The Transatlantic Allies and the Changing Middle East

Since the mid-1990s, US and European attitudes, strategies and policies towards the Middle East have diverged. In the Middle East peace process, Europeans have grown frustrated with the lack of progress and Washington’s near-monopoly on diplomatic action, and have begun to demand a greater role. The US insists on strong military and economic containment of Saddam Hussein, while some Europeans have started to press for a more rapid reintegration of Iraq into the international community, and are reluctant to use or threaten force. The issue of how to deal with Iran has been most divisive of all, with the US threatening to impose economic sanctions on its European allies to coerce them into following Washington’s harder line. This paper examines the reasons for these potentially damaging differences, assesses the prospects for improving transatlantic co-operation in the region, and suggests approaches that may help to bring this about. This book is intended for advanced international relations students and policymakers involved in transatlantic/Middle Eastern issues

Author Biography

Phillip H. Gordon