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The Evolution of U.S. Foreign Policy in the Middle East Since World War II

This comprehensive analysis by David B. Crist, Ph.D., explores the intricate history of U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East since World War II. Examining key events and strategies, such as the formation of the special relationship with Saudi Arabia, the impact of oil discoveries, and the ongoing tensions between major powers, this work highlights how America's interests—stability, oil access, and support for Israel—have shaped its actions in the region. From the Iranian Revolution to the Iraq War, the study reflects on pivotal moments that defined U.S. involvement and foreign relations in the Middle East.

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The Evolution of U.S. Foreign Policy in the Middle East Since World War II

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  1. “A History of US Foreign Policy in the Middle East since World War II” David B. Crist, Ph.D. South Georgia History Project, Valdosta, Georgia 2005

  2. There are three kinds of men: The ones that learn by reading. The few who learn by observation. The rest of them have to pee on the electric fence for themselves. - Will Rogers

  3. What is the Middle East? • Middle East? Near East? Levant? • US Government’s term: Southwest Asia?

  4. US Department of Defense: Central Command

  5. US Department of State:Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs

  6. U.S. “holy trinity” of Interests in the Middle East All are Interrelated • Access to Oil • Saudi Arabia • Containment: • External: Soviet Expansion/Communism • Regional: Local Hegemony/ “Radical” Islam • Support for Israel The overriding American objective in the Middle East has always been to achieve stability

  7. Oil • 1908: First oil discovered in SW Persia by Great Britain • US had only slight economic interest until 1930s • 1938: Beginning of the “special relationship” with Saudi Arabia • World War II: “The Great Divide” • 1944 ARAMCO • 1973 Arab-Israeli War and Oil Embargo

  8. Soviet Containment • 1946 Iran crisis/Truman Doctrine • 1950s Baghdad Pact and “collective security” • 1967 British decision to withdraw military from east of Aden • 1970s Twin pillar strategy—Iran and Saudi Arabia • 1979 Iranian Revolution US often caught between needs of containment and local nationalism

  9. Israel • 1948: Israeli Independence • DoD/State opposition • 1967: War • US becomes major arms supplier • 1970s: Increasingly seen as a key Cold War ally • 1978: Camp David Accords • Middle East Peace Process • 1980s: Viewed through the Cold War prism • Lebanon and Palestinian uprising

  10. Reagan/Bush “41” • Reagan • Split between State and DoD on Lebanon/Israel • Iran Iraq War (Containment of Iran) • 1987: Naval Escort of Kuwait tankers • Counter Soviets and Iran/Continue flow of oil/US military force in the Persian Gulf • Establishes US Central Command • Bush 41 • 1991: Desert Storm • US Hegemony • Madrid/Oslo Peace Process • Lack of Cease fire leads to 10-year conflict with Iraq • Rise of Al Qaeda

  11. 1990s: Clinton • Faced with obstinate Iraq and Middle East Peace • Focused on Middle East Peace as first priority • Oslo Peace Process/Wye River/Camp David • Iraq Policy • Moved from indifference to Regime Change • Iraqi provocations • No Fly Zones • UN Weapon Inspectors • Duel Containment Strategy • Iraq and Iran

  12. Bush “43” • Pre 9/11: No Consensus on Iraq or Middle East • Sanction Fatigue and Smart Sanctions • OSD more hawkish (1998 AEI Letter) • 9/11 Critical Turning Point • Afghanistan • Can’t continue business as usual • UBL and Islamic “Extremism”

  13. Operation Iraqi Freedom • Why Iraq?: • Middle East Peace Process • Road to Jerusalem goes through Baghdad • Coercive Diplomacy • Eliminate Iraq threat • WMD • Threats to its neighbors • Tyranny towards its own people • Ties to terrorists

  14. The War • War began 19 March 2003 • Baghdad captured three weeks later • Military plan centered on Baghdad • Speed • Get Saddam • Expected WMD • Few US casualties • Extensive looting throughout Baghdad

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