International Difficulties in the Middle East

II. "Winds of Change" in the Middle East ...................... 3

III. New Threats and Challenges to USCENTCOM's Mission ...... 11

IV. Adequacy of the Current Military Strategy, Joint Doctrine,

and U.S. Force Structure ................................ 15

V. Recommendations .......................................... 18

VI. Notes ................................................... 20

VII. Bibliography ........................................... 22

The Middle East has long been the site of international difficulties. In the past, U.S. involvement in the region was related mainly to the protection of oil interests and the maintenance of relations with Israel. Although these concerns are still enduring, there are also many changes taking place in the Middle East environment. These changes will have a strong impact on the future role of the U.S. military in the area.

The breakdown of the Soviet Union and the subsequent ending of the Cold War have resulted in the Middle East no longer being a center for superpower conflict. However, although the threat of Soviet expansionism has been eliminated, there continues to be a problem in terms of Iran and Iraq seeking control over the oil supplies of their neighboring countries. The situation in Iraq has been particularly troublesome in recent years. For example, the nation launched an aggressive attack on Kuwait in lat

the Middle East whenever its security is threatened. Furthermore, as claimed by Secretary of State Warren M. Christopher, America's unilateral strike showed that the U.S. will, if necessary, "proceed alone where its vital interests are at stake." The United States' role in the Middle East is based in part on the assumption that America is a world leader, as well as a defender of democratic values. In this regard, it is interesting to note that many positive changes have been occurring in the Middle East region lately. For example, Lebanon, Jordan, Kuwait, and Yemen have all recently made democratic reforms in their political systems. These changes will surely help to increase stability in the area. In fact, Jordan's King Hussein argued for democratization of his country on the basis that it is "the only answer to ensuring political stability." In Lebanon, the 1992 elections were the first parliamentary elections held in the nation in two decades. This is another change which will help increase stability in the Middle East; however, Lebanon will need to develop strong military forces in order to protect its new, fragile democracy. The United States can help the Lebanese government meet this need by providing it with trai