The Aspen Institute

Under the title “The Arab Revolutions and American Policy,” the Aspen Strategy Group’s 2012 Summer Workshop explored the many strategic, political and economic challenges confronting the United States in a region reborn. From August 4-7, the group examined and debated the impact of the Arab revolutions on U.S. interests in the Middle East, with a special focus on key issues such as: the critical period of transition in Egypt; escalating violence and options of intervention in Syria; the threats associated with a nuclear Iran; the importance of formulating an effective strategy to deal with immediate economic assistance and long-term investment in the region; and the Obama administration’s successes and failures during the overall process of democratization. Participants in the workshop included distinguished members of the ASG, think tank experts and academics, as well as members of the current administration. The workshop served as a constructive evaluation of the various drivers and outcomes of the revolutions, all of which continue to bear an ever-greater influence on the formulation of American strategy in the Middle East. Click here to purchase the publication from this meeting.