المستخلص: |
There are two candidates for the upcoming US presidential election: Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump. Each time, the same questions are raised about the runners’ stances on the Middle East issues. It may be safe to say that, for about 50 years, the difference in this regard has never been strategic but tactical. In fact, the protection of Israel’s security and its political, economic and military support stay as common point between the successive Democrat and Republican administrations. In addition, foreign policy decision-making, in general, and with reference to the region, in particular, is not associated with the president themselves, but an institutional bureaucratic matter. It is also noteworthy that there is a shift in Washington’s foreign policy towards the Middle East, mainly in the aftermath of the occupation of Afghanistan and Iraq as well as the failure to maintain political stability in both countries. On the one hand, according to Trump and his advisors, there are three priorities in this context: - fighting ISIS - NATO, the international coalition, and the cost of terror - the relationship with Iran and Israel. On the other hand, as an experienced politician, Clinton is more straightforward about her vision to the Middle East within her attitude to political Islam, ISIS, regional alliances, Iran and the peace process between the Palestinian Authority and Israel. Opinion polls show that the one more likely to win the race is Clinton, who adopts the Democratic Party’s Soft Power and Smart Power.
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