Many problems exist in the Middle East today. Examining these immediate issues and exploring possible future issues can provide a good understanding of the diverse set of issues, actors, and ambitions that abound in the region. This understanding can then provide the basis for examining current policy in the region and adjusting it accordingly to better support U.S. objectives. One of the most important and well-known issues affecting the Middle East today is the plight of the Palestinians. Far from being limited to the simple Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Palestinian refugees have made it a problem that affects neighboring countries, Lebanon, Syria and Jordan. Furthermore, the sense of Arab and Islamic brotherhood has transformed the Palestinian issue into a regional-wide issue that impacts U.S. policy and actions throughout the Middle East. Since the 1948 conflict with the new State of Israel, Palestinians have been a displaced population. . When the Arab forces were defeated, thousands of Palestinians were evacuated by Israeli forces or fled in fear to neighboring countries. The end result was that “seven hundred thousand people, or sixty percent of an entire society, were left homeless.” With Israelis reluctant to let Palestinians return and neighboring countries reluctant to take responsibility for their resettlement, Palestinians were forced to live in refugee camps. These hastily constructed shelters will house them for the next 60 years. Despite the passage of years, Palestinians have never forgotten their homeland and the desire to recover it has not faded. Today, the number of displaced Palestinians stands at over 4 million and their presence and their nation...... middle of paper ...... secure Israel. Something must be done to address the root cause and it can be argued that Israel will be safer once Palestine is formed. The Palestinian dilemma does not only affect Israelis and Palestinians. The refugee camps and militant organizations had an impact on surrounding nations and the Arab defeat constitutes an emotional and memorable humiliation for Arabs throughout the region. The United States must aggressively change its position in the region, adapting to the situation on the ground, even if it means reducing its support for Israel and pressuring Israel to make concessions in order to form a Palestinian state. Works Cited Mackey, Sandra. Mirror of the Arab world: Lebanon in conflict. (New York: WW Norton & Comp., 2008) MacFarquhar, Neil, Hezbollah Media Department wishes you a happy birthday. (New York: Public Affairs)