Apprehensive Allies: India and Israel in the Obama Era

India and Israel are both suffering from a bout of "Bush Blues" since Obama took office. The issues in contention range from strategic concerns like Pakistan and Iran, to nuclear nonproliferation and economic factors like outsourcing of jobs.

Europe May Yet Long For George W. Bush

Hatred of, and disdain for, George W. Bush was the European excuse for refusing American requests for diplomatic and military cooperation. How will Europe, which is in love with Obama, now justify saying no?

A Hopeful Iraq: Two Dangers Averted

Opponents of the war in Iraq falsely predicted that that the removal of Saddam Hussein would have two consequences: a radical religious Shiite regime, and increased Iranian influence over the country. While the struggle is not yet over and these dangers exist, the likelihood of Iraq becoming radically religious or Iranian-dominated seems considerably lower than it did in 2003.

Bush Cannot Succeed in the Holy Land

Bush's new plan for Middle East peace is inadequate and rests on several faulty assumptions, including the beliefs that outside influences can change Palestinian society, Abu Mazen is the leader to bring about change, and the Palestinians will be "good" neighbors towards Israel. However, the realities of Palestinian society reflect a different picture. Israel's best bet is to wait for a better opportunity to attain stability.

US Strategy in the Middle East: Effects of the 2006 Congressional Elections and the Baker-Hamilton Report

The Bush Administration is under enormous pressure to dramatically alter US strategy in the Middle East during its remaining two years. This pressure stems from the repeated failures to achieve US goals in Iraq; the role that Iraq played in the Democratic victory in recent Congressional elections; the overwhelming public criticism and opposition to the war; and the party politics related to the 2008 Presidential and Congressional elections. A drastic shift in policy will be difficult, as it would contradict Bush's concern for his place in history.

The Perils and Promise of Pax Americana in the Muslim Middle East

The Muslim Middle East has two basic problems with the US in the role of democratic reformer: what America is, and what America is not. The perils and promise of America's difficult mission civilisatrice, and the Bush Administration's faith-based approach to exporting freedom, may ultimately help America win friends and influence people in the Middle East.

American-Israeli Relations in Bush’s Second Term

The global war on terrorism will continue to dominate American foreign policy and the attitudes toward Israel and the Arab-Israeli conflict. Bush is likely to focus on the situation in Iraq and the determination of Iran to acquire nuclear weapons. However, changes in the Palestinian and the Israeli governments have created opportunities for achieving two principal goals of the global war against terrorism.