16.3 Foreign Policy: Arab Spring and Iran Nuclear Deal

The Arab Spring shook the Middle East, challenging U.S. foreign policy. Obama's cautious approach balanced democratic support with stability concerns, leading to varied responses across countries. The U.S. grappled with promoting democracy while maintaining regional alliances.

The Iran nuclear deal marked a shift in U.S.-Iran relations. Negotiated by world powers, it aimed to limit Iran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. The agreement sparked debate, with supporters seeing it as a diplomatic win and critics worried about its effectiveness.

Arab Spring and U.S. Foreign Policy

Obama's response to Arab Spring

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• Cautious approach balancing support for democratic aspirations with regional stability concerns
• Varying degrees of support for protesters depending on country and U.S. interests (Egypt, Tunisia, Libya)
• Shift towards nuanced approach recognizing complexity of the region
• Increased focus on supporting democratic transitions and civil society
• Strained relations with traditional allies (Egypt, Saudi Arabia) due to differing responses to uprisings
• Challenges navigating balance between promoting democracy and maintaining stability
• Addressing rise of Islamist parties in post-revolution countries (Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt)
• Managing fallout from Libyan intervention and Syrian civil war

U.S. intervention in Libya

• Support for UN Security Council Resolution 1973 authorizing no-fly zone and protection of civilians
• Participation in NATO-led military operations against Gaddafi's forces
• Coordination with European allies and Arab partners in the intervention (France, U.K., Qatar)
• Removal of Gaddafi's regime and subsequent power vacuum
• Proliferation of weapons and rise of militias and extremist groups
• Spillover effects on neighboring countries (Mali, Sahel region)
• Lessons learned: importance of post-conflict planning and support for institution-building
• Challenges of limited engagement and reliance on local actors
• Implications for future U.S. interventions and "responsibility to protect" doctrine

Iran Nuclear Deal

Diplomacy of Iran nuclear deal

• P5+1 (U.S., U.K., France, China, Russia, Germany) negotiations with Iran
• Interim agreement (Joint Plan of Action) in 2013 limiting Iran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief
• Comprehensive agreement (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) in 2015 further restricting Iran's nuclear activities and increasing international monitoring
• Key provisions:
  1. Limits on Iran's uranium enrichment levels and stockpiles
  2. Redesign of Arak heavy water reactor to reduce plutonium production
  3. Enhanced IAEA inspections and monitoring of Iran's nuclear facilities
• Implications for U.S.-Iran relations: easing of tensions and potential for improved diplomatic ties
• Opportunities for cooperation on regional issues (fight against ISIS)
• Continued challenges (Iran's ballistic missile program, support for regional proxies)

Reactions to Iran nuclear agreement

• Criticism within U.S.:
  • Concerns about effectiveness in preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons
  • Objections to lifting sanctions and potential for increased Iranian influence in the region
  • Partisan divide with many Republicans opposing the deal arguing for tougher stance on Iran
• Support within U.S.:
  • Belief deal represents best available option for preventing nuclear-armed Iran
  • Emphasis on importance of diplomacy and multilateral cooperation in addressing global challenges
  • Argument deal opens up opportunities for engagement and moderation of Iranian behavior
• International community's response:
  • Broad support from key U.S. allies (European Union, P5+1 countries)
  • Concerns from regional rivals (Israel, Saudi Arabia) about implications for their security
  • Endorsement by UN Security Council and majority of international community