RESTORING THE BALANCE - A MIDDLE EAST STRATEGY FOR THE NEXT PRESIDENT

The next U.S. president will need to pursue a new strategic framework for advancing American interests in the Middle East. The mounting challenges include sectarian conflict in Iraq, IranÕs pursuit of nuclear capabilities, failing Palestinian and Lebanese governments, a dormant peace process, and the ongoing war against terror. Compounding these challenges is a growing hostility toward U.S. involvement in the Middle East. The old policy paradigms, whether President George W. BushÕs model of regime change and democratization or President Bill ClintonÕs model of peacemaking and containment, will no longer suit the likely circumstances confronting the next administration in the Middle East.