East policy from the Iraq war to Afghanistan to Iran's nuclear weapons to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
Obama running mate Joe BidenÂ’s Middle East policy aligns closest to that of Jimmy Carter: Negotiations first and foremost, enhanced by large infusions of non-military aid where necessary. HereÂ’s a comprehensive run-down of BidenÂ’s Middle East policy from the Iraq war to Afghanistan to Iran's nuclear weapons to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
Sen. Joe Biden on Authorizing War on Iraq
On Oct. 10 and 11, 2002, the US Senate debated and authorized President Bush's request to wage war on Iraq, with Joe Biden voting with the majority. Here are Joe Biden's comment during the debate.
On Oct. 10 and 11, 2002, the US Senate debated and authorized President Bush's request to wage war on Iraq, with Joe Biden voting with the majority. Here are Joe Biden's comment during the debate.
John McCain's Beirut Deception: Opposing Marines' Deployment 1 Year Into Mission
John McCain claims to have voted in 1983 against sending U.S. Marines to Beirut, Lebanon, because his "knowledge" and "background" told him that Marines couldn't succeed in that situation. McCain is being deceitful and dishonest about the facts, and self-aggrandizing about his role.
John McCain claims to have voted in 1983 against sending U.S. Marines to Beirut, Lebanon, because his "knowledge" and "background" told him that Marines couldn't succeed in that situation. McCain is being deceitful and dishonest about the facts, and self-aggrandizing about his role.
Barack Obama in Arab and Middle Eastern Eyes
As Barack Obama tours the Middle East for the first time since he won the Democratic primary, Arabs and other Middle Easterners have no illusions. ItÂ’s nice that his middle name is Hussein, the regionÂ’s consensus appears to be; itÂ’s encouraging that he knows a thing or two about Islam, having had a Muslim father. But itÂ’s not going to change essential facts about American policy.
As Barack Obama tours the Middle East for the first time since he won the Democratic primary, Arabs and other Middle Easterners have no illusions. ItÂ’s nice that his middle name is Hussein, the regionÂ’s consensus appears to be; itÂ’s encouraging that he knows a thing or two about Islam, having had a Muslim father. But itÂ’s not going to change essential facts about American policy.
Obama and Israel: An Analysis of Barack Obama's AIPAC Speech
The speech was greatly anticipated by Jews still wondering whether to throw their support behind Obama. It was also Obama’s chance to redefine his Middle East policy--where Obama stands with Israel, where Obama stands with Iran. He took it—and came out sounding more hawkish than any Democratic president had been since Harry Truman.
The speech was greatly anticipated by Jews still wondering whether to throw their support behind Obama. It was also Obama’s chance to redefine his Middle East policy--where Obama stands with Israel, where Obama stands with Iran. He took it—and came out sounding more hawkish than any Democratic president had been since Harry Truman.
Barack Obama's AIPAC Speech, June 4, 2008: The Full Text
The full text of the speech Barack Obama delivered to AIPAC, the American-Israel Political Action Committee, on June 4, 2008
The full text of the speech Barack Obama delivered to AIPAC, the American-Israel Political Action Committee, on June 4, 2008
President George W. Bush and the Middle East: What Went Wrong
What went wrong with President George W. Bush's Middle East policy? It was never thought out strategically or tactically. Only ideologically. And only half-heartedly at that.
What went wrong with President George W. Bush's Middle East policy? It was never thought out strategically or tactically. Only ideologically. And only half-heartedly at that.
Glossary: Operation Restore Hope (Somalia, 1993-1994)
Definition of the United States-led military and humanitarian intervention to stop the famine in Somalia in 1993.
Definition of the United States-led military and humanitarian intervention to stop the famine in Somalia in 1993.
Barack Hussein Obama's Arab Baggage
Imagine what it must be like for a man like Barack Hussein Obama to walk around with a pair of Arab names and 9% of his life having been lived in the world's most populous Muslim nation (Indonesia). The racists are lining up to take their shots at him.
Imagine what it must be like for a man like Barack Hussein Obama to walk around with a pair of Arab names and 9% of his life having been lived in the world's most populous Muslim nation (Indonesia). The racists are lining up to take their shots at him.
Mitt Romney's Middle East Policy
What would Mitt Romney's policies be regarding the Middle East, terrorism and the war in Iraq? In most cases, the answers are very general, betraying Romney's severely limited foreign policy experience.
What would Mitt Romney's policies be regarding the Middle East, terrorism and the war in Iraq? In most cases, the answers are very general, betraying Romney's severely limited foreign policy experience.
Mike Huckabee's Middle East Policy
Huckabee is eloquent where Bush is bombastic. Huckabee is articulate where Bush sounds simplistic. But both men share the crusader’s perspective, seeing the fate of the world intimately linked with American willingness not only to protect freedom, but to project it and foment it where it’s wanting.
Huckabee is eloquent where Bush is bombastic. Huckabee is articulate where Bush sounds simplistic. But both men share the crusader’s perspective, seeing the fate of the world intimately linked with American willingness not only to protect freedom, but to project it and foment it where it’s wanting.
The Annapolis Summit: Shooting for the Palestinian-Israeli Moon
The summit’s aims are as high as expectations are low. A deal between Israelis and Palestinians would be little short of miraculous. Even is a deal is struck, chances are dispiritingly low that it would be carried out without being hijacked by violent and unresolved realities on the ground, for many reasons.
The summit’s aims are as high as expectations are low. A deal between Israelis and Palestinians would be little short of miraculous. Even is a deal is struck, chances are dispiritingly low that it would be carried out without being hijacked by violent and unresolved realities on the ground, for many reasons.
Glossary: Iraq War Resolution
Definition and background to the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution by the U.S. Congress on Oct. 10-11, 2002.
Definition and background to the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution by the U.S. Congress on Oct. 10-11, 2002.
Glossary: Operation Desert Storm
Definition and scope of Operation Desert Storm, the offensive phase of the U.S.-led military operation to clear Kuwait of Iraqi forces in the first Gulf War, in January-February 1991.
Definition and scope of Operation Desert Storm, the offensive phase of the U.S.-led military operation to clear Kuwait of Iraqi forces in the first Gulf War, in January-February 1991.
Glossary: Operation Desert Shield
Definition of Operation Desert Shield, precursor to Operation Desert Storm, during the first Gulf War against Iraq in 1990.
Definition of Operation Desert Shield, precursor to Operation Desert Storm, during the first Gulf War against Iraq in 1990.
Iran's Nuclear Weapons Program: Ambition or Reality?
Iran has been aiming to become a nuclear power for more than two decades. The question has always been: for peaceful or offensive means? Iranian leaders themselves have been of two minds an Iranian nuclear weapons program.
Iran has been aiming to become a nuclear power for more than two decades. The question has always been: for peaceful or offensive means? Iranian leaders themselves have been of two minds an Iranian nuclear weapons program.
Barack Obama's Middle East Policy
As president, Barack Obama would extend the Middle East an olive branch at the end of a stick: he is the dovish hawk of the Democratic field of 2008 candidates, often looking to have it both ways.
As president, Barack Obama would extend the Middle East an olive branch at the end of a stick: he is the dovish hawk of the Democratic field of 2008 candidates, often looking to have it both ways.
The Barack Obama-Madrassa Smear
The false allegation that Barack Obama attended a west-hating "madrassa" in Indonesia when he was young, and that he is a Muslim, keeps being repeated. The allegations are scurrilous in every way.
The false allegation that Barack Obama attended a west-hating "madrassa" in Indonesia when he was young, and that he is a Muslim, keeps being repeated. The allegations are scurrilous in every way.
John McCain's Middle East Policy
Heavily influenced by his Cold War experience, McCain’s Middle East policy is mostly a continuation of existing policies. A heavy and continued military presence in Iraq, striking Iran if necessary, and building up Pakistan militarily. The one word that sums up McCain’s Middle East and foreign policy is interventionism.
Heavily influenced by his Cold War experience, McCain’s Middle East policy is mostly a continuation of existing policies. A heavy and continued military presence in Iraq, striking Iran if necessary, and building up Pakistan militarily. The one word that sums up McCain’s Middle East and foreign policy is interventionism.
Rudolph Giuliani's Middle East Policy
Among GOP candidates for the 2008 presidential race, Rudolph Giuliani is the most hawkish. He calls for continued war on many fronts, he talks down negotiations, and he believes in a "clash of civilizations," with the United States as the world's best hope for freedom and democracy.
Among GOP candidates for the 2008 presidential race, Rudolph Giuliani is the most hawkish. He calls for continued war on many fronts, he talks down negotiations, and he believes in a "clash of civilizations," with the United States as the world's best hope for freedom and democracy.
Hillary Clinton's Middle East Policy
What would a Hillary Rodham Clinton presidency mean in terms of the Middle East? A blend of hawkish policies protective of American and Israeli interests blended with renewed appeal to multilateralism and international alliances.
What would a Hillary Rodham Clinton presidency mean in terms of the Middle East? A blend of hawkish policies protective of American and Israeli interests blended with renewed appeal to multilateralism and international alliances.
The U.S. and the Middle East in 10 Easy Pieces
US-Mideast policies from Harry Truman to George W. Bush: an administration-by-administration breakdown, with all relevant events in each.
US-Mideast policies from Harry Truman to George W. Bush: an administration-by-administration breakdown, with all relevant events in each.
Is the "Surge" Working?
The Bush Administration says yes. The facts say no.
The Bush Administration says yes. The facts say no.
Bush's Road Map for Peace: The Second Speech
President George W. Bush's Road Map for Peace in the Middle East: the Bush administration steps into the peace process between Israelis and Palestinians: the second speech.
President George W. Bush's Road Map for Peace in the Middle East: the Bush administration steps into the peace process between Israelis and Palestinians: the second speech.
Bush's Road Map for Peace: The First Speech
President George W. Bush's Road Map for Peace in the Middle East, the Bush administration steps into the peace process between Israelis and Palestinians: the first speech.
President George W. Bush's Road Map for Peace in the Middle East, the Bush administration steps into the peace process between Israelis and Palestinians: the first speech.
The National Security Strategy of the United States
The 2006 White House document that sets out American foreign policy goals and sees Iraq and Afghanistan as "the front lines in the war on terror."
The 2006 White House document that sets out American foreign policy goals and sees Iraq and Afghanistan as "the front lines in the war on terror."
Bush's Road Map for Peace: Five Years Later
An analysis of George W. Bush's 2002 proposal for peace between Israel and Palestine, five years later: How the Road Map was folded up and put away.
An analysis of George W. Bush's 2002 proposal for peace between Israel and Palestine, five years later: How the Road Map was folded up and put away.