United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo delivered a speech on Thursday in Cairo at the American University on America policy’s in the Middle East, noting that the Trump administration hopes to establish a coalition consisting of GCC states, Egypt and Jordan. “The Trump Administration is also working to establish the Middle East Strategic Alliance – or ‘MESA’ to confront the region’s most serious threats, and bolster energy and economic cooperation. This effort is bringing together members of the Gulf Cooperation Council, as well as Egypt and Jordan. Today we ask those countries to take the next step in solidifying MESA,” Pompeo said in the speech. Pompeo noted that the “the age of self-inflicted American shame is over” and that America will pursue a more activist policy, adding that it is a “force of good” for the region. He added that the only way to end the rivalries and conflict in the region is by containing and defeating Iran, and vowed “expel every last Iranian boot” from Syria. “For those who fret about the use of American power, remember this: America has always been, and always will be, a liberating force, not…
