https://www.npr.org/2019/01/10/683901610/in-cairo-pompeo-slams
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-obamas-mideast-policies-says-era-of-american-shame-is-over
On January 9th, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo gave a lengthy speech at the
American University in Cairo, Egypt. During the speech, Pompeo described the true
beginning of a new relationship between the United States and the Middle East--one of stronger
support and heightened involvement--while still emphasizing good intentions behind taking action.
Much like Obama 9 years ago, Pompeo stressed that the United States has no imperialist
intentions and plans to leave once each job is done. The similarities end there as Pompeo
continued to point out “misjudgements” of the Obama administration, essentially calling Obama
a practitioner of “American shame.” He also described the administration’s attitude toward Iran;
his message was that Iran needed to start “acting like a normal country” and explained that the
US is prepared to tighten sanctions further if needed.
American University in Cairo, Egypt. During the speech, Pompeo described the true
beginning of a new relationship between the United States and the Middle East--one of stronger
support and heightened involvement--while still emphasizing good intentions behind taking action.
Much like Obama 9 years ago, Pompeo stressed that the United States has no imperialist
intentions and plans to leave once each job is done. The similarities end there as Pompeo
continued to point out “misjudgements” of the Obama administration, essentially calling Obama
a practitioner of “American shame.” He also described the administration’s attitude toward Iran;
his message was that Iran needed to start “acting like a normal country” and explained that the
US is prepared to tighten sanctions further if needed.
I found it interesting that Pompeo chose to emphasize clearing out after a
task is complete, as many see power vacuums as one of the main factors
fostering militant activity. The void left in Iraq in 2011 is at least partially
responsible for the prevalence of ISIS.
task is complete, as many see power vacuums as one of the main factors
fostering militant activity. The void left in Iraq in 2011 is at least partially
responsible for the prevalence of ISIS.
I’m never a proponent of any kind of intervention policy. I tend to think
isolationism is the way to go. With the prevalence of the wall debate, I’d
rather the administration focus on what’s happening at home. Not to mention
we probably don’t have the budget “cap space” to deal with a sanction or arms
buildup of some sort.
Do you think responsibility for events such as the advent of ISIS and the
Arab and Persian spring can be placed on the Obama administration’s shoulders?
Do you feel that Pompeo’s rhetoric accurately portrays the intentions of the
administration? Of our nation (not just California)?
What is the most effective way of dealing with the perceived Iran problem?
isolationism is the way to go. With the prevalence of the wall debate, I’d
rather the administration focus on what’s happening at home. Not to mention
we probably don’t have the budget “cap space” to deal with a sanction or arms
buildup of some sort.
Do you think responsibility for events such as the advent of ISIS and the
Arab and Persian spring can be placed on the Obama administration’s shoulders?
Do you feel that Pompeo’s rhetoric accurately portrays the intentions of the
administration? Of our nation (not just California)?
What is the most effective way of dealing with the perceived Iran problem?
I don't think that forces like ISIS can really be attributed to Obama. Most instability in the middle east has come from an endless war in Afghanistan and the vacuum in the power structure left by Iraq, both caused before Obama. However, the Obama administration could have done more to help the Arab spring. I think that Pompeo's rhetoric does outline the intention of the administration, taking a harder line than their predecessors, with greater support for countries like Saudi Arabia in order to better combat Iran. The best way of dealing with Iran would have been the nuclear deal negotiated under Obama. The deal effectively prevented any development of nuclear weapons by restricting the amount of materials they could posses, as well as giving the international community vast enforcement powers to make sure that Iran wouldn't subvert the deal.
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