MER Article A Not-So-Modest Proposal to Nationalize the Defense Industry Shifting the course of catastrophic American policy in the Middle East requires bolder steps than changes in doctrine and grand strategy. A substantially less militarized foreign policy necessitates altering the structural political economies that have justified, nurtured and rewarded the carnage. Ending taxpayers’ support for defense industry profits would threaten Pete Moore • 6 min read
MER Article The Defense Industry’s Role in Militarizing US Foreign Policy As the welfare state shrinks, one of the last sure bets for big government spending is the maintenance of the warfare state. As the global coronavirus pandemic has made incredibly clear, the US government is disinclined to pump federal resources into health programs, social insurance or food security infrastructure. But Shana Marshall • 18 min read
Flames and smoke rise from oil wells set ablaze by Islamic State militants before they fled the oil-producing region of Qayyara, Iraq, 2016. Alaa Al-Marjani/Reuters MER Article The Oil for Security Myth and Middle East Insecurity Since the end of World War II, US policy toward the Middle East has ostensibly been dedicated to protecting the free flow of hydrocarbons to sustain the global economy. In reality, America’s pursuit of energy security has increased insecurity in the region through conflict, militarization and suppor Jacob Mundy • 19 min read
Members of the US military board an Air Force C-130 transport plane to leave Iraq, Baghdad, December 15, 2011. Shannon Stapleton/Reuters MER Article Reimagining US Engagement with a Turbulent Middle East Amidst the horror of President Donald Trump’s reckless actions in the Middle East there is an urgent need to not only oppose his policies, but also to envision a new path for the United States. Trump has endorsed the Israeli annexation of Palestinian territory, supported the Saudi-led war in Waleed Hazbun • 18 min read
MER Article In Appreciation of Chris Toensing, Steve Niva and Jimmy Bishara At this time of uncertainty, disruption and rebuilding, MERIP would like to offer our deep gratitude to several members of our family whose contributions over the past two decades have allowed MERIP to survive and thrive against all odds. For nearly 50 years, MERIP has been committed to providing high (Author not identified) • 5 min read
MER294_CoverImage MER Article Exit Empire MERIP has offered critical analysis of US foreign policy in the Middle East for almost 50 years. Beginning with decades of work by co-founder Joe Stork and others, contributors to Middle East Report have documented US support for regimes that suppressed popular struggles for self-determination and popular sovereignty; the flow The Editors of Issue #294 • 4 min read