America’s New Push for Influence in the Middle East
A new era of American influence is dawning in the Middle East, marking a fourth major return for the United States since the 1950s. This resurgence follows the aftermath of “Operation Al-Aqsa Flood,” Israel’s recent war in the region, and a period of American strategic retreat in favor of focusing on China. While American influence has waned in recent years, its strong ties with regional allies and its economic power have kept it relevant. Lebanon, perhaps more than any other country, exemplifies this continued influence, evident in the close relationship between the United States and the Lebanese army and Central Bank.
A Two-Pronged Play
America’s renewed involvement manifests through two key focal points: the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon and the shifting dynamics within Syria. By capitalizing on these developments, Washington seeks to pressure Damascus into severing supply routes to Iran’s allies and weaken Tehran’s overall influence. To achieve these goals, America is using a combination of political, security, and military conditions to pressure both Lebanon and Syria.
This strategy is particularly apparent in Lebanon, where an American general will chair the committee overseeing the implementation of Resolution 1701, a move that carries significant political weight.
This appointment came alongside a recent statement by Amos Hochstein, the U.S. envoy, expressing the administration’s willingness to work towards a political settlement in Lebanon. This includes electing a new president, restructuring government institutions, and firmly establishing land borders.
Lessons from the Past
America’s return comes after learning from past experiences, especially its costly interventions in Lebanon during the 1980s. After facing numerous military setbacks and ultimately withdrawing in 1983, the U.S. grew wary of entanglement in regional conflicts. This wariness was exacerbated by the Soviet Union’s strong presence in the region at the time, as well as the growing Iranian influence. The conflict in Lebanon brought the complexities of regional power dynamics into sharp focus.
Following the 1982 invasion of Beirut and the May 17 Agreement, the emergence of Hezbollah further solidified Iran’s influence in the region. The overthrow of this agreement led to a resurgence of the Lebanese civil war, ultimately pushing the U.S. to withdraw.
From Rebuilding to Proxy Conflicts
The September 11 attacks and subsequent wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, which the U.S. framed as “nation-building” missions, also ended in prolonged conflicts. The Arab Spring uprisings, while initially offering hope for democratic reform, ultimately devolved into civil wars, particularly in Syria, mirroring the complexities of the Iraqi conflict.
Since the 2006 Lebanon War, the assassination of Rafik Hariri, and the Syrian civil war, Iranian influence has grown significantly. The regional landscape became increasingly defined by a tug-of-war between American and Iranian interests, a competition that intensified with Israel’s recent war against Hezbollah, drawing the U.S. deeper into the region’s conflicts.
A New Equation Amid Shifting Alliances
The U.S. has returned with a newfound confidence, leveraging the success of its ally, Israel, in significantly weakening Iran and its regional allies. Despite a reduced military presence, Washington aims to re
What are the key areas of focus for America’s renewed push for influence in the Middle East?
## Interview: America’s Renewed Middle East Push
**HOST:** Welcome back to the show. Today we’re discussing a significant development in the Middle East: America’s renewed push for influence in the region. To help us understand this complex situation, we have invited Dr. Sarah Jones, a leading expert on Middle Eastern Geopolitics.
Dr. Jones, thank you for being here.
**DR. JONES:** It’s a pleasure to be here.
**HOST:** The article we’re discussing describes this as America’s fourth major return to the Middle East since the 1950s. Can you elaborate on that?
**DR. JONES:** Certainly. After the Second World War, the U.S. initially emerged as a major player in the region, primarily due to its strategic interests in containing Soviet influence during the Cold War [[1](https://carnegieendowment.org/emissary/2024/09/middle-east-mena-great-power-influence-data-map?lang=en)]. This involvement saw peaks and troughs over the decades, often intertwined with regional conflicts and shifts in global power dynamics. We saw a surge after the 1991 Gulf War, another after 9/11, and now, we’re seeing a resurgence again following the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas [[1](https://carnegieendowment.org/emissary/2024/09/middle-east-mena-great-power-influence-data-map?lang=en)].
**HOST:** This resurgence seems to be focused on two key areas: Lebanon and Syria. What’s the driving force behind this strategy?
**DR. JONES:** America seeks to contain Iranian influence in the region. The recent tensions and the ceasefire in Lebanon, along with internal dynamics within Syria, present opportunities for the U.S. to pressure Damascus into restricting support for Iranian proxies. This strategy involves a multi-pronged approach, including strengthening alliances, implementing sanctions, and potentially leveraging military posturing [[1](https://carnegieendowment.org/emissary/2024/09/middle-east-mena-great-power-influence-data-map?lang=en)].
**HOST:** And Lebanon specifically seems to be a key focal point.
**DR. JONES:** Absolutely. The U.S. has retained strong ties with Lebanon’s military and economic institutions, and now, appointing an American general to chair the committee overseeing the implementation of Resolution 1701 demonstrates a clear intent to exert influence on Lebanon’s political and security landscape.
**HOST:** It seems America is learning from past experiences in the region.
**DR. JONES:** Indeed. There’s a greater emphasis on working with regional partners, building stable institutions, and seeking diplomatic solutions rather than resorting solely to military intervention. The proposed settlement in Lebanon, focusing on a new president, reformed institutions, and clear land borders, reflects this more nuanced approach [[1](https://carnegieendowment.org/emissary/2024/09/middle-east-mena-great-power-influence-data-map?lang=en)].
**HOST:**
Dr. Jones, thank you for shedding light on this complex and evolving situation.
**DR. JONES:** My pleasure.
