He said both countries "have a common goal of peace, security and prosperity for the entire Middle East."

VOA: standard.2009.07.26

Soli Ozel of Istanbul's Bilgi University said the alliance, one of the most significant in the Middle East, stemmed from a recognition of mutual security interests.

VOA: standard.2009.10.27

The peace institute's report says that the United States has often put its security interests ahead of its desire to see democracy spread throughout the Middle East.

VOA: standard.2010.05.19

The credibility of our security guarantees to allies and to partners especially in the Middle East and East Asia depends on our ability to project power despite these threats."

VOA: standard.2010.03.26

Mitchell's scheduled visit to Damascus was preceded by two trips there since March by Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Jeffrey Feltman and White House National Security Council Middle East expert Daniel Shapiro.

VOA: standard.2009.06.09