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I do so with the purpose of exploring the possibilities for a change which would be to the advantage of all parties concerned, for while I believe that America's Middle East policy is largely prompted by considerations of national self-interest and expediency, and that these might be subsumed under the category of "greed," there still remains a recurrent undertone and preoccupation with a moral self-justification that seeks grounds of justice and right for all its pursuits.
Regardless of formal variations in sources and consequences, the essence of this relationship has remained the legacy of the American establishment (policy-making circles, cultural and economic interests, the media) in its attitudes and pursuits in the Middle East and the Muslim world.
sMy remarks here are structural and historical and do not reflect on the many constructive and justice-minded stances adopted by conscientious objectors and umbrella organizations such as the NCC (National Council of Churches) and others protesting American policy in the Middle East, nor offensive postures like the vigil organized by the Catholic churches on the eve of the massive bombing raids on Iraq — highlighting the prominent role played by that group in particular.
In retrospect, two substantial articles published by Robert 'nicker (Johns Hopkins international relations professor) in Commentary (January and February 1975) addressing "Oil: The Issue of American Intervention" and "A New International Order?" provide a key to understanding current strategic thinking on the region in the Reagan-Bush administration as well as the background for his own argument in justifying the war.