radish
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1. Iran is surrounded by major nuclear powers, the US to its West in Iraq and within striking distance from Israel to the South West.
2. Bush has destroyed the only other non-nuclear Middle Eastern government (Sadaam Hussein's) that was balancing Iran's role in the region.
So the US in invading Iraq has neatly wedged itself there... into an inevitable long term, or incredibly horrible short term, face off.
Its going to take a lot of diplomatic skill for the next President of the US to de-wedge the USA.
3.Meanwhile, in Palestine, the citizens of Gaza are being starved, deprived of any of the civilities of life -ironically not even being able to send its scholarship kids to the USA - because of the intransigence of Israel.
4.Whilst in the Lebanon the Palestinians -three generations deep - are still being prevented from returning to the homes they were driven from forty years ago.
Why are we feeding the hungry maw of the terrorists with such inane foreign policies?
In answer to your question then I'm pessimistic. If we have been this stupid to have continued so long to provide support and comfort to Al Khaida with these inhumane, inane and obdurate policies I believe we will continue, however inadvertently, to do so.
AlienXXX
Not much will change for the next 5-10 years.
The peace process will continue to move backwards and forwards. I do not expect any big wars as the US and Europe are tired of fighting in the Middle East and the current economical crises has shifted attention towards home.
In 5-10 years China will be a world recognized major power. Its need for oil will outweight the USA and Europe combined.
China's politico-economical power will be very big and China will start to put its hands in the pot too.
I expect there will be major oil and other contracts drawn between Iran and China and this will cause Iran to gain great power in the region.
It is not unthinkable that China may even actively support Iran's nuclear program.
I think that things will quiet down over the next 5 years.
When China starts to interfeere in the region I expect Chinese meddling to be, if anything, worse than USA and Europe's.
Anonymous
i don't believe that US will try to annex any portion of mid-east for oil, it will go to war (real war, not current situation which is pretty low key on the scale of things) to secure a reliable source of energy.
china, onthe other hand, has demonstrated that it can be pretty ruthless in taking what it needs, and it needs oil in a big way, and the chineese need for oil is increasing at a much faster rate than the US need,
likewise india, but india has not historically demonstrated a propensity to be territorially agressive
the money from oil sales is not going to people who have a beneficient intent toward either US or the people of their respective countries. i am not arguing against them either charging what the market will bear, or using the proceeds in whatever manner they see fit, just that the income from the oil is a destabalizing rather than stabalizing activity
all in all, i see a powderkeg, mostly china as the key; at present, china doesn't have a way to project itself that far, but when it is able to be a physical presence, do not doubt that it will be physically present.
the folks who talk about US agression, "ain't seen nuttin yet",
in scheme of things, US is relatively benign
WWIII in a big way most likely, US may disentangle, but unly by drilling within own borders, and going fast to nuclear, both of which should have been done yrs ago
as far as israel goes: UN created the country and it has been a good ally, i think the palastinians got screwed, but trying to alter the rules after the fact to manipulate the situation speaks about the character of those who offer that kind of change, and i wouldn't tolerate them as close associates, nor have them in Gvt that represents me if i can avoid
Mr.J
I don't see any future for middle east country that currently in war such as Iraq, Afghan, Palestine and Lebanon. There will be bright future if ONLY America government stop and step out from being " Mr. nice guy of middle east". For Israel, stop invading Palestine and for America stop aiding Israel. Both of you had cause nothing but harm!
Anonymous
What are my expectations? I have faith that one day, this world will be at peace..and I pray all the time about world peace. Palestine has, is, and always will be strong no matter what. As for the middle east in general, yes I also do have hope that it will ALL be ok..someway..somehow..