All Countries are not Equal: U.S. Security Assistance to the Middle East duringthe Reagan Era

摘要

The U.S. security assistance and arms transfer programs to the Middle East duringthe Reagan era did not support U.S. national security objectives for the region. Congress gave the preponderance of aid to Israel and Egypt for participation in the Camp David peace process. Israeli actions often worked against assuring access to oil, limiting Soviet influence, creating an Arab-Israeli peace settlement, and fostering an overall regional peace. Yet Israeli representation efforts in the U.S. Congress prevented any cuts in military aid to Israel. Moderate Arab states were often unable to purchase or receive credits for U.S. arms because of the domestic political strength of 'Israeli first' congressmen. Inconsistencies and insensitivities to legitimate non-Camp David security needs prevented arms transfers to numerous moderate Arab states. As a result, the implementation of the security assistance and arms transfer programs failed to contribute to the achievement of U.S. regional security objectives, leading to a loss of influence and credibility.