The Status of Culture in the General Policy of the United States in the Middle East

Reaching to political, security and econimic objectives, has always been among the most important goals of the countries in the edition and exertion of their foreign policy. Countries mainly and traditionally utilize a diplomacy based on political, military and economic approaches and instruments in order to reach their goals. Nevertheless, in the second half of the 20th century, relatively new approaches came into existence which emphasized more attention to be given mto cultural methods as a means of attaining such goals by the autorities. Cultural diplomacy allows countries to be in direct contact with the people and authorities of other countries by using their key elements and the penetration tools. Penetrating the lay-people and bringing them to the international arena in order to put pressure on their governments are also taken into consideration. After September 11 attacks, and as the muslims› hatred toward the US policis increased, the US government tried to make use of general and cultural diplomacy to ameliorate its picture before the muslims. Hence the article at hand, examines the status of culture in the policy of the US as well as its policies in this regard in the Middle East.