U.S.–European Relations in the “Greater” Middle East

Abstract

ABSTRACT Despite the U.S. “pivot to Asia,” it will remain deeply engaged in both Europe and the Middle East. But it must begin treating the latter region as a whole, not as a series of disparate parts; revisit its policies to Israel–Palestine negotiations and Iran; and lead in creating a viable security structure for the Persian Gulf. For their part, to ensure that U.S. Asian and Middle East interests do not lead America to radically decrease its security “footprint” in Europe—especially in “managing” Russia's future, its North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies must accept the terms of a new “transatlantic bargain”: accepting added responsibilities in North Africa and the Middle East, at times beyond judgments of their national interests. They must also join the United States in developing a new Atlantic Compact, a new Persian Gulf security structure, and a much more cooperative relationship between NATO and the European Union.