During George H.W. Bush's administration, U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East was primarily shaped by the end of the Cold War, the Iranian Revolution, and the Gulf War. The successful coalition-building against Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in 1990 exemplified a pragmatic approach, emphasizing multilateralism and regional stability. I agree with Bush's approach to some extent, as it prioritized diplomacy and cooperation rather than unilateral military action, though it may have been overly cautious in addressing the underlying tensions in the region. The decision to limit the scope of military operations during the Gulf War, thereby sparing Iraq's regime, reflected a nuanced understanding of the complexities of Middle Eastern politics, though it also left lingering issues that would impact U.S.-Iraq relations in the future.
In 3-5 sentences, evaluate the factors that shaped U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East during George H.W. Bush's administration, and whether you agree with Bush's approach. Choose 1-2 examples to support your response...
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