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Yemen: Background and U.S. Relations [May 4, 2011]
"As President Obama and the 112th Congress reassess U.S. policy toward the Arab world, the opportunity for improved U.S.-Yemeni ties exists, though tensions persist over counterterrorism cooperation and the political uncertainty prevailing in Yemen may raise questions about the nature and intentions of Yemen's government if serious political change occurs. In recent years, the broader U.S. foreign policy community has not adequately focused on Yemen, its challenges, and their potential consequences for U.S. foreign policy interests beyond the realm of counterterrorism. Whether terrorist groups in Yemen, such as Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), have a long-term ability to threaten U.S. homeland security may determine the extent of U.S. resources committed to counterterrorism and stabilization efforts there. Some believe these groups lack such capability and fear the United States might overreact; others assert that Yemen is gradually becoming a failed state and safe haven for Al Qaeda operatives and as such should be considered an active theater for U.S. counterterrorism operations. Given Yemen's contentious political climate and its myriad development challenges, most long-time Yemen watchers suggest that security problems emanating from Yemen may persist in spite of increased U.S. or international efforts to combat them."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sharp, Jeremy Maxwell
2011-05-04
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Syria: Issues for the 112th Congress and Background on U.S. Sanctions [June 3, 2011]
"This report analyzes bilateral issues between the United States and Syria. Unrest in Syria and the Asad government's violent response are adding new complexity to the troubled U.S.-Syrian relationship. The Obama Administration's policy of limited engagement with Syria to address areas of long-standing concern has been met with criticism from some observers, including some Members of Congress. Critics believe that the Administration should apply further pressure to the Syrian government and consider implementing additional economic sanctions against it. The use of violence against Syrian protestors has been accompanied by calls for new U.S. sanctions but also some expression of concern by experts that political unrest in Syria could evolve into a broader civil conflict that in turn could destabilize Syria's neighbors."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sharp, Jeremy Maxwell
2011-06-03
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Syria: Issues for the 112th Congress and Background on U.S. Sanctions [April 28, 2011]
"This report analyzes bilateral issues between the United States and Syria. Unrest in Syria and the Asad government's violent response are adding new complexity to the troubled U.S.-Syrian relationship. The Obama Administration's policy of limited engagement with Syria to address areas of longstanding concern has been met with criticism from some, including some Members of Congress. Critics believe that the Administration should apply further pressure to the Syrian government and consider implementing harsher economic sanctions against it. The use of violence against Syrian protestors has been accompanied by calls for new U.S. sanctions but also some expression of concern by experts that political unrest in Syria could evolve into a broader civil conflict that in turn could destabilize Syria's neighbors. Despite its weak military and lackluster economy, Syria has leveraged its geographic location and its foreign policy alignment to remain relevant in Middle Eastern politics. At times, Syria has participated in substantive negotiations with Israel, from whom it seeks the return of the occupied Golan Heights. However, Syria also acts at times as a 'spoiler' by hosting U.S.-designated Palestinian terrorist groups such as Hamas and facilitating the rearmament of Hezbollah in neighboring Lebanon. Syria's long-standing relationship with Iran is of great concern to U.S. strategists, insofar as Syria serves as a conduit for Iranian power projection in the broader Middle East. As the Syrian government has grown more estranged from the United States over the last ten years, Syrian-Iranian relations have improved, and some analysts have called on U.S. policymakers and their regional allies to offer incentives to Syrian leaders in order to realign them away from Iran."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sharp, Jeremy Maxwell
2011-04-28
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Jordan: Background and U.S. Relations [April 21, 2011]
"This report provides an overview of Jordanian politics and current issues in U.S.-Jordanian relations. It provides a brief discussion of Jordan's government and economy and of its cooperation in promoting Arab-Israeli peace and other U.S. policy objectives in the Middle East. Several issues in U.S.-Jordanian relations are likely to figure in decisions by Congress and the Administration on future aid to and cooperation with Jordan. These include the stability of the Jordanian regime, the role of Jordan in the Arab-Israeli peace process, the possibility of U.S.- Jordanian nuclear energy cooperation, and U.S.-Jordanian military and intelligence cooperation. Although the United States and Jordan have never been linked by a formal treaty, they have cooperated on a number of regional and international issues over the years. The country's small size and lack of major economic resources have made it dependent on aid from Western and friendly Arab sources. U.S. support, in particular, has helped Jordan address serious vulnerabilities, both internal and external. Jordan's geographic position, wedged between Israel, Syria, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia, has made it vulnerable to the strategic designs of its more powerful neighbors, but has also given Jordan an important role as a buffer between these potential adversaries. In 1990, Jordan's unwillingness to join the allied coalition against Iraq disrupted its relations with the United States and the Persian Gulf states; however, relations improved throughout the 1990s as Jordan played an increasing role in the Arab-Israeli peace process and distanced itself from Saddam Hussein's Iraq."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sharp, Jeremy Maxwell
2011-04-21
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Syria: Issues for the 112th Congress and Background on U.S. Sanctions [March 28, 2011]
"This report analyzes bilateral issues between the United States and Syria. With unrest spreading in Syria, this report will be updated to reflect recent developments. Despite its weak military and lackluster economy, Syria remains relevant in Middle Eastern geopolitics. Syria plays a key role in the Middle East peace process, acting at times as a 'spoiler' by sponsoring Palestinian militants and facilitating the rearmament of Hezbollah. At other times, it has participated in substantive negotiations with Israel. Syria's long-standing relationship with the Iranian clerical regime is of great concern to U.S. strategists. As Syria grew more estranged from the United States over the last ten years, Syrian-Iranian relations improved, and some analysts have called on U.S. policymakers to woo Syrian leaders away from Iran. Others believe that the Administration should go even further in pressuring the Syrian government and consider implementing harsher economic sanctions against it."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sharp, Jeremy Maxwell
2011-03-28
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Egypt in Transition [May 4, 2011]
"On February 11, 2011, President Hosni Mubarak resigned from the presidency after 29 years in power. For 18 days, a popular peaceful uprising spread across Egypt and ultimately forced Mubarak to cede power to the military. How Egypt transitions to a more democratic system in the months ahead will have major implications for U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East and for other countries in the region ruled by monarchs and dictators. This report provides a brief overview of the transition underway and information on U.S. foreign aid to Egypt. U.S. policy toward Egypt has long been framed as an investment in regional stability, built primarily on long-running military cooperation and sustaining the March 1979 Egyptian-Israeli peace treaty. Successive U.S. Administrations have viewed Egypt's government as a moderating influence in the Middle East. U.S. policy makers are now grappling with complex questions about the future of U.S.-Egypt relations and these debates are likely to influence consideration of appropriations and authorization legislation in the 112th Congress. The United States has provided Egypt with an annual average of $2 billion in economic and military foreign assistance since 1979. For FY2012, the Obama Administration has requested $1.551 billion in total aid to Egypt."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sharp, Jeremy Maxwell
2011-05-04
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Egypt in Transition [March 29, 2011]
"On February 11, 2011, President Hosni Mubarak resigned from the presidency after 29 years in power. For 18 days, a popular peaceful uprising spread across Egypt and ultimately forced Mubarak to cede power to the military. How Egypt transitions to a more democratic system in the months ahead will have major implications for U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East and for other countries in the region ruled by monarchs and dictators. This report provides a brief overview of the transition underway and information on U.S. foreign aid to Egypt. U.S. policy toward Egypt has long been framed as an investment in regional stability, built primarily on long-running military cooperation and sustaining the March 1979 Egyptian-Israeli peace treaty. Successive U.S. Administrations have viewed Egypt's government as a moderating influence in the Middle East. U.S. policy makers are now grappling with complex questions about the future of U.S.-Egypt relations and these debates are likely to influence consideration of appropriations and authorization legislation in the 112th Congress. The United States has provided Egypt with an annual average of $2 billion in economic and military foreign assistance since 1979. For FY2012, the Obama Administration has requested $1.551 billion in total aid to Egypt."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sharp, Jeremy Maxwell
2011-03-29
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Yemen: Background and U.S. Relations [March 22, 2011]
"Unrest in the Arab world has amplified existing political tension in Yemen. Sustained mass protests and President Ali Abdullah Saleh's attempts to preempt a broad crisis with concessions have concentrated U.S. and international attention on the daunting array of political and development challenges facing Yemen. President Saleh now faces senior level defections from his regime and his departure may be imminent. Congress and U.S. policymakers may be concerned with prospects for stabilizing Yemen and establishing strong bilateral relations with future Yemeni leaders. With limited natural resources, a crippling illiteracy rate, and high population growth, some observers believe Yemen is at risk for becoming a failed state. In 2009, Yemen ranked 140 out of 182 countries on the United Nations Development Program's Human Development Index, a score comparable to the poorest sub-Saharan African countries. Over 43% of the population of nearly 24 million people lives below the poverty line, and per capita GDP is estimated to be between $650 and $800. Yemen is largely dependent on external aid from Persian Gulf countries, Western donors, and international financial institutions, though its per capita share of assistance is below the global average. As the country's population rapidly rises, resources dwindle, terrorist groups take root in the outlying provinces, and a southern secessionist movement grows, the Obama Administration and the 112th Congress are left to grapple with the consequences of Yemeni instability."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sharp, Jeremy Maxwell
2011-03-22
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Yemen: Background and U.S. Relations [November 19, 2014]
"This report provides an overview and analysis of U.S.-Yemeni relations amidst evolving political change in Yemeni leadership, ongoing U.S. counterterrorism operations against Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) operatives in Yemen's hinterlands, and international efforts to bolster the country's stability despite an array of daunting socio-economic problems. Along with determining how best to counter terrorist threats emanating from Yemen, Congress and U.S. policy makers also may consider the priority level and resources that should be accorded to attempts to stabilize Yemen and to establish and maintain strong bilateral relations with Yemeni leaders.[…] As recently as the fall of 2014, the Obama Administration expressed cautious optimism about Yemen's trajectory, though this assessment might change in light of recent challenges posed by-- among other things--the forced extraction of political concessions by the Houthis, a clan from the Zaydi sect (related to Shia Islam) that might receive support from Iran. The State Department reports that the United States committed more than $221.4 million in assistance to Yemen in FY2014, in addition to $316.23 million in FY2013 and more than $353 million in FY2012. U.S. military assistance to Yemen has focused on bolstering its unmanned aerial surveillance capabilities and training its armed forces. Current annual appropriations language includes a provision that would restrict U.S. funding of Yemen's military were it to be controlled by a foreign terrorist organization."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sharp, Jeremy Maxwell
2014-11-19
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Jordan: Background and U.S. Relations [December 2, 2014]
"This report provides an overview of Jordanian politics and current issues in U.S.-Jordanian relations. It provides a brief discussion of Jordan's government and economy and of its cooperation with U.S. policy objectives in the Middle East, including the promotion of Arab- Israeli peace. Several issues are likely to figure in decisions by Congress and the Administration on future aid to and cooperation with Jordan. These include the stability of the Jordanian regime (particularly in light of ongoing political change and/or unrest in several other countries in the region), Jordan's involvement in Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, the civil war in neighboring Syria, and U.S.-Jordanian military and intelligence cooperation. […] U.S. support, in particular, has helped Jordan address serious vulnerabilities, both internal and external. Jordan's geographic position, wedged between Israel, Syria, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia, has made it vulnerable to the strategic designs of more powerful neighbors, but has also given Jordan an important role as a buffer between these potential adversaries. The United States has provided economic and military aid, respectively, to Jordan since 1951 and 1957. Total U.S. aid to Jordan through FY2013 amounted to approximately $13.83 billion. Levels of aid have fluctuated, increasing in response to threats faced by Jordan and decreasing during periods featuring political differences or reductions of aid worldwide. On September 22, 2008, the U.S. and Jordanian governments reached an agreement whereby the United States agreed to provide a total of $660 million in annual foreign assistance to Jordan over a five-year period, ending with FY2014. In the year ahead, both parties may try to reach a new five-year aid deal."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sharp, Jeremy Maxwell
2014-12-02
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Islamic State in Egypt: Implications for U.S.-Egyptian Relations [December 18, 2014]
"In early November 2014, the Sinai Peninsula-based terrorist group formally known as Ansar Bayt alMaqdis (Companions or Supporters of Jerusalem) declared its allegiance to the leader of the Islamic State organization (IS, aka the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, ISIL/ISIS), Abu Bakr al Baghdadi,and changed its name to the Sinai Province (Wilayat Sinai) of the Islamic State (IS-SP). For lawmakers,this development raises questions such as how significant is the Islamic State presence in Egypt and what is the appropriate U.S. response to its supposed expansion beyond Iraq and Syria? Islamist radicals in the Sinai have been waging an insurgency against the Egyptian military for years, and many observers believe that this adoption of a terrorist 'brand' is designed to increase radical recruitment to a group that previously had been unaffiliated with either Al Qaeda or the Islamic State 'franchises.'"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sharp, Jeremy Maxwell
2014-12-18
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U.S. Foreign Assistance to the Middle East: Historical Background, Recent Trends, and the FY2016 Request
From the Introduction: "This report is an overview of U.S. foreign assistance to the Middle East. It includes a brief historical review of foreign aid levels, a description of specific country programs, and analysis of current foreign aid issues. Congress authorizes and appropriates foreign assistance and conducts oversight of executive agencies' management of aid programs. As the largest regional recipient of U.S. economic and security assistance, the Middle East is perennially a major focus of interest as Congress exercises these powers. The foreign aid data in this report is based on a combination of resources, including the United States Agency for International Development's 'U.S. Overseas Loans and Grants Database' (also known as the 'Greenbook'), appropriations data collected by the Congressional Research Service from the Department of State and USAID [U.S. Agency for International Development], data extrapolated from executive branch agencies' notifications to Congress, and information published annually in the State Department and USAID Congressional Budget Justifications."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sharp, Jeremy Maxwell; Humud, Carla E.
2015-10-19
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Yemen: Civil War and Regional Intervention [October 2, 2015]
"In March 2015, Saudi Arabia and members of a coalition launched a military operation aimed at restoring the rule of Yemeni President Abdu Rabbo Mansour Hadi, who fled Yemen on March 25, 2015, after over a year in which his government and tribal allies have gradually been supplanted by an alliance comprised of the Houthi movement and loyalists of former president Saleh. The White House issued a statement on March 25 blaming the Houthis for causing the crisis in Yemen. The United States recognizes President Hadi as the legitimate leader of Yemen, and President Obama authorized 'the provision of logistical and intelligence support to GCC-led military operations.' The Administration claimed that while U.S. forces are 'not taking direct military action in Yemen in support of this effort, we are establishing a Joint Planning Cell with Saudi Arabia to coordinate U.S. military and intelligence support.' Although the Houthi-Saleh alliance had been gradually seizing control of Yemeni provinces and government/military installations for more than a year, in the winter 2015, they had rapidly outmaneuvered President Hadi, who had been under house arrest since January. Hadi eventually escaped from his Houthi captors and fled to Aden, where he denounced the coup against him and began to marshal the remains of the national military as well as loyal tribal militias to counter Houthi-Saleh advances. […] This report provides material on the latest crisis in Yemen and the U.S. policy response."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sharp, Jeremy Maxwell
2015-10-02
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U.S. Foreign Aid to Israel [December 22, 2016]
"This report provides an overview of U.S. foreign assistance to Israel. It includes a review of past aid programs, data on annual assistance, and analysis of current issues. [...] Israel is the largest cumulative recipient of U.S. foreign assistance since World War II. To date, the United States has provided Israel $127.4 billion (current, or non-inflation-adjusted, dollars) in bilateral assistance. Almost all U.S. bilateral aid to Israel is in the form of military assistance, although in the past Israel also received significant economic assistance. At a signing ceremony at the State Department on September 14, 2016, representatives of the U.S. and Israeli governments signed a new ten-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on military aid covering FY2019 to FY2028. Under the terms of the MOU, the United States pledges to provide $38 billion in military aid ($33 billion in FMF [Foreign Military Financing] grants plus $5 billion in missile defense appropriations) to Israel. This new MOU will replace the current $30 billion 10-year agreement, which runs through FY2018. [...] In December 2016, Congress passed other legislation to assist and cooperate with Israel. [...] The United States-Israel Advanced Research Partnership Act of 2016 authorizes the expansion of an existing joint research-and- development program at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to include cybersecurity technologies. [...] [T]he Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act calls for further U.S. cooperation with Israel in desalination and the development of new water technologies."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sharp, Jeremy Maxwell
2016-12-22
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Jordan: Background and U.S. Relations [January 25, 2017]
"This report provides an overview of Jordanian politics and current issues in U.S.-Jordanian relations. It provides a brief discussion of Jordan's government and economy and of its cooperation with U.S. policies in the Middle East. Several issues are likely to figure in decisions by Congress and the Administration on future aid to and cooperation with Jordan. These include Jordan's continued involvement in attempting to promote Israeli-Palestinian peace and the stability of the Jordanian regime, particularly in light of ongoing conflicts in neighboring Syria and Iraq. U.S. officials may also consider potential threats to Jordan from the Islamic State organization. Although the United States and Jordan have never been linked by a formal treaty, they have cooperated on a number of regional and international issues over the years. Jordan's small size and lack of major economic resources have made it dependent on aid from Western and various Arab sources. U.S. support, in particular, has helped Jordan address serious vulnerabilities, both internal and external. Jordan's geographic position, wedged between Israel, Syria, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia, has made it vulnerable to the strategic designs of more powerful neighbors, but has also given Jordan an important role as a buffer between these countries in their largely adversarial relations with one another. The United States has provided economic and military aid to Jordan since 1951 and 1957, respectively. Total bilateral U.S. aid to Jordan through FY2016 amounted to approximately $17.108 billion."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sharp, Jeremy Maxwell
2017-01-25
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Yemen: Civil War and Regional Intervention [November 16, 2016]
"This report provides material on the latest crisis in Yemen and the U.S. policy response. [...] After 20 months of war, battle lines in Yemen have hardened. The Saudi-led coalition has retaken
the port city of Aden and the lowland areas of southern Yemen (traditionally Sunni). Houthis-
Saleh forces remain ensconced in the capital Sana'a and the mountainous highlands of northern
Yemen (traditionally Zaydi). In fact, the lines of control now somewhat resemble the previous
division of Yemen into two separate countries, a political situation that lasted from 1918 to 1990. [...] Since March 2015, the United States continues to be the largest contributor of humanitarian aid to
Yemen, providing $327.5 million in FY2016. On February 11, 2015, due to the deteriorating
security situation in Sana'a, the Department of State suspended embassy operations and U.S.
Embassy staff was relocated out of the country."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sharp, Jeremy Maxwell
2016-11-16
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Yemen: Recent Attacks Against U.S. Naval Vessels in the Red Sea [October 21, 2016]
"In recent weeks, the United States has been drawn deeper into the Yemen war, which has killed an estimated 10,000 people since it began in March 2015. In October 2016, military units allied with the Houthi movement and former Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh (Houthi-Saleh forces) reportedly launched anti-ship missiles at U.S. Navy vessels on patrol off the coast of Yemen. [...] The attacks against the U.S. ships marked the first time U.S. forces had come under direct fire in the near 20-month war. The attacks may have been triggered by Saudi-led coalition airstrikes on October 8 that struck a funeral gathering of Houthi leaders in the capital Sana'a. [...] Such events in Yemen have elicited a multi-pronged Administration response. [...] For Congress, recent developments in Yemen may be interpreted in a variety of ways. Some lawmakers may see the hand of Iran, a supporter of the Houthis, in supplying coastal defense missiles to Houthi-Saleh forces (or even Iranian proxies active in Houthi-Saleh controlled areas), and therefore reiterate the need to counter Iran's regional meddling. Others may be concerned that the Saudi-led coalition is too often targeting civilians using U.S.-origin military platforms and ordnance, raising questions about U.S. support for the coalition's military campaign. Some Members may stress broader concerns over the Houthi-Saleh forces' targeting of U.S. warships and other international vessels and potential implications of those attacks on maritime security and commercial traffic in the strategic Bab al Mandab strait, a global chokepoint for seaborne shipping that sits astride the coast of Yemen."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sharp, Jeremy Maxwell
2016-10-21
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Aiding Israel after the Iran Nuclear Deal: Issues for Congress [October 30, 2015]
"The Obama Administration has indicated that the United States may provide Israel with additional military aid during the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) with Iran (see CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RL33222, 'U.S. Foreign Aid to Israel' and CRS Report R43333, Iran Nuclear Agreement). Although additional aid is described in terms of assuaging Israel's ongoing security concerns vis-à-vis Iran, it also may be part of a larger effort to reduce reported tensions between U.S. and Israeli leaders (see CRS Report R44245, Israel: Background and U.S. Relations In Brief). Ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu's November 9 meeting with President Obama at the White House, speculation has increased over how to enhance bilateral security cooperation in order to deter Iran and its allies. During congressional consideration of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015, the Obama Administration sought to assure lawmakers that the United States would increase its military assistance to Israel as the JCPOA is implemented. In letters to individual members, President Obama and Secretary Kerry each wrote that the Administration is prepared to 'further strengthen' the U.S. security relationship with Israel by continuing talks on a new 10-year aid agreement, increasing joint U.S.-Israeli missile defense funding, and accelerating research and development for tunnel detection and mapping technologies."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sharp, Jeremy Maxwell
2015-10-30
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Congress and the War in Yemen: Oversight and Legislation 2015-2019 [Updated February 1, 2019]
"This product provides an overview of the role Congress has played in shaping U.S. policy toward the conflict in Yemen. Summary tables provide information on legislative proposals considered in the 115th and 116th Congresses. Various legislative proposals have reflected a range of congressional perspectives and priorities, including with regard to [1] the authorization of the activities of the U.S. Armed Forces related to the conflict; [2] the extent of U.S. logistical, material, advisory, and intelligence support for the coalition led by Saudi Arabia; [3] the approval, disapproval, or conditioning of U.S. arms sales to Saudi Arabia; [4] the appropriation of funds for U.S. operations in support of the Saudi-led coalition; [5] the conduct of the Saudi-led coalition's air campaign and its adherence to international humanitarian law and the laws of armed conflict; [6] the demand for greater humanitarian access to Yemen; [7] the call for a wider government assessment of U.S. policy toward Yemen and U.S. support to parties to the conflict; [8] the nature and extent of U.S.-Saudi counterterrorism and border security cooperation; and [9] the role of Iran in supplying missile technology and other weapons to the forces of the Houthi movement."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sharp, Jeremy Maxwell; Blanchard, Christopher M.
2019-02-01
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U.S. Killing of Qasem Soleimani: Frequently Asked Questions [January 8, 2020]
From the Document: "The January 2, 2020, U.S. killing in Iraq of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF) Commander Qasem Soleimani, generally regarded as one of the most powerful and important officials in Iran, has potentially dramatic implications for the United States. For Congress, it raises possible questions about U.S. policy in the Middle East, broader U.S. global strategy, U.S. relations with partners and allies, the authorization and legality of U.S. military action abroad, U.S. measures to protect its service members and diplomatic personnel, and congressional oversight of these and related issues. This report provides background information in response to some frequently asked questions related to the strike and its aftermath."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Thomas, Clayton (Analyst in Middle Eastern Affairs); Katzman, Kenneth; Blanchard, Christopher M. . . .
2020-01-08
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Jordan: Background and U.S. Relations [February 16, 2018]
"This report provides an overview of Jordanian politics and current issues in U.S.-Jordanian relations. It provides a brief discussion of Jordan's government and economy and of its cooperation with U.S. policies in the Middle East. Several issues are likely to figure in decisions by Congress and the Administration on future aid to and cooperation with Jordan. These include Jordan's continued involvement in attempting to promote Israeli-Palestinian peace and the stability of the Jordanian regime, particularly in light of ongoing conflicts in neighboring Syria and Iraq. U.S. officials may also consider potential threats to Jordan from the Islamic State organization (IS, also known as ISIL, ISIS, or the Arabic acronym Da'esh). Although the United States and Jordan have never been linked by a formal treaty, they have cooperated on a number of regional and international issues over the years. Jordan's small size and lack of major economic resources have made it dependent on aid from Western and various Arab sources. U.S. support, in particular, has helped Jordan address serious vulnerabilities, both internal and external. Jordan's geographic position, wedged between Israel, Syria, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia, has made it vulnerable to the strategic designs of more powerful neighbors, but has also given Jordan an important role as a buffer between these countries in their largely adversarial relations with one another."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sharp, Jeremy Maxwell
2018-02-16
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War in Yemen: A Compilation of Legislation in the 115th Congress [December 20, 2017]
"The 115th Congress continues to debate the extent and terms of the United States involvement in the ongoing conflict in Yemen, where fighting has continued unabated since March 2015. [...] This product provides a summary of all legislative proposals that the 115th Congress has considered to date regarding the conflict in Yemen. [...] This product will be updated during the second session of the 115th Congress to reflect new legislative proposals."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sharp, Jeremy Maxwell; Blanchard, Christopher M.
2017-12-20
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Taylor Force Act: Palestinian Terrorism-Related Payments and U.S. Aid [September 12, 2017]
"Some Members of Congress have increased their scrutiny of the Palestinian practice of providing payments to some Palestinians (and/or their families) who have been imprisoned for or accused of terrorism by Israel. Critics have asserted that because money is fungible, any aid that directly benefits the Palestinian Authority (PA) could indirectly support such payments. Congress may consider legislation--most of the bills are known as the Taylor Force Act--that could supersede existing provisions on the subject in annual appropriations legislation. The impact that the legislation could have on overarching U.S. priorities on Israeli-Palestinian matters is unclear."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Zanotti, Jim; Sharp, Jeremy Maxwell
2017-09-12
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Jordan: Background and U.S. Relations [Updated April 9, 2019]
From the Document: "The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is considered a key U.S. partner in the Middle East. Although the United States and Jordan have never been linked by a formal treaty, they have cooperated on a number of regional and international issues over the years. Jordan's strategic importance to the United States is evident given ongoing instability in neighboring Syria and Iraq, Jordan's 1994 peace treaty with Israel, and uncertainty over the trajectory of Palestinian politics. Jordan also is a longtime U.S. partner in global counterterrorism operations. U.S.-Jordanian military, intelligence, and diplomatic cooperation seeks to empower political moderates, reduce sectarian conflict, and eliminate terrorist threats."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sharp, Jeremy Maxwell
2019-04-09
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U.S. Foreign Aid to Israel [Updated August 7, 2019]
From the Document: "This report provides an overview of U.S. foreign assistance to Israel. It includes a review of past aid programs, data on annual assistance, and analysis of current issues. For general information on Israel, see 'Israel: Background and U.S. Relations in Brief', by Jim Zanotti."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sharp, Jeremy Maxwell
2019-08-07
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Israel-Hamas-Hezbollah: The Current Conflict [July 21, 2006]
"This report analyzes the current conflict between Israel and two U.S. State
Department-designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs), the Lebanese Shiite Muslim group Hezbollah and the radical Palestinian Hamas organization. On July 12,2006, what had been a localized conflict between Israel and Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip instantly became a regional conflagration after Hezbollah captured two Israeli soldiers in a surprise attack along the Israeli-Lebanese border. Israel has responded by carrying out air strikes against suspected Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, and Hezbollah has countered with rocket attacks against cities and towns in northern Israel. Fighting on the ground has also started. Meanwhile, Israeli clashes with Hamas and other Palestinian militants have continued unabated in the Gaza Strip."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sharp, Jeremy Maxwell
2006-07-21
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Egypt: Background and U.S. Relations [Updated June 14, 2006]
"This report provides an overview of Egyptian politics and current issues in U.S.- Egyptian relations. It briefly provides a political history of modern Egypt, an overview of its political institutions, and a discussion of the prospects for democratization in Egypt. U.S.-Egyptian relations are complex and multi-faceted, and this report addresses the following current topics: the Arab-Israeli peace process, Iraq, terrorism, democratization and reform, human rights, trade, and military cooperation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sharp, Jeremy Maxwell
2006-06-14
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Egypt: Background and U.S. Relations [Updated April 3, 2006]
"This report provides an overview of Egyptian politics and current issues in U.S.- Egyptian relations. It briefly provides a political history of modern Egypt, an overview of its political institutions, and a discussion of the prospects for democratization in Egypt. U.S.-Egyptian relations are complex and multi-faceted, and this report addresses the following current topics: the Arab-Israeli peace process, Iraq, terrorism, democratization and reform, human rights, trade, and military cooperation...U.S. policy on Egypt is aimed at maintaining regional stability, improving bilateral relations, continuing military cooperation, and sustaining the March 1979 Egyptian-Israeli peace treaty. Successive Administrations have long viewed Egypt as a leader and moderating influence in the Middle East, though in recent years, there have been increasing calls for Egypt to democratize. Congressional views of U.S.-Egyptian relations vary. Some lawmakers view Egypt as stabilizing the region and helping to extend U.S. influence in the most populous Arab country. Others would like the United States to pressure Egypt to implement political reforms, improve its human rights record, and take a more active role in reducing Arab-Israeli tensions."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sharp, Jeremy Maxwell
2006-04-03
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U.S. Democracy Promotion Policy in the Middle East: The Islamist Dilemma [June 15, 2006]
"This report assesses U.S. policy toward Islamist organizations in the Arab world, specifically those groups that have renounced violence and terrorism. The report analyzes U.S. government attitudes toward Islamist movements and investigates how U.S. democracy promotion policy is applied in three Arab countries with a significant Islamist presence in the political sphere: Morocco, Egypt, and Jordan. It may be updated periodically to include new case studies of Islamist movements in Algeria, Yemen, Kuwait, Bahrain, or areas outside the Arab world. The Bush Administration has made the promotion of democracy in the Middle East a national security priority, stating that greater political freedom can undercut the forces of Islamic radicalism and indoctrination. As U.S. democracy promotion policies have moved forward, policy makers have confronted a significant dilemma: how to respond to challenges posed by political Islamist movements (i.e. parties and political organizations that promote social and political reform in accordance with Islamic religious principles that may lead them to oppose U.S. foreign policy)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sharp, Jeremy Maxwell
2006-06-15
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Syria: Political Conditions and Relations with the United States After the Iraq War [January 10, 2005]
"This report focuses on Syria's internal politics and the impact of hostilities in Iraq on Syria's stability and U.S.-Syrian relations. It outlines the development of the regime currently headed by President Bashar al-Asad and its support base; describes potential challenges to the regime; examines the effect of the Iraq war on Syrian domestic politics and U.S.-Syrian relations; and reviews U.S. policy options toward Syria."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Prados, Alfred B.; Sharp, Jeremy Maxwell
2005-01-10
