“This counterterrorism emphasis meshes with U.S. domestic politics. Polls indicate an American public still suspicious of U.S. leadership in the Middle East (and the world at large), but also increasingly in favor of strong action against the Islamic State. So any administration has a political incentive -- and a political reality -- to be chary of intervention or heavy involvement in the Middle East, aside from counterterrorism. As I’ve argued elsewhere, such a counterterrorism focus is a mistake -- even if our primary goal is fighting terrorism. The source of terrorism in the Middle East is linked to civil wars, poor governance, the unresolved Palestinian issue, and numerous other problems. A narrow focus on counterterrorism also risks jeopardizing other interests, such as the ones above, that may resume their traditional importance in the long-term.”
Brookings: http://www.brookings.edu/blogs/markaz/posts/2016/03/02-shifting-us
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