by Amin BAGHERI•Published on April 13, 2023

The Middle East is a region of significant importance to the United States (US) due to its strategic location and abundance of natural resources, particularly oil. The US has maintained a strong presence in the region after the Second World War, which has led to a complex relationship with Middle Eastern countries. Despite the US’s efforts to maintain a positive relationship with the region, tensions have risen between the US and the Middle East over the years. There are many reasons for this tension, which can be broadly categorized into political, economic, social, and cultural issues.

Political Factors

One of the primary reasons for the tension between the US and the Middle East countries is political. The US has been accused of intervening in the political affairs of Middle Eastern countries, which some have viewed as an attempt to exert control over these countries. The US has also been involved in several regional military conflicts, including the Gulf War and the Iraq War. These interventions have been viewed as violations of Middle Eastern countries’ sovereignty and have fueled anti-American sentiments.

The US’s support for Israel in its ongoing conflict with Palestine is another significant political factor that has contributed to the tension between the US and the Middle East countries. The US has been a strong supporter of Israel for many years, which has led to criticisms from Arab countries that view Israel as a colonialist and expansionist state. This support has also been viewed as legitimizing Israel’s human rights abuses against the Palestinian people, which has fueled anti-American sentiments.

Economic Factors

Economic factors have also played a significant role in the tension between the US and the Middle East countries. The US’s economic policies in the region have been criticized for exacerbating inequality and poverty. The US has supported free-market policies in the region, which have resulted in the privatization of state-owned industries and the deregulation of markets. These policies have been viewed as benefiting multinational corporations at the expense of local populations, which has fueled resentment toward the US.

The US’s dependence on Middle Eastern oil has also been a source of tension. The US has long relied on Middle Eastern oil to meet its energy needs, which has led to accusations of exploitation and interference in the region’s affairs. The US’s support for authoritarian regimes that are friendly to American business interests has been viewed as hypocritical and has fueled anti-American sentiments.

Social Factors

Social factors like religion and culture have also contributed to the tension between the US and the Middle East countries. The US’s cultural influence in the region has been viewed as promoting values at odds with traditional Middle Eastern values. The spread of Western-style democracy and secularism has been considered as threatening to Islamic values and traditions. This has fueled a backlash against the US, with some viewing the US as an imperialist cultural force seeking to impose its values on the region.

Cultural differences have also played a role in the tension between the US and the Middle East countries. The US’s support for Israel in its conflict with Palestine has been viewed as a betrayal of Islamic solidarity, which has fueled anti-American sentiments among some Muslim populations. The US’s support for authoritarian regimes in the region has also been viewed as at odds with American values of democracy and human rights.

Cultural differences have also contributed to misunderstandings between the US and the Middle East countries. The US’s emphasis on individualism and personal freedoms has been viewed as selfish and decadent by some Middle Eastern populations, who prioritize communal and religious values over individual rights.

In conclusion, the tension between the US and the Middle East countries is a complex issue that cannot be attributed to a single factor. Oil, religion, support for authoritarian regimes, military interventions, political interference, and support for Israel have all contributed to the current state of affairs. Addressing these issues will require a nuanced and multifaceted approach that acknowledges the complex history of US-Middle Eastern relations and works towards a more equitable and peaceful future.

Disclaimer. The views and opinions expressed in this op-ed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of MEPEI. Any content provided by our authors is of their opinion and is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything.

Amin BAGHERI

Amin Bagheri is a Research Fellow at the International Studies Association in Tehran. His primary research interest lies in international relations, transnational governance, international peace, and conflicts in the Middle East.
Twitter account: @bghr_amin