Arab–American relations prior to World War II were limited. However, the first country to officially recognize the United States was Morocco. Moreover, in comparison to European powers such as Britain and France which had managed to colonise almost all of the Arab world after defeating the Ottoman Empire in 1918, the United States was ‘popular and respected throughout the region’.Fawcett,L(2005) The International Relations of the Middle East UK: Oxford University Press p 284 Indeed, ‘Americans were seen as good people, untainted by the selfishness and duplicity associated with the Europeans’.Fawcett,L(2005) The International Relations of the Middle East UK: Oxford University Press p 285 American missionaries had brought modern medicine and set up educational institutions all over the Arab World. In addition to this, the US had provided the Arab states with highly skilled petroleum engineers.Rugh, W, A (2005) American Encounters with Arabs: The Soft Power of U.S. Public Diplomacy in the Middle East U.S.: Praeger Publishers Inc. pp 25-26 Thus, there were some connections, which were made between the United States and the Arab states before the Second World War. All in all, the American-Arab relations have had their ups and downs, with each conflict changing the relations. At the moment, Arab–American relations are very strong economically, where the Arab world is the third largest exporter to the US, and the US is the first largest importer in the Arab world. Nevertheless, these strong economic relations fail to show in the political arena.

Early Relations Moroccan-American Relations

The historical ties between the Kingdom of Morocco and the United States of America date back to the American Revolutionary War (1775–1783), notably deepening in 1777 when Sultan Mohammed ben Abdallah became the first monarch to offer aid to the United States, hence making Morocco the first major country or kingdom to recognize American Independence.

Formal U.S. diplomatic relations with Morocco began in 1787 when the Confederation Congress ratified a Treaty of Peace and Friendship between the two nations which had been signed earlier in 1786. Renegotiated in 1836, the treaty is still in force, constituting the longest unbroken treaty relationship in U.S. history, and Tangier is home to the oldest U.S. diplomatic property in the world. Now a museum, the Tangier American Legation Museum is also the only building outside of the U.S. that is now a National Historic Landmark. The Treaty was executed in Europe by American envoys John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, later receiving ratification from the Confederation Congress (operating under the earlier Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union government) in July 1787.(Roberts and Roberts, 2008, pp. 189–223) As of 2020, the treaty has endured transatlantic pressures and tensions for over 235 years, establishing itself as the longest unbroken treaty alliance in the history of the United States.Ogot, General History of Africa, pp. 231–232. Morocco continues to stand as one of America's enduring and trusted allies in North Africa.

Among the correspondence exchanged between America and Morocco, one notable instance was a letter from the inaugural President George Washington to Muhammed Ibn Abdullah. Dated December 1, 1789, during the early months of his presidency, Washington addressed issues of authority and leadership in the United States, as well as the communication breakdown between Morocco and America. In the letter, Washington expressed regret for delays in communication, attributing them to governmental transitions and a desire to establish clear terms of engagement. He also commended Muhammed Ibn Abdullah's diplomatic efforts in protecting American ships from pirates, recognizing the vulnerability of the fledgling United States, which lacked naval power at the time. Morocco's willingness to engage in diplomatic negotiations marked a significant milestone, as it became the first Arab, African, or Muslim state to formalize a treaty with America, despite America's inability to safeguard its vessels in the Mediterranean.

Oman-American Relations The United States relationship with Oman dates back 200 years, with American merchant ships making port calls in Oman as early as 1790. Oman was the first nation from the Arabian Peninsula to recognize the United States, sending an envoy in 1841. The United States had established trade relations with the Sultanate in the early years of American independence. The first Treaty of Amity and CommerceTreaty of Amity and Commerce, p. 458. U.S. Congressional Documents and Debates, 1774 - 1875 was concluded at Muscat on 21 September 1833, by Edmund Roberts and Said bin Sultan. The treaty was the first agreement of its kind with an independent Arab state in the Persian Gulf. This initial treaty was replaced by the Treaty of Amity, Economic Relations, and Consular Rights signed at Salalah on 20 December 1958

Barbary Wars

The Barbary Wars were a series of conflicts fought between the United States and the Arab Barbary States of North Africa, namely the Ottoman provinces of Tripolitania, Algiers, and Tunis, as well as the independent Sultanate of Morocco. These wars took place between 1801 and 1815 and were primarily sparked by the Barbary States' practice of piracy and extortion against American merchant ships in the Mediterranean Sea.

During this time, the Barbary States, which included present-day Libya, Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco, held strategic positions along the North African coast and controlled crucial trade routes. They demanded tribute payments from European nations and the United States in exchange for safe passage for their ships. However, the demands became increasingly exorbitant, and the Barbary rulers resorted to capturing ships and enslaving their crews for ransom.

Faced with mounting losses and the violation of their sovereignty, the United States, under Presidents Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, decided to confront the Barbary States militarily rather than continue paying tribute. This led to the First Barbary War (1801–1805) against Tripoli, followed by the Second Barbary War (1815) against Algiers.

The conflict was characterized by naval engagements, most notably the actions of the fledgling United States Navy's small fleet against the larger and more established Barbary corsair fleets. The American navy achieved notable successes, including the famous victories of the USS Enterprise and USS Constitution.

The Barbary Wars marked a significant moment in Arab–American relations. They demonstrated America's determination to protect its interests abroad and its unwillingness to submit to extortion. Additionally, the wars highlighted the complexities of diplomatic relations in the Mediterranean region, as the Barbary States were nominally under Ottoman control but operated independently.

In the aftermath of the Barbary Wars, the United States negotiated treaties with the Barbary States, securing safe passage for American ships in exchange for annual payments. These treaties helped to stabilize the region and allowed for increased American trade in the Mediterranean.

Post-World War II Arab–American relations prior to World War II were limited. However, the first country to officially recognize the United States was Morocco. Moreover, in comparison to European powers such as Britain and France which had managed to colonise almost all of the Arab world after defeating the Ottoman Empire in 1918, the United States was ‘popular and respected throughout the region’.Fawcett, L(2005) The International Relations of the Middle East UK: Oxford University Press p 284 Indeed, ‘Americans were seen as good people, untainted by the selfishness and duplicity associated with the Europeans’.Fawcett, L(2005) The International Relations of the Middle East UK: Oxford University Press p 285 American missionaries had brought modern medicine and set up educational institutions all over the Arab World. In addition to this, the US had provided the Arab states with highly skilled petroleum engineers.Rugh, W, A (2005) American Encounters with Arabs: The Soft Power of U.S. Public Diplomacy in the Middle East U.S.: Praeger Publishers Inc. pp 25-26 Thus, there were some connections, which were made between the United States and the Arab states before the Second World War. All in all, the American-Arab relations have had their ups and downs, with each conflict changing the relations. At the moment, Arab–American relations are very strong economically, where the Arab world is the third largest exporter to the US, and the US is the first largest importer in the Arab world. Nevertheless, these strong economic relations fail to show in the political arena.

Arab–Israeli Conflict

The first real incident of deterioration between the Arab world and the US was when the US recognized Israel and supported it in the United Nations. Furthermore, "the first state to extend diplomatic recognition to Israel was the United States; the Soviet Union and several Western nations quickly followed suit. No Arab state, however, recognized Israel."McWilliams, W, C, Piotrowski, H, (6th ed.)(2005) The World since 1945: A History of International Relations U.S. Lynne Rienner Publishers p 154 The United States denounced the Arab intervention in the former Mandatory Palestine that took place shortly after the Israeli Declaration of Independence in 1948. This issue has decreased the US's reputation and role within the Arab streets, hate towards the US increased, and the US was seen as the 'Friend of the Arabs Enemy,' Israel, thus becoming the Enemy.

Iran–Iraq War

The war between Iran and Iraq was another step in Arab–American relations, where the US supported Iraq in its war against the Islamic Republic of Iran. Among major powers, the United States' policy was to "tilt" toward Iraq by reopening diplomatic channels, lifting restrictions on the export of dual-use technology, overseeing the transfer of third party military hardware, and providing operational intelligence on the battlefield. Despite this, the US was also involved in a covert and illegal arms deal, providing sanctioned Iran with weaponry. This political scandal became known as the Iran–Contra affair.The Iran-Contra Affair 20 Years On. The National Security Archive (George Washington University), 2006-11-24

Gulf War

The US played a significant role in the Gulf War. When Iraq invaded Kuwait, several other Arab countries decided to enter the war on the side of the US, leader of the anti-Iraqi coalition. This resulted in an image of the US as a liberator, particularly among the wealthy Gulf monarchies of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait. The US currently maintains several military bases in the region.

11th September In the wake of 9/11, the United States placed an emphasis on counterterrorism. As the prevention of terrorism became the foremost priority, other longstanding policy objectives were reshaped or subordinated. Arab states, particularly those viewed as moderate or strategically positioned, acquired renewed importance in Washington's global calculus. Countries such as Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia emerged as indispensable partners in intelligence-sharing, regional stability, and diplomatic engagement with the broader Muslim world.

Iraq War