Cole (2011) Flashcards
What is the impact of hypocrisy on the media’s view of a state or person ?
The text argues that brazen hypocrisy can severely harm the reputation of an individual or a country.
What does the text say about Obama’s inconsistent policies ?
President Barack Obama is criticized for what is perceived as inconsistent and self-interested foreign policy decisions, particularly in the Middle East.
What was the US response to the Middle East uprisings ?
The United States was not at the forefront of the changes in the Middle East, and its instinct as a Great Power was to support the existing status quo.
What did the Obama administration have to say about Tunisia and Egypt ?
The Obama administration had little to say about Tunisia until after the populace had forced their president out. In the case of Egypt, Obama’s stance regarding the revolutionaries was uncertain until shortly before Mubarak’s removal.
What was Obama’s take on the intervention in Libya ?
The decision to intervene in Libya was driven by Saudi Arabia, France, and Britain, with Obama reluctantly following suit.
What was the American response to the movement for reform in Bahrain ?
The US response to the movement for reform in Bahrain was muted, as geopolitical interests took precedence over human rights concerns. The US leases a naval base from Bahrain, which serves as the headquarters of the Fifth Fleet.
What does Cole have to say on Obama still selling arms to Bahrain ?
The text criticizes the Obama administration for considering the resumption of arms sales to Bahrain, despite the government’s repression of protests.
What does the text state about Palestine ?
The text highlights the repressive conditions under which Palestinians live, particularly in the West Bank and Gaza. It criticizes the Obama administration’s efforts to thwart the Palestinians’ bid for UN membership.
What has influenced US-Palestine relations historically ?
The text suggests that US policy towards the Palestinians has historically been influenced by powerful Israel lobbies, and that this has hindered progress towards a resolution.
What does the text state about Obama’s rhetoric ?
While Obama gave speeches praising the Arab Spring and the aspirations of the youth, the text contends that his policies in Bahrain and Palestine were marked by hypocrisy, undermining the positive impact of his words.
Overall, the text criticizes Obama’s foreign policy approach in the Middle East, accusing him of inconsistency, self-interest, and hypocrisy in dealing with various countries and issues in the region. It suggests that his actions have contradicted the ideals he espoused in his speeches.
