Trying Something New: A Not Really New Approach to the Middle East

Trying Something New:

A Not Really New Approach to the Middle East

            Blood of Americans and others stain the history books. The moral conundrum of the United States’ involvement in the Middle East has gone on too long. U.S. citizens watch death occur every year because of military involvement in the Middle East. More often than not, military intervention does not lead to a true win for the U.S. It is time the White House reconsiders how we are involved in the Middle East.

Iraq, Afghanistan, Iran, Syria, Israel… The list goes on and on countries America uses military force in and provides military funds to. New events occur which pull us into the area. Human rights are being harmed; democracy is unable to thrive without help. However, these reasons only go so far, as in the end, human rights depends on lives being saved. Funneling military strength and funds to outside militaries only sheds more blood. Democracy depends on the freedom of individuals to voice their dissent, even for democracy itself. Military forces democracy on unwilling masses.

            I don’t suggest we completely isolate ourselves from the Middle East. No, I believe there are many reasons why our involvement is necessary. Groups like ISIS should not be allowed to reign. Diplomatic relations to maintain trade for oil benefits the nation as a whole. Having allies around the world enables us to protect the United States against other countries which might have harmful intent.

            However, I do not believe that military might is our only way to exact our will in the Middle East. Too long we’ve relied on our military might. The continued instability in the region shows the futility to continue as we have. It is time we take advantage of the diplomatic position we are in. The White House needs to stop funneling money and military men and women into the Middle East.

Instead, we should employ our soft power. Work out diplomatic relations with countries we like. Work out deals with countries we don’t like when necessary. Use our hegemonic status to convince allies to join in diplomatic fights with our enemies. The only time funds should be given to another country is to build non-military infrastructure and economy. If a country misuses any funds, we immediately penalize them. Sometimes, we need to allow countries to find their own stability so that we can then have diplomatic relations with countries, communist or democratic.

            Not using military power provides more benefits then military involvement with these countries. It protects the men and women who are dedicated to fighting for our country. Tax dollars can be directly put to clear U.S. interests, rather than unclear, far away wars. It also prevents the U.S. from taking part in morally questionable behavior.

            The history books don’t have to be filled with skewed history. History that only presents one side of the moral conundrum we created. We can have history that encompasses the event fully. We can have a history unquestionably good. We can prevent blood from falling due to the instability in other nations. We can leave the pages free from red.

Katie Madel