The Presidential Study Group -- a bipartisan, blue-ribbon commission of statesmen, diplomats, legislators, scholars, and experts -- was convened in Spring 2000 to examine the state of the Middle East and the effectiveness of U.S. policy in advancing U.S. interests in that important region.
George W. Bush takes office at a perilous moment in the Middle East. Arab-Israeli relations are in crisis, regional radicals are buoyant, and the popular mood in much of the Arab world is critical of U.S. policy. Overall, the United States' strategic situation in the area is characterized more by challenges than opportunities. This Presidential Study Group report -- the fourth such quadrennial exercise undertaken under the auspices of The Washington Institute -- offers a set of ideas and recommendations to the new President to address these worrisome circumstances.