Key insights from our Middle East briefing with Ambassador Crocker
Spirit of America CEO Jim Hake, joined by Chief of International Operations Alan Reyes, spoke with Ambassador Crocker about the threats posed by extremist groups, the current conflicts in the region, and how Americans can support our troops and diplomats stationed there.
Brief Assessment of the Middle East
Ambassador Crocker detailed the growing tensions in the Middle East, particularly Hezbollah’s increased involvement and the looming threat of a direct Israel-Iran confrontation.
Crocker warned that “the real danger is the obvious weaknesses that this conflict has now exposed vis à vie Iran’s military capabilities may push them even faster and harder toward development of a nuclear weapons option. I see more danger in the long term of existential conflict than I do in the short term.”
“A bad situation in the Middle East always has the possibility of getting way worse.”
– Ambassador Ryan Crocker
Locations of Spirit of America projects in the Middle East region.
US Troops in the Region
The United States has maintained a significant military presence in the Middle East since World War II, with Naval forces stationed in Bahrain since the late 1940s. “We have a military presence up and down the Arabian Peninsula,” and in Syria, Iraq, and Jordan, Crocker noted. While much of this is “below the radar,” Crocker emphasized, “they have been there because it is vital to American national security and economic interests.”
Looking ahead, he expressed the hope that US forces will continue to be stationed in the region and emphasized the importance of their continued presence in the future.
Spirit of America in the Middle East
Spirit of America works closely with our US government and military partners in Iraqi Kurdistan to strengthen the Peshmerga forces. Our projects are in alignment with Ambassador Crocker’s emphasis on the three Ds — defense, diplomacy, and development. On the defense front, we provide nonlethal military support to help the Peshmerga more effectively counter regional aggression.
“Spirit of America has demonstrated how a non-governmental organization can be agile and effective in furthering humanitarian goals but also America’s strategic goals.”
– Ambassador Ryan Crocker
On the diplomatic front, we enhance the visibility of the American-Kurdish partnership, ensuring it is recognized within the region, particularly in Iraqi Kurdistan. And with regards to development, through collaboration with the State Department and local nonprofits, we are contributing to social entrepreneurial development and the long-term prosperity of the region.
With your support, Spirit of America can continue to deliver vital assistance to support our troops and diplomats in the Middle East. The region remains crucial, with over 40,000 US troops deployed and engaged in missions that promote stability, better governance, and future opportunities.
United we can continue making a meaningful difference for the security and development of our interests in the Middle East.
