Robert H. Pelletreau

Robert H. Pelletreau is the assistant U.S. secretary of state for Near Eastern affairs. In the following viewpoint, Pelletreau argues that the United States must maintain its active role in Middle Eastern affairs. The United States has been responsible for forwarding the Arab-Israeli peace process and must continue to ensure the stability of the region by deterring terrorism, containing rogue states, ensuring the free flow of oil, and advancing human rights, Pelletreau maintains. This viewpoint was originally a speech delivered to the Chautauqua Institution in Chautauqua,New York,on August 21,1996.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. According to Pelletreau, in what way does progress in the Arab-Israeli peace process affect the stability of the Middle East? 2. In what way did the...