"12Taken together, the pillars describe a coherent policy for the Middle East, but only if one excludes the last, and indeed the flimsiest of the five pillars: values. Thankfully, Sullivan does not describe these partnerships as democracies or as countries with which the United States shares values. It is also problematic as a matter of fact, given that Biden's Middle East partners remain key sources of violence, war, corruption, and tyranny in the region—hardly a recipe for peace or prosperity. Coupled with the lobbying and financial influence of Middle East governments, the current system of carrots and sticks demands relentless and expanded weapons transfers. The oft-touted US commitment to democracy and human rights is therefore entirely absent from the Middle East.

Source: Forbes January 24, 2024 18:31 UTC