TJP

The tendency to use Iran as a boogieman is not helpful and is counterproductive. Likewise, it is a mistake to attribute Middle East uprisings to Iranian influence. Such attribution is tantamount to ascertaining that Iran supports democratic values.

Of course, blaming Iran is a convenient way of deflecting blame, and reducing the anger and fear felt by friendly Middle East tyrants. However, the United States should not compromise the principles of democracy and self-rule to satisfy dictatorships.

Thus, the U.S. should encourage and support democratic uprisings across the Middle East, even in the occupied territories of Palestine. Friendly undemocratic and apartheid regimes should be shown the benefits of including all citizens in the governing process.

Additionally, when countries deploy armies into neighboring countries to crush dissent, the United States and the international community should voiced a strong opinion against such deployment. Saudi Arabia’s army incursion into Bahrain should not be allowed to stand.

When nations proclaim to be beacons of democracy, then, their democratic principles and values must be unambiguously linked to their foreign policies, since believability requires absence of inconsistencies in the application policies.

Thus far, however, Obama’s foreign policies have not been consistent across the Middle East. He failed to depart from Bush W’s principles and values.

As a result, the hope that inspired millions during his presidential campaign has lost its appeal at home and abroad.

A viable foreign policy should not attempt to dehumanize Iran or any other country. Rather, it should seek to work with all countries in areas were there is coincidence of interest. Ronald Reagan was bold enough to do so with China, Obama ought to be bold enough to do so with Iran.

Furthermore, although Israel is a friend, United States foreign policy in the Middle East must not be narrowly based Israelis interest; it must be based on the interest of Americans.

Obama’s Bush-like approach to Israel’s adversaries has not been helpful in securing Middle East peace or the security of region.

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