Final answer:
American foreign policy in the MENA region post-Cold War has entailed using military superiority for global policing, mixed with humanitarian aid. It dealt with crises on its own terms under Clinton, while also addressing legacies of Cold War containment strategies, such as in Afghanistan with Operation Enduring Freedom.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Abootalebi, the American foreign policy in the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region in the aftermath of the Cold War has been multifaceted. After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the United States, under President Clinton, viewed international crises on their own terms and used its military superiority and influence as global policing tools. This strategy involved a mix of humanitarian aid, defense against oppressive regimes, and controlling the spread of Communism which was a previous concern. The U.S. also led major military operations such as Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan following September 11, 2001, aimed at removing the Taliban government and capturing Al-Qaeda members. America's policies have had both successes and failures, with critics pointing out the occasional indifference to the conditions of other nations, especially when issues like Communism or U.S. strategic interests such as oil were involved.