The biggest problem/mistake facing U.S. mideast policy is the Israel--Palestine problem. The Bush Administration approach bordered on the criminal and, combined with the invasion of Iraq, it may take ten to twenty years to repair the damage done to U.S. relations in the area.
Since Lyndon Johnson U.S. policy has been totally out of whack. Our policy vis-a-vis Israel is a classic case of the tail wagging the dog. U.S. support of Israel has been way out of proportion compared to any possible gains that c ould be realized. As of 2005 the U.S. has given Israel $150 billion in aid; it is likely now over $160 billion. At the UN, since 1970 the U.S. has employed more vetoes against resolutions involving Israel than all vetoes cast in Security Council during this time period. And it is not like we have a lot of support. We often cast votes in support of Israel that are opposed by almost all of our Western allies. Especially since 20001, polls done in the Middle East show an overwhelming negative view of the U.S. and huge majorities believe that we are heavily weighted towards Israel. We used to be seen as an honest broker. For anyone interested in how out of balance U.S. policy is regarding Israel, read The Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy by Mearsheimer and Walt, especially Chapter 2. In return for our largesse, we have an ally that causes us no end of problems. From the U.S.S. Liberty to the Pollard spy case and violation of the Oslo accords, Israel has taken advantage of the U.S. and put us in a doifficult position time and again. The above cited book carefully and completely documents this history.
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