The Pew Research Center conducted the opinion poll on American foreign policy.
A LITTLE NOTICED but hugely important public opinion survey released this week shows that Americans see their country’s influence in the world diminishing – confirming what has become obvious to many abroad. The survey by the Pew Research Center titled America’s Place in the World 2013 could have major implications for American foreign policy. In fact, some say it has already done so. Public support for global engagement, already low, has fallen even further. Experts blame “war fatigue” – the legacy of the Bush/Cheney years of foreign misadventures in Iraq and Afghanistan. As negotiations proceed with Iran, Afghanistan and Syria, the impact of these trends could be enormous and global.
PERCEPTION OF US STENGTH AS ALLY IN MIDDLE EAST SUFFERS AGAIN The deal with Iran over its nuclear ambitions overshadowed, for most part, the Monday announcement that a new attempt would be made to convene peace talks on Syria. But the two are inextricably intertwined. President Obama has pivoted away from belligerence and that is admirable. But the cost to America’s ability to influence events in the turbulent Middle East is still unfolding. With the response in Jerusalem and Riyadh, it has seemingly suffered another decline.
ISRAEL, SAUDI COOPERATION COMPLICATES CHANCE OF DEAL With negotiations set to resume in Geneva on Wednesday over Iran’s nuclear ambitions, ominous developments mostly behind the scenes have enormously complicated any chances of a settlement. The current compromise has the potential to divide America from some of its staunchest allies in the Middle East, and needs to be approached with extreme caution in case it backfires in ways not yet imagined that could change the balance of terror in the volatile region and actually increase the chance of a nuclear conflict.
INITIATIVES THREATENED BY DOMESTIC, FOREIGN OPPOSITION Top of the agenda American foreign policy initiatives are, at best, stalled. At worst, they are threatened by opposition both at home and abroad.` To anyone following these different threads, it is quite apparent that American foreign policy is embattled on many fronts. It is emblematic of the problems the US faces in trying to influence events all over the world in the face of its declining willingness to go to the mat over issues of vital national interest. It remains to be seen if any of these stalled initiatives can be turned around.
BBC REPORTS ATOMIC WEAPONS READY FOR SHIPPING FROM PAKISTAN In a stunning development that could change the balance of terror in the Middle East – and the world – it was reported that Saudi Arabia might be able to get atomic weapons before Iran. While this development has drawn little attention in the U.S., it has received considerable play abroad, especially in Israel. A Saudi Arabia with immediate access to atomic weapons would enormously complicate the delicate balance of terror in the Middle East and the world. It is a game changer, and deserves far more attention.
DECLINE OF AMERICAN INFLUENCE IN THE WORLD SPEEDS UP The signs are everywhere that America’s foreign policy is in disarray. Allies are anxious; enemies are gleeful. They all point to a surprising acceleration in the decline of U.S. influence everywhere, most particularly in the volatile Middle East. Germany, France, Brazil and Mexico are disgusted with over-reach by American spy agencies. Israel and Saudi Arabia disagree on vital issues of Iran, Syria and Egypt. Russia is harboring U.S. fugitive Edward Snowden, while China is threatening a de-Americanization of the world financial system. Do we need any more evidence that American foreign policy is a shambles? That U.S. influence is on the decline – and dropping like a stone? It is not too late. It should be made a top priority.
BUT MAIN PLAYER – ISRAEL – IS ABSENT AND WORRIED The Iranian government on Tuesday presented an historic proposal to end the decade-long standoff over its nuclear weapons ambitions. But as the West engages with the rogue regime in Iran, it cannot ignore the interests of the nation with the most at stake. The Israelis have to be heard because they have the means – and the will – to do something about it if they perceive the talks are a waste of time. The question is, how much time will they wait?
ISRAEL WEIGHS ATTACK IF IRAN DOESN’T HALT NUKE PROGRAM For months, Israeli officials and media have been warning that Iran is on the threshold of attaining a nuclear capability. It is no surprise that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is keeping all his options on the table. The only question remains how long Israeli patience will last. If diplomacy drags on for too long, an Israeli strike against Iran becomes ever more likely. That would be a development with unknown but serious global repercussions.
REALLY IMPORTANT ACTION MAY COME BEHIND THE SCENES It has been widely reported that President Obama and the new president of Iran, Hassan Rouhani, are hoping to arrange a “casual encounter” … or perhaps even a formal meeting. Rouhani won Iran’s presidential poll in June, promising reform and to put an end to Iran’s international isolation. Indeed, whether it’s a formal meeting or a “chance” encounter in the hallway, any face-to-face meeting between the two leaders will mark an historic breakthrough. Will a new chapter in the frosty relations be opened? Stay tuned for breaking news bulletins.
BAHAI FAITHFUL CALL HAIFA TOMB, GARDENS ITS HOLIEST SITE As if being home to the holiest shrines of the world’s three major religions is not sufficiently complicated, Israel is also the location of a fourth – lesser known – holy shrine considered by millions the holiest of all. The Bahai Gardens surrounding the tomb of the religion’s founder, The Bab, sit on the steep slope of Mt. Carmel affording a commanding view of the city of Haifa on Israel’s north coast. The gardens abound with symbolism. It is a place of peaceful harmony – quite unlike the bitterly contested Old City in Jerusalem, where the holiest shrines of the world’s three major religions are located.
