How has America been involved in the Middle East?

America like other superpowers have tried to influence and gain power in different regions and countries. America since it's caution involvement in world war 1 has been tremendously influential in shaping the world. The particular region where America seems to be greatly involved in the 21st century is the Middle East. There are several reasons ways America has been involved in Middle Eastern affairs.
Global Connections says "American economic interests -- particularly in assuring access to Middle Eastern oil -- have long motivated presidents and lawmakers to intervene in the region."

Some American involvement in the Middle East are:

1) Involvement in the battle against Islamic radicals across the Middle East
2) Participating in 3 wars over the last couple of decades
Gulf War:Deals with Saddam Hussein threatening oil supply in Kuwait, after invading Kuwait.
Afghanistan War:War against Islamic radical across Afghanistan
Iraq War:Threat of Iraq possessing weapons of mass destruction.
3) Playing a major roles in internal wars that occurred in the Middle East such as the Iran-Iraq War. Providing military and monetary support to Middle Eastern nations.
4) Strong economic relationship with oil rich countries such as Saudi Arabia.

Source:http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/globalconnections/mideast/questions/uspolicy/index.html

What are some of the problems that are occuring in the Middle East at this time?

Middle East for centuries has been plagued by violence and upheaval. This region continuously has been the crossroad of different societies and empires. It connects three continents Africa, Asia, Europe. As you can see, the Middle East is an highly prized area due to is strategic location.

"Given the vast energy resources that form the backbone of western economies, influence and involvement in the Middle East has been of paramount importance for the former and current imperial and super powers, including France, Britain, USA and the former Soviet Union." The constant battle to control these areas has lead to both internal and external tensions in these areas.

Some of the tensions or problems that are still plaguing the Middle East are:

1) The Arab-Israeli Conflict
2) Radical Islamic Insurgency
3) Afghanistan War
4) Iraq War
5) Nuclear Proliferation

Source:http://www.globalissues.org/issue/103/middle-east

What region is classified as the Middle East?

The Middle East is somewhat a vague term. It overlaps between nations and regions. Geographically speaking the Middle East is the region between Asia and Africa and just below the Caucasus. Yet this region is also known by other geographic names such as Near-East or Western Asia which can lead to confusion. In fact what I believe can effectively be used to describe this region is mainly more socio-political then geographic. The nations that are classified as Middle Eastern nations seem to have similar culture and political systems. The nations that can be called Middle Eastern nations can vary from Egypt to Pakistan to even including Turkey.

Source: Wikipedia.com

Important Questions to Ask

1) What region is classified as the Middle East?
2) What are some of the problems that are occurring in the Middle East at this time?
3) How has America been involved in the Middle East?
4) In what area of the Middle East is most controversy surrounded with American policy?
5) How does American Policy towards the Middle East affect the entire World?
6) Does American policy actually play a role in the Middle East?
7) What is the view most Americans have towards the Middle East?
8) What is the view most Middle Eastern people have towards America?
9) How can the problems in the Middle East be fixed?
10) If American policy is biased towards the Middle East, should it be like that? If not how can it be fixed. Why is it biased?

General U.S policy in Dealing with the Middle East

The United States seems to be the savior of all nations, they are not only impartial in domestic affairs, but also in international affairs. However, is the United States actaully fair in it's policy or is it baised in dealing with some areas. American Middle Eastern policy seems to be the area where most tumult arises. Some believe America is fair, while others argue American policy is influenced by resources. If one studies and analyzes American policies towards the middle east peice by peice, one can evaluate this arugument more clearly.