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“The United State foreign policy is being articulated with emphasis on diplomacy including gaining international support to ensure that the Iranian nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.This is different than the previous administration. 

I was asked many years ago (before the Fall of the Berlin Wall) about the pillars of the United States policy toward the Middle East. At that time the following elements were cited: ensuring the continuing supply of oil and petroleum products from the Middle East to the United States, it’s Western allies and Japan without sudden changes in oil prices; preventing the former Soviet Union from having a foothold in the area; ensuring continuous military and economic support for Israel; and helping pro- Western states in the region. 

The Middle East today is different than then particularly after the dismantlement of the former Soviet Union, and the political change in Iran. The recent developments in Afghanistan have impacted the Middle East, and would bring new ideas about dealing with international crises.  

Furthermore, the United States ability to invent technologies to increase domestic oil production and becoming self-sufficient in oil and petroleum products have changed the situation. Though the United States is still concerned about the global energy questions since many American based oil companies are directly involved in the International oil business as well as the great impact of oil and petroleum products on the global economy, not withstanding that the world is moving toward environmentally sound green energy. In addition , there were changes in many governments in the Middle East particularly in Iran, Afghanistan and after the Arab Spring. The latter represented Arab popular demands for democracy, respect for human rights and decent government. 

The United States policy under President Joe Biden is concentrating on China particularly to prevent the latter from controlling the South China Sea, and threatening Taiwan and other states in the region. Nevertheless, the United States still considers the threat of the terrorist organizations Al-Qaida and the so-called Islamic State as a major concern, and devotes resources to face this threat in the Middle East and beyond.  

The United States is still determined to ensure Israel superiority in the Middle East, however, President Joe Biden spoke about resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict peacefully and on the basis of two-state solution in the Holy Land: Israel and Palestine. In the meantime, the United States is working to improve the living conditions of the Palestinians under Israeli occupation. 

The United States is also determined, and work with its allies to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. 

It is hoped and expected that the Biden Administration will prioritize the questions of supporting democracy and respect for human rights in the Middle East. These lofty goals will contribute to a just and peaceful solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict on the basis of two-state solution in the Holy Land: Israel and Palestine with Jerusalem as the symbol of peace and cooperation among religions.