Strategic Interests in the Middle East

As a cultural center for Islamic interests across the world and as a focus point for increasing levels of economic and security interdependence, the Middle East remains a stage on which international politics will be played for what may be the next several decades. With the most recent actions of the United States in Iraq; the continuing drama within Israel over the disposition of Palestinians; and the international attention drawn to the potential nuclear development in Iran, the stage has been set for a shift in international society that has its foundations in the legacies of colonialism and US policy from the last century. This comprehensive study looks at the important international and regional actors and their interaction with, and reaction to, US foreign policy toward the region. This volume: seeks to elucidate the trends in great power interest and interaction in the Middle East; studies the impact of the United States as the region's foremost military power; and, highlights the changing nature of actors' relationships with the US and each other as their interests and policies evolve in response to changes in the region. Scholars, graduate and undergraduate students and the interested public will find this volume a useful guide and an ideal companion work for courses on the Middle East, US foreign policy, and international security issues.