The United States in Middle Eastern Conflicts: A Case Study of the Civil War in Syria

Abstract

States pursue their national interests utilizing different policy options ranging from diplomacy to war. The collapse of USSR in early 1990s cleared the path for the US to act unilaterally in international affairs without much opposition. The presence of the US military forces in Middle East were tasked to safeguard vital American interests in the region that included minimizing the role of countries hostile to the interests of the US. Russia as an emerging power with the ability to built on the experience of former Soviet Union, and its support for the Assad Regime during the Syrian crisis against the protestors who sought reforms along with a host of other issues, pushed the US to engage deeply with the local partners solely to safeguard American interests. The assertiveness of Russia primarily in eastern Europe and its deep ties with Bashar Al Assad were perceived detrimental for a borader US role in the region. Russian designs to expand its reach and establish strongholds in countries traditionally aligned with the West after the Soviet’s disintegration stirred up American policy-makers. The US military intervention sought to dismantle terrorism while also seeking to counterbalance Russia and achieve parity in both political and military domains through close collaboration with anti regime elements within the Syrian political and military circles.