The Middle East and North Africa: U.S. and European Response to Change

189 Pages·2013·1.88 MB·English

by  Mehdi Vermerisch

POLITICS AND ECONOMICS OF THE MIDDLE EAST

T M E
HE IDDLE AST
N A
AND ORTH FRICA

U.S. E R
AND UROPEAN ESPONSE
C
TO HANGE

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P E
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M E
OF THE IDDLE AST

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A P , E ,
FRICAN OLITICAL CONOMIC
S I
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POLITICS AND ECONOMICS OF THE MIDDLE EAST

T M E
HE IDDLE AST
N A
AND ORTH FRICA

U.S. E R
AND UROPEAN ESPONSE
C
TO HANGE

MEHDI VERMEIRSCH
EDITOR

New York
Copyright © 2013 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc.

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CONTENTS

Preface vii
Chapter 1 The United States and Europe: Responding
to Change in the Middle East and North Africa 1
Kristin Archick and Derek E. Mix
Chapter 2 U.S. Trade and Investment in the Middle East
and North Africa: Overview and Issues for Congress 47
Shayerah Ilias Akhtar, Mary Jane Bolle
and Rebecca M. Nelson
Chapter 3 The European Union: Foreign and Security Policy 99
Derek E. Mix
Chapter 4 Change in the Middle East: Implications for U.S.
Policy 135
Christopher M. Blanchard, Alexis Arieff,
Zoe Danon, Kenneth Katzman, Jeremy M. Sharp
and Jim Zanotti
Index 165

PREFACE

Over the last two years, many U.S. policymakers, Members of Congress,
and their European counterparts have struggled with how best to respond to
the wide range of challenges posed by the popular uprisings and political
upheaval in many countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
Almost immediately after the onset of the so-called ―Arab Spring‖ in early
2011, U.S. and European leaders alike declared their intention to put greater
emphasis than in the past on democratic reform and economic development in
formulating their respective policies toward countries such as Egypt, Tunisia,
Jordan, and Morocco. In Libya, the United States and many European allies
participated in the NATO-led military intervention in support of rebel forces
that ultimately toppled the Qadhafi regime. And as demonstrations in Syria
escalated into a bloody civil war, the United States and the European Union
(EU) have imposed sanctions, called for an end to the ruling Asad regime, and
are considering greater material and financial support to the Syrian political
and armed opposition. Possibilities for U.S.-European cooperation and
potential obstacles in light of the immense changes and what many have long
viewed as common U.S. and European interests in the Middle East and North
Africa, numerous analysts have advocated for significant U.S.-European
cooperation to promote a more peaceful and prosperous MENA region. Such
collaboration, they argued, would help prevent a wasteful duplication of
Western diplomatic and economic resources amid competing domestic
political priorities and financial constraints on both sides of the Atlantic. This
book provides a broad overview of European and U.S. responses to the
changes in six MENA countries (Egypt, Tunisia, Jordan, Morocco, Libya, and
Syria).
viii Mehdi Vermeirsch
Chapter 1 – Over the last two years, many U.S. policymakers, Members of
Congress, and their European counterparts have struggled with how best to
respond to the wide range of challenges posed by the popular uprisings and
political upheaval in many countries in the Middle East and North Africa
(MENA). Almost immediately after the onset of the so-called ―Arab Spring‖
in early 2011, U.S. and European leaders alike declared their intention to put
greater emphasis than in the past on democratic reform and economic
development in formulating their respective policies toward countries such as
Egypt, Tunisia, Jordan, and Morocco. In Libya, the United States and many
European allies participated in the NATO-led military intervention in support
of rebel forces that ultimately toppled the Qadhafi regime. And as
demonstrations in Syria escalated into a bloody civil war, the United States
and the European Union (EU) have imposed sanctions, called for an end to the
ruling Asad regime, and are considering greater material and financial support
to the Syrian political and armed opposition.
Chapter 2 – U.S. interest in deepening economic ties with certain
countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) has increased in light
of the political unrest and transitions that have swept the region since early
2011. Policymakers in Congress and the Obama Administration are discussing
ways that U.S. trade and investment can bolster long-term economic growth in
the region. In May 2011, President Obama announced the MENA ―Trade and
Investment Partnership Initiative‖ (MENA-TIP), through which various
federal government agencies are engaged in efforts to enhance trade and
investment with the region. Such activities are in line with long-standing U.S.
trade policy goals and measures. Some Members of Congress have called for
deeper economic ties with MENA countries undergoing political change.
However, continued political uncertainty and changing security environments
in the region have prompted greater scrutiny of U.S. engagement. This report
analyzes policy approaches that Congress might consider concerning U.S.-
MENA trade and investment.
Chapter 3 – The United States often looks to Europe as its partner of
choice in addressing important global challenges. Given the extent of the
transatlantic relationship, congressional foreign policy activities and interests
frequently involve Europe. The relationship between the United States and the
European Union (EU) has become increasingly significant in recent years, and
it is likely to grow even more important. In this context, Members of Congress
often have an interest in understanding the complexities of EU policy making,
assessing the compatibility and effectiveness of U.S. and EU policy