The basic objective of the successful foreign policy of a country is to improve its image and promote friendly relationships with other nations and powers. It also provides security for its citizens.
Maintaining equilibrium is a barometer to judge a sound foreign policy strategy.
Since the creation of Israel in 1948, the U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East predominantly has been influenced by Jewish Americans in collaboration with the Israeli government. The U.S. administration, Congress and media are facing constant intimidation from the Israeli lobby.
Due to the unfair foreign policy in the Middle East, the United States' relationship with the Muslim world has reached the point of no return.
A superficial alliance with corrupt rulers of the Muslim world is not going to take us anywhere; we need to win the hearts and minds of the people.
Since 1967, the Israeli occupation of Palestinian lands, the impotency of U.S. foreign policy, and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan has radicalized a large number of the younger generation in the Muslim world
Former President George Bush's reckless foreign policy also has contributed to inflamed anti-American feelings around the globe. Americans have paid a heavy price in terms of life and international relations.
The general public in the Muslim world is unable to understand how a super power like the United States, promoting democracy, human rights, freedom, justice and liberty for all, cannot help to implement justice for the Palestinian men, women and children.
The recent attack on Palestinians by Israel's so-called defensive war used American bombs, tanks and fighter jets against civilians.
Under the eyes of the world, Bush, until the last moment of his presidency, did not stop the bloodbath of Palestinian children and women. He encouraged the Israelis to inflict more devastation on the Gazans.
Killing innocent Israelis or Palestinians is criminal acts. Blockading supplies for the 1.5 million population of Gaza is a crime against humanity. Not allowing food, medicine and trying to choke Gaza's economy is an act of genocide.
Barack Obama's presidency offers Americans an opportunity to take a new look and evaluate the results of our foreign policy strategies.
The most important ingredient for a just foreign policy is the courage of a leader.
Morality should be the only basis for a sound foreign policy, not the national interest and balance of power. Any international order that does not have regard for justice is bound to fail. A shared ideology of justice could be a strong cause for the success of it.
This shared sense of justice, collective security and balance of power reduces the temptation to use force. In the Middle East, the United States pushed the balance of power in favor of Israel by providing technology, money and the most advanced fighting equipment.
Former presidents Richard Nixon and Jimmy Carter have acknowledged publicly the existence of Israel's nuclear armaments.
Obama's administration has to create a balance of power and sense of justice in the Middle East. He has to show courage and determination to make tough decisions.
A Saudi peace plan could be a good start. Land for peace. Obama has to play the role of an honest broker.
Go President Obama, go. Seize the moment. Please make this world safer for our children and for the children of the Middle East.
Syed R. Mahmood lives in Union City. He is president of the American Institute of International Studies, Fremont, and former Republican nominee for California's 13th Congressional District and former president of United Muslims of America
