1. The United States has significant geostrategic interests in the Middle East due to its location along important trade routes and its large oil reserves. The U.S. seeks to ensure regional stability and prevent hostile powers from gaining control of the region. 2. U.S. involvement in the Middle East has grown since the early 20th century. A key goal of U.S. policy was originally to counter Soviet influence during the Cold War. More recently, concerns about weapons proliferation and human rights have also shaped U.S. strategy. 3. Support for Israel remains an important factor in U.S. Middle East policy due to historical, strategic and domestic political considerations. Ensuring secure oil supplies also remains

1. U.S. Interests in the Middle East Global and Cultural Studies AF JROTC Lt Col McGrain

9. Operation Eagle Claw "A few days ago the President made a very courageous decision as he ordered us to execute the rescue operation as we tried to free our Americans held hostage in Teheran. It was not a risk-free operation-there is no such thing as a risk-free operation..... we all shared considerable disappointment that we were not successful. But let's not be despondent about that. Our job is now to remain alert, to look for those opportunities, times when we can bring our Americans out. Our job is to stay ready." Admiral Thomas B. Hayward, Chief of Naval Operations, in a video message to USS Nimitz, USS Texas and USS California during their transit home from the Indian Ocean.

23. Human Rights and Justice Issues