| Publication |
2013.
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| Summary/Abstract |
In a speech delivered on 19 May 2011, President Obama identified the following US "core interests" in the Middle East: (1) "countering terrorism," (2) "stopping the spread of nuclear weapons," (3) "securing the free flow of commerce and safeguarding the security of the region," and, (4) "standing up for Israel's security and pursuing Arab-Israeli peace."1 The US military and intelligence presence in this region are designed to support these objectives and to reassure US allies while deterring potential adversaries such as Iran. Currently, it is not clear if the changes brought about by the Arab Spring uprisings will require the US military to find new ways to protect these interests or what adjustments to US basing and other military activity may be required. The ongoing civil war in Syria and the still unfolding political results in Arab nations that have successfully overthrown the despots that once ruled them add to the uncertainty. Understanding the development and evolution of the Arab Spring is, therefore, an important prerequisite for addressing some key aspects involving future US national security requirements. Fortunately, there are a number of excellent works on the subject that can be useful for US Army professionals and others seeking to do so.
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