Answer: The relationship between the United States and several Middle Eastern countries has been tumultuous and complex over the past few decades.
Explanation: Here are some key events that have taken place from the 1970s through the 2000s:
Iran: In 1979, a revolution led by Islamic fundamentalists overthrew the pro-Western Shah of Iran, and established an Islamic Republic. In response to the revolution, a group of Iranian students seized the U.S. embassy in Tehran and took 52 Americans hostage for 444 days. This event severely strained relations between the U.S. and Iran, which remain hostile to this day.
Iraq: In 1990, Iraq invaded Kuwait, prompting the U.S. to lead a coalition of nations to drive Iraqi forces out of the country in the Gulf War. Tensions between the U.S. and Iraq continued to escalate throughout the 1990s, culminating in the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003, which resulted in the ousting of dictator Saddam Hussein. The U.S. remained involved in Iraq for many years, as the country struggled to establish a stable government and deal with ongoing violence.
Afghanistan: In 2001, the U.S. invaded Afghanistan following the September 11th terrorist attacks, which were carried out by the Al-Qaeda terrorist group based in Afghanistan. The U.S. and its allies toppled the Taliban government, which had sheltered Al-Qaeda, but the war continued for many years as the U.S. attempted to establish a stable government and counter ongoing insurgent attacks.
Saudi Arabia: The U.S. has long had a close relationship with Saudi Arabia, which is a major oil exporter and has been a key U.S. ally in the region. However, this relationship has been strained at times due to differences over issues such as human rights and the role of Islam in society.
Israel: The U.S. has been a strong supporter of Israel, providing significant military and economic aid to the country over the years. However, this support has also been a source of tension with other countries in the region, which view Israel as a major antagonist.
Iran Nuclear Deal: In 2015, the U.S. joined other world powers in signing a historic deal with Iran to limit its nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions. However, in 2018, the U.S. withdrew from the deal under the Trump administration, citing concerns over Iran's support for terrorism and regional destabilization. This move further strained relations between the U.S. and Iran.