The Middle East

Chapter 1 analyses state-to-state arms sales in the Middle East with a particular focus on U.S. transfers. On 3 January 2019, Senator Marco Rubio and three cosponsors introduced S. 1, the Strengthening America's Security in the Middle East Act of 2019 (or SASME) as discussed in chapter 2. Chapter 3 examines the amount of funding U.S. agencies have obligated and types of assistance provided and the extent to which State and USAID provide financial oversight of such assistance. Chapter 4 focuses on the several proposals for a new AUMF specifically targeting the Islamic State made during the 113th and 114th Congresses as well as those made thus far in the 115th Congress. On 10 September 2014, President Obama announced the formation of a global coalition to "degrade and ultimately defeat" the Islamic State. Subsequently, over 60 nations and partner organizations agreed to participate, contributing either military forces or resources (or both) to the campaign as reported in chapter 5. Chapter 6 provides background on the Islamic State organisation, discusses its goals, operations, and affiliates, reviews U.S. legislative and policy debates, and reviews relevant legislation.