Position Paper: United States of America
Committee: UNGA, Disarmament and International Security Committee (DISEC)
Agenda: Interventions in the Middle East Crisis—with a special emphasis on arms and ammunition trade
Introduction: U.S. Partnership, Not Intervention
The United States’ role in the Middle East is often mislabeled as interventionist. However, our
involvement is driven by partnerships aimed at promoting regional stability, counterterrorism, and
humanitarian relief. Our approach combines regulated arms trade, humanitarian assistance, and
technology transfer, helping Middle Eastern nations secure their own peace and stability, rather than
imposing U.S. dominance.
1. U.S. Arms Trade: A Stabilizing Tool
As the largest arms supplier to the Middle East, the U.S. contributes 47% of the region’s total arms
imports (2016-2020), under the regulated framework of the Arms Export Control Act. This means that
countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Israel can defend themselves against external threats,
particularly from Iran-backed groups such as the Houthi rebels in Yemen. Further, these trades help boost
their economy, where U.S buy oils and minerals and provides arms in return.
In contrast to the conventional criticisms, U.S. arms exports are coupled with defense training and
intelligence-sharing, ensuring weapons are used responsibly and in line with international standards.
Without U.S. arms, regional allies would face greater vulnerability, leading to more instability in an
already volatile region. Hence U.S arms trades are not causing, but rather solving the instability.
2. Beyond Arms: Humanitarian Aid and Development
The U.S. is a leader in humanitarian aid, providing over $13.2 billion in assistance to the Middle East
since 2017. This has supported refugees, displaced persons, and reconstruction efforts in conflict-ridden
nations like Syria, Iraq, and Yemen.
Key examples include over $12 billion in aid for Syria since 2011 and USAID infrastructure projects in
Iraq that have restored electricity and water systems, benefiting millions. These efforts aim to rebuild
societies, demonstrating that U.S. involvement extends well beyond military engagement.
3. U.S. Counterterrorism Efforts
The Middle East has been a breeding ground for dangerous terrorist groups like ISIS and Al-Qaeda. The
U.S. has led counterterrorism efforts, particularly through Operation Inherent Resolve, which eradicated
99% of ISIS’s territorial control.
U.S. drone strikes have also targeted and weakened the operational capabilities of Al-Qaeda and other
extremist organizations in Yemen and Afghanistan. Through these actions, and by strengthening local
militaries, the U.S. ensures that terrorist groups do not regain power, which is beneficiall to both regional
and global security.
4. Supporting Peace: Israel and Palestine
The U.S. has been a steadfast ally of Israel, providing over $150 billion in military aid since its founding,
ensuring Israel’s defense against threats from hostile neighbors and groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. At
the same time, the U.S. has contributed over $235 million in humanitarian aid to the Palestinians to
support healthcare, education, and development.
The Abraham Accords, brokered by the U.S., have brought about historic peace agreements between
Israel and several Arab nations. The U.S. remains committed to continuing peace dialogues, including
efforts toward a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine. U.S has done everything it can to advocate for
peace and end the crisis.
Conclusion: U.S. Engagement for Regional Stability
The United States remains a stabilizing force in the Middle East, committed to supporting its allies
through responsible arms trade, humanitarian aid, counterterrorism efforts, and diplomatic initiatives like
the Abraham Accords. As the region faces ongoing challenges, the U.S. will continue to work with the
international community to ensure a future marked by peace, stability, and prosperity. Without U.S, the
Middle East would not function as well as it does today. U.S has been and will continue to be the integral
force that holds the Middle East together.
Bibliography
1. Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). “Trends in International Arms
Transfers, 2020.”
2. U.S. State Department, “Arms Export Control Act.”
3. CRS Report, “Saudi Arabia: Background and U.S. Relations,” Congressional Research Service,
2023.
4. U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), “USAID in the Middle East,” 2023.
5. U.S. Department of State, “Humanitarian Assistance in Syria,” 2021.
6. USAID, “Iraq: Restoring Electricity and Water Infrastructure,” 2022.
7. U.S. Department of Defense, “Operation Inherent Resolve Quarterly Report,” 2020.
8. CRS Report, “U.S. Foreign Aid to Israel,” 2023.
9. U.S. State Department, “U.S. Assistance to the Palestinian People,” 2021.
10. White House, “Abraham Accords Peace Agreement,” 2020.
