US Presidency and the Middle East: Historic Opportunity

After eight years of misguided Middle East policy from President George Bush’s administration, an enlightened strategy to tackle the region’s plight is overdue. This must include an approach that will bring change to an area consumed by conflict and division and filled with disdain toward the United States. Although the massive economic crisis facing America is and should be President-elect Barack Obama’s first priority, he must not hesitate to confront the simmering conflicts in the Middle East that cannot be relegated to the back burner without severely undermining the strategic interest and security of the US.