Obama’s West Asia Policy: Insights & Challenges
- Steven Simon's "Grand Delusion: The Rise and Fall of American Ambition in the Middle East" offers a critical look at U.S.
- In a chapter focusing on the Obama administration, Simon details a number of instances that illustrate the pro-military and pro-Israeli atmosphere within Washington's political and policy circles.
- According to Simon, after leaving the white House, he received an invitation while on a business trip to Beirut for a discreet meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
Steven Simon’s “Grand Delusion” meticulously dissects the failures of US foreign policy in the Middle East, pinpointing critical missteps and the profound influence of think tanks. The book exposes how organizations, including the Middle East Institute, have shaped Washington’s perspectives. News Directory 3 brings you insights into the Obama management’s approach to Syria, revealing internal disagreements and missed opportunities. discover the impact of donor interests on policy and the consequences of decisions made behind closed doors regarding Palestine, Libya, and the rise of extremist groups.Explore Simon’s analysis of these complex dynamics and examine the implications for the region’s future. discover what’s next with this important read.
Book reveals US Policy Failures, Influence of Think Tanks in Middle East
Updated July 27, 2023
Steven Simon’s “Grand Delusion: The Rise and Fall of American Ambition in the Middle East” offers a critical look at U.S. policy in the region. Simon, a former national security official, reflects on what he sees as missteps in U.S. foreign policy.
In a chapter focusing on the Obama administration, Simon details a number of instances that illustrate the pro-military and pro-Israeli atmosphere within Washington’s political and policy circles.
According to Simon, after leaving the white House, he received an invitation while on a business trip to Beirut for a discreet meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. After consulting with Rob Malley, his successor at the National Security Council (NSC), Simon traveled to Damascus in early 2015 to explore potential de-escalation strategies.
Simon writes that after his meeting with Assad, he briefed Malley in Lausanne. Upon their return to Washington, Malley said that Susan Rice, then the NSC advisor, opposed engaging with Assad, believing he was in a desperate situation and should not be given a lifeline.
Malley explained her position… Assad, he said, was in a desperate situation; why throw him a lifeline? … With some regret I signaled contacts in the region that there was no prospect of a deal along the lines I’d discussed in Damascus, and there the matter ended.
Simon also sheds light on the influence of think tanks, noting the pressure exerted by organizations like the Middle East Institute (MEI) on their scholars to align with donor interests.He points to a $20 million donation from the United Arab Emirates that helped sustain MEI.
The book also highlights the role of think tanks in disseminating specific viewpoints and influencing Washington opinion, particularly concerning Israel.
Simon’s account also touches on the obama administration’s handling of Palestine, Libya, and Syria. However, the book’s organization is criticized for lacking a coherent narrative and chronological structure.
The book lacks context regarding the Israeli assault on Gaza known as “Operation Cast Lead” and Obama’s appointment of George Mitchell as a special negotiator. It also fails to adequately address the rise of the islamic State group in Syria and the flow of resources to extremist groups.
What’s next
Despite its shortcomings,”Grand Delusion” offers insights into the inner workings of Washington’s foreign policy establishment and raises questions about the effectiveness and impact of U.S. actions in the Middle East.