Publication

This policy brief discusses western foreign policy towards the Middle East. It argues that a fear of Islamism dictated western policy in the past and led to the support of regimes which repressed every form of opposition. Arab populations resented the support of their leaders for unbalanced policies on the Israel-Palestine conflict, as well as the unsuccessful economic reforms implemented by international financial institutions. The author advocates a new political agenda whereby western support for democracy replaces support for authoritarianism; Palestinian wishes are reconciled with Israeli expectations; and more effective economic cooperation is established.