Like the United States, the Middle East is not one monolithic group of people, but a diverse range of people, culture, faiths, and social structures.  Having lived and worked in this region for years, I can say with confidence that at the core, people in these countries, regardless of culture, faith, or social norms are similar in their wants and needs to those here in the U.S.  They want to provide for their families.  They want to see their children safe and succeeding.  They want to help each other.    

The United States has a shared responsibility in both stabling and destabilizing this region for various reasons.  Going forward we need to commit to ensuring that our actions not only benefit the United States and our people but contribute to the stabilization of the region.  Strengthen ties to those governments that work toward peace and stabilization and call out those that don’t.      

Original source can be found here.