Curr Iss In-Person: America and the Middle East

America and the Middle East: Elusive Dreams and Harsh Realities
Two In-Person Sessions
Thur., Sept. 12, 19, 2024, 6:30-8:30 pm MT

The United States is once again deeply involved in Middle East events and problems, despite several American administrations’ efforts to pivot elsewhere. The region has demanded the attention of every U.S. president since Harry Truman. Today, American diplomats and military forces are deeply engaged with the complexities of the region. Why does this area consistently attract U.S. attention? What is the significance of the region to American interests in the current era? What historical actions and policies have shaped the challenges the U.S. encounters there now? Additionally, what aspects distinguish the present situation from the past? Join former U.S. Ambassador to the Middle East Gary Grappo as he explores the evolution of U.S. policy in the Middle East from 1945 to the present. His journey will cover events such as the overthrow of Iran's democratically-elected prime minister, extensive efforts to settle the Arab-Israeli and Israeli-Palestinian conflicts through numerous wars, both successful and failed peace negotiations, the war on terror, the invasion and occupation of Iraq, attempts to improve relations with Iran followed by pressures on its leadership, and the current crises in Iran, Gaza and Sudan. What is the future of this region that seems stuck in a morass of authoritarian states, stunted economic growth, declining demand for its only abundant natural resource, and continued instability? Can the U.S. do much to alter the trajectory?

Gary Grappo is a distinguished fellow at the Center for Middle East Studies at the Josef Korbel School of International Studies with nearly 40 years of diplomatic and public policy experience. At the U.S. State Department, he served in Jerusalem, Baghdad, Jordan, Oman and Saudi Arabia and is a former U.S. Ambassador to the Middle East.