Obama’s Middle East Initiative A Comparative Analysis

[Since 1967 Middle East – as a region has been a test of US’ commitments to its allies on one hand and commitment to liberal values that form its very basis; on the other. Since then, the subsequent US’ Presidents have enunciated their respective Middle East policies in landmark speeches, in an effort to stabilize the region and resolve the Israel-Palestine issue, that has plagued the region since Israel’s inception in 1948. Obama’s Middle East policy is expected by many to bear some fruit, particularly after his landmark speech in Cairo on June 4, 2009, which was termed “a new beginning”.

This paper primarily intends to examine whether Obama’s initiative is novel enough and how pragmatic or practical it appears in light of past initiatives of his predecessors. Here a comparative analysis shall be made in light of the policies, as outlined in speeches of the US’ Presidents. The very theme of the paper enhances its significance as all eyes are set on President Obama for some substantial move in direction of peaceful settlement of the Palestinian issue in particular and Middle East’s stability in general – Ed]