Influence of the Congress on the American foreign policy in the Middle East since the turn of the century

The region which is referred as the Middle East, involves Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Yemen, Kuwait, U.A.E., Egypt, Saudi Arabia and other independent states in the Arab Peninsula. This large region has always been one of the centers of interest in the world due to its strategic importance and rich oil resources.For United States, there is one more reason for the importance given to this area. Middle East plays a crucial role for security and safety of U.S.A.'s primary ally, Israel. Additionally to these primary factors; this area has been given particular attention; especially for the purpose of; preventing other powers from capturing the area; avoiding, or at least, managing the spread of weapons of mass destruction; preserving the borders against any act of power, as well as solution of international disputes by peaceful mediums and the right of self-determination. When all these facts and reasons are taken into consideration as a whole big picture; the importance of the region for the United States can be seen more clearly.This study primarily involves the foreign policy of United States, which has been applied on the Middle East (particularly Iraq and Israel) especially during two consecutive presidency periods of George W. Bush. Additionally, the opposition between the president and the congress is analyzed by also evaluating similar problems which have been witnessed during the times of former presidents. We may assert in advance that, the history of United States has always witnessed problems between the president and the congress involving the authority to exercise power.Additionally, this study intends to indicate and evaluate the effects of the decisions given by the congress or the president as the actors of U.S.A.'s international policy involving Middle East in 21st century. Which methods did the U.S.A. use for its own benefit, was there any dispute between the president and the congress during the application of these policies? If yes, what were the results of this aforesaid dispute? These questions are all tried to be answered under the scope of the study.KEY WORDS: Middle East, USA, International Policy of USA.