Reimagining U.S. strategy in the Middle East : sustainable partnerships, strategic investments / Dalia Dassa Kaye [and four others].

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Kaye, Dalia Dassa, author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Diplomatic relations.

Military policy.

United States--Foreign relations--Middle East.

United States.

Middle East--Foreign relations--United States.

Middle East.

United States--Foreign relations--Arab countries.

Arab countries--Foreign relations--United States.

Arab countries.

United States--Military policy.

Place of Publication:

Santa Monica, Calif. RAND Corporation 2021

Summary:

RAND Corporation researchers reviewed the comparative cost-effectiveness of reusable and expendable platforms for small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The authors specifically analyzed costs to achieve fixed effectiveness. In particular, they examine the life-cycle costs of alternative small UAVs that would operate in defended airspace in support of other systems, such as strike aircraft, and either be expended after their mission or recovered via aircraft or on the ground. The findings show that, in many cases, current technology makes reusable platforms relatively inexpensive. This suggests that small, reusable UAVs may be attractive as decoys, jammers, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) platforms.

Contents:

CHAPTER ONE: Introduction

Why a Rethink?

U.S. Interests and Strategic Goals in a Changing Regional and Global Environment

A Road Map for Building An Alternative Regional Strategy: Organization of the Report

CHAPTER TWO: Toward Aligning Partnerships with U.S. Interests

The Rationale for Partnerships

Partnership Challenges and Mitigation Measures

Past Experience Prioritizing Among Partners

Themes of U.S. Partnerships in the Middle East

Current Prioritization of Partners

Risks of Current Prioritization

Neglected Opportunities

Toward a New Framework for Middle East Partnerships

CHAPTER THREE: Managing Adversaries

Dealing with Iran

Addressing Shi'a Militias

Syria: Mitigating the Damage

The Sunni Extremist Threat

Conclusion

CHAPTER FOUR: Global Competitors in the Middle East

Chinese and Russian Interests in the Middle East

Chinese and Russian Actions in the Middle East

China and Russia in a Reimagined U.S. Middle East Policy

Conclusion: Great Powers as an Adjunct to U.S. Policy

CHAPTER FIVE: Recalibrating Policy Tools

U.S. Policy Tools

The Case for Rebalance

Current Apportionment of U.S. Assistance

Security Cooperation

Force Posture

Changing the Balance from Military to Nonmilitary Tools: A Paradigm Shift

CHAPTER SIX: Conclusion

The Case for a Policy Reset

Strategic Adjustments Required by a New Strategy

Key Findings

Policy Recommendations

Sustainable Partnerships, Strategic Investments: Toward a New U.S. Strategy in the Middle East

APPENDIX: A. Security-Focused Grants and Sales to Middle East Partners.