The future security environment in the Middle East: conflict, stability, and political change, Issue 1640

The Security Environment In The Middle East Has Become Increasingly Complicated During The Past Decade. This Report Identifies Several Important Trends That Are Shaping Regional Security And Identifies Their Implications For The United States. Many Traditional Security Concerns, Such As Energy Security And The Proliferation Of Weapons Of Mass Destruction, Will Remain Significant Factors In The Future. However, Ongoing Domestic Changes Throughout The Region Will Become Increasingly Important As Well. Issues Such As Political Reform, Economic Reform, Civil-military Relations, Leadership Change, And The Information Revolution Are All Affecting Regional Security Dynamics. This Report Examines Each Of These Issue Areas And Identifies Some Of The Challenges That They Pose For U.s. Foreign Policy. Introduction / Nora Bensahel, Daniel L. Byman -- U.s. Interests In The Middle East -- Countering Terrorism -- Countering Wmd Proliferation -- Maintaining Stable Oil Supplies And Prices -- Ensuring The Stability Of Friendly Regimes -- Ensuring Israel's Security -- Promoting Democracy And Human Rights -- Potential Threats To U.s. Interests -- A Changing Region -- The Shadows Of September 11 And The War Against Iraq -- Report Objectives And Structure -- Political Reform In The Middle East / Nora Bensahel -- U.s. Interests In Middle Eastern Political Reform -- Pressures For Political Reform In The Middle East -- Economic Challenges -- Demographic Trends -- Accountability And Corruption -- Possible Regime Responses -- Regional Trends -- Democratization: Legislatures -- Democratization: Consultative Councils -- Liberalization: Political Parties -- Liberalization: Civic Organizations -- Liberalization: Freedom Of The Press -- Liberalization: The Judiciary And The Rule Of Law -- Survey Of Key States -- Egypt -- Iran -- Jordan -- Kuwait -- Saudi Arabia -- Impact On U.s. Security Interests -- Effect On Regional Stability -- Sensitivity To U.s. Ties -- Economic Reform In The Middle East: The Challenge To Governance / Alan Richards -- The Key Economic Challenges Facing The Region -- Restoring Economic Growth -- Restraining Population Expansion -- Providing Jobs -- Alleviating Poverty -- The Jungle Of Cities -- Saving Water -- Obtaining Food -- Attracting Money For Investment -- Egypt -- The Background Of Reform. Edited By Nora Bensahel And Daniel L. Byman. Prepared For The United States Air Force. Mr-1640. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 317-345).