Question

How was the United States involved in the Middle East during the Cold War? Check any of the boxes that apply.

Answer 1

United States foreign policy in the Middle East has its roots as early as the Barbary Wars in the first years of the U.S.'s existence, but became much more expansive after World War II. American policy during the Cold War tried to prevent Soviet Union influence by supporting anti-communist regimes and backing Israel against Soviet-sponsored Arab countries. The U.S. also came to replace the United Kingdom as the main security patron of the Persian Gulf states in the 1960s and 1970s, working to ensure a stable flow of Gulf oil.[1] Since the 9/11 attacks of 2001, U.S. policy has included an emphasis on counter-terrorism. The U.S. has diplomatic relations with all countries in the Middle East except for Iran, whose 1979 revolution brought to power a staunchly anti-American regime.

Answer 2

The United States was extensively involved in the Middle East given its support for the establishment of Israel in 1948. Like other parts of the world, the Middle East and its nations became pawns in the Cold War contestation between Russia and the United States. The US. helped to broker a cease fire between Israel and its five Arab state neighbors to end the conflict in 1948. Ralph Bunche won the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts in this regard. The United States also worked to challenge the Pan-Arab movement promoted by Gamel Nassser, President of Egypt. This led to the Suez Conflict in 1956. Israel also participated in the Six Day War (1967) and the Yom Kippur War in 1973. President Carter negotiated the Camp David Accords in 1978, which brought peace between Egypt and Israel. This accord led to the assassination of Anwar Sadat in 1981. The United States has also been a staunch ally of Saudi Arabia because of its oil reserves. The US has also been involved in the Palestinian conflict.  The United States provided military equipment, technological expertise, diplomatic negotiation, and military force--stationing troops in Lebanon and subsequent involvement in conflicts in the early 1990's in the Near East (Kuwait and Iraq) and subsequent involvement in the invasion of Iraq in the early 21st century.