The Cold War continued the pattern of conflict with the Americans and Soviets competing for strategic advantage through the June War, the October War, and so on. The Gulf War was a watershed, given the collapse of the Soviet Union and Soviet support for Iraq, and with the United States and Europe coming out on top. Once again the oceanic powers had won. The Middle East is the graveyard of predictions, but we must nevertheless try to look ahead. Despite the Western victories of the Cold War, the Gulf War, and the momentary triumph of Oslo, the old pattern now seems to be reasserting itself.
Hostility still radiates toward the West from the grass roots to heads of state.
It is questionable whether the Oslo Humpty Dumpty will ever be put back together again. Enormous problems of water and food, a geometric rate of population growth, and stagnant economies loom ahead. The mistake of the Likud government is that it has failed to realize that it must stabilize relations with its immediate neighbors so it can get on with the business of strengthening its friendships with the outer circle of Turkey, Azerbaijan, the United States, Europe, and Russia, while confounding its enemies beginning with Iraq and Iran. Thus, instead of resting comfortably and secure in a friendly society of nations, Netanyahu and his party have succeeded in turning everyone against them. This last is certainly an overstatement, but it puts into relief the fact that despite massive U.S. support, the war is not over yet.