U S A in the middle east

NEW YORK TIMES....2012...

"THERE was a time when American power was viewed as decisive in the Middle East. If Washington sneezed there was a sense that the region would catch a cold.

Times have changed. Many factors brought us to this point. Perhaps most important is the fact that though the region has changed, U.S. policies have not adapted."

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/18/op...east.html?_r=0

That responds to the question as to WHEN did we have influence.

I think it rather naive to think we can just set back and ignore the ME as if it meant nothing. Those allies that someone mentioned in a post who we will support if they need us are leaving our sides and quickly.

Folks seem to think insuring influence means war. It might at times, abut ignoring and region that is literally on fire, full of terrorism, and requiring someone to be by their side does not make much sense to me.

We do not live in past times. The world is small. Distances do not mean much anymore. If we intend to have our allies to be such as Great Britian, etc...then we are not even in the game.

"While Russia participates in the new U.S.-led discussions over Syria, it is simultaneously striking side deals with U.S. allies to further its military presence there, which the U.S. government has called counterproductive.

On the same day as the Vienna meeting, Russia signed an agreement with Jordan to coordinate militarily against the Islamic State. The next day, Kerry traveled to Jordan and Saudi Arabia to discuss Syria with leaders there. (Putin didn't have to go to Saudi Arabia; the Saudi defense minister had visited Moscow earlier this month.) And while Kerry was in the region, the government of Iraq announced it had given Russia the green light to begin airstrikes there too, over U.S. objections."

U.S. is driving Mideast allies to Putin - Chicago Tribune

The article referenced above begins...

"America's traditional Middle East allies, having run out of patience with President Barack Obama's policy in Syria, are now reaching out to a resurgent Russia -- even though it is bolstering the very dictator so many of them have pushed to leave power."


So I simply say to those who wonder WHEN we have had influence and why we need to have influence, PLEASE READ...history and current events

We are being squeezed out, allies are leaving. You folks are envisioning the region as a bunch of folks on camels and behind the times and not worthy or our respect.

I will tell you, THAT IS NAIVE to say the least.