In the text, you read this about U.s. policy in the Middle East:

Question

In the text, you read this about U.s. policy in the Middle East:

The United States had strong ties to North Africa and Southwest Asia. This region lies where the continents of Africa, Asia, and Europe meet. It is a region inhabited by Jews, Christians, and Muslims. As in past years, old conflicts in this region continued after 2000, and new conflicts emerged. The United States was a close ally of Israel, a mainly Jewish nation. At the same time, the U.S. economy relied on the oil production of Muslim nations, such as Saudi Arabia. The United States tried to resolve conflicts in this region. It remained committed to supporting democracy, its allies, and its own national interests.
Use the passage to answer the question.
Based on information in the passage, what generalization about U.S. policy in the region described is best supported?
(1 point)
• The United States has
often intervened in Middle Eastern religious conflicts.
• U.S. leaders must carefully balance competing goals.
• U.S. energy needs mostly
shape foreign policy in the Middle East.
• The United States has
repeatedly changed its approach to the region.

Answer 1

The generalization about U.S. policy in the region that is best supported by the passage is: U.S. leaders must carefully balance competing goals. This is evident from the passage, as the United States is shown to have strong ties to both Israel and Muslim nations, and it tries to resolve conflicts in the region while supporting democracy, its allies, and its own national interests. This demonstrates the need for careful balancing of different interests and goals in U.S. policy in the Middle East.