Leading from Behind: The "Obama Doctrine" and US Policy in the Middle East

Barack Obama has not announced an “Obama Doctrine,” but one may well be emerging in his second term, judging by his appointments, the drawdown of US commitments in Iraq and Afghanistan, and projected defense cuts. It calls for a lowered profile in world affairs, focused on responding militarily only to direct threats to national security – without resorting to ground troops apart from special forces – and otherwise for “strategic partnerships” with friendly states and “coercive diplomacy” toward hostile states. Challenges posed by Syria and Iran will test especially acutely whether and how the doctrine will be applied in the Middle East.