Restoring the Balance: A Middle East Strategy for the Next President

by Martin S. Indyk

"
The next U.S. president will need to pursue a new strategic framework for advancing American interests in the Middle East. The mounting challenges include sectarian conflict in Iraq, Iran's pursuit of nuclear capabilities, failing Palestinian and Lebanese governments, a dormant peace process, and the ongoing war against terror. Compounding these challenges is a growing hostility toward U.S. involvement in the Middle East. The old policy paradigms, whether President George W. Bush's model of regime change and democratization or President Bill Clinton's model of peacemaking and containment, will no longer suit the likely circumstances confronting the next administration in the Middle East. In R estoring the Balance, experts from the Saban Center at the Brookings Institution and from the Council on Foreign Relations propose a new, nonpartisan strategy drawing on the lessons of past failures to address both the short-term and long-term challenges to U.S. interests. Following an overview chapter by Richard N. Haass, president of the Council on Foreign Relations, and Martin Indyk, director of the Saban Center, individual chapters address the Arab-Israeli conflict, counterterrorism, Iran, Iraq, political and economic development, and nuclear proliferation. Specific policy recommendations stem from in-depth research and extensive dialogue with individuals in government, media, academia, and the private sector throughout the region. The experts include Stephen Biddle, Isobel Coleman, Steven A. Cook, Steven Simon, and Ray Takeyh from the Council on Foreign Relations and Daniel L. Byman, Suzanne Maloney, Kenneth M. Pollack, Bruce Riedel, ShibleyTelhami, and Tamara Cofman Wittes from Brookings' Saban Center.
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Genres: Politics

245 pages, Paperback

First published November 25, 2008

Reviews

[Salem · Rating 3 out of 5]

Published just after the 2008 election, it seems this book was read by at least some in the current administration, it's intended audience. I knew when I added it to my reading list events would outstrip the recommendations by the time I managed to read it, but it was still enlightening. I just wish I could get an updated edition with recent events taken into account!

[Frank Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a region that has been beset for decades with strife and seemingly intractable conflict, this is a very good "outside the box" series of essays and assessments for how peace might be achieved. Unfortunately, I don't think too many have read it -- and we need more constructive, innovative thought brought to the policy debate like that found in this book.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent arguement for engagment rather than maintaining the status quo in relations with the Middle East.

One issue I have with this book, and with similar policy recommendation books is how quickly they become outdated.