AU Study Blog

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Middle East Policy, Diplomacy & History

What could history contribute here?
What would we like to know from history?
What perspectives of history would we like to know?
How might historical knowledge change actions or outcomes?
  • Problem of colonialism created alot of the problems today (WWI - kept redrawing border lines, using them, going back on promises...left them bitter toward US)
  • the way US has handled the Middle East in the past...inferior (Iran '67)
  • How have we handled our differences in the past that didn't work out...learn to use different methods.
  • Realize that there are differences in how we govern.
  • We've tried to set up democracy even though we seen it not work.
  • We've tried to make them another US and it only increases the tension.
  • Use history of the past to develop new policies instead of sticking to the old failed ones.
  • Learn what doesn't work and what may work.
  • Remember why they are angry, why they won't follow our lead after we let them down so many times.
  • Americans can typically be very present-day/future focused rather than historically focused
  • History needs to be involved in foreign affairs and policy

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