Uncertain Future: A Strategic Review of the Middle East and Implications for the United States

America's tendency to focus solely on military threat reduction increasingly erodes U.S. relationships with Middle East nations. As consequences of recent conflicts continue to reverberate, Iran's influence appears to be increasing and there is growing Sunni fear of an emboldened Shia populace. This article offers a broad review of important trends in the Middle East and North Africa over the next five to seven years, identifies emerging strategic challenges, and offers a way forward for the United States. America's foreign policies must be shaped to rely on soft power first and the use of military force only when absolutely necessary.