Friedman: A Middle East Policy Outline

Every now and then The New York Times' Tom Friedman writes some very good sense about the Middle East. Today's column is one of those instances. After summarizing U.S. failures in the region, Friedman's basic argument is captured in these quotes:

Where there is disorder — Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Libya — collaborate with regional forces to contain it. (snip) Where there is imposed order — Egypt, Algeria — work quietly with the government to try to make that order more decent, just, inclusive and legitimate.

Where there is already order and decency — Morocco, Jordan, Lebanon, Kurdistan and the United Arab Emirates — do everything to amplify it, so it becomes more consensual and sustainable. And where there is order, decency and democracy — Tunisia — give it as much money as they ask for, (which we haven’t done).

But never forget: We can only amplify what they do. When change starts or depends on our staying power, it is not self-sustaining — the most important value in international relations. When it starts with them, it can be self-sustaining.