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The President decides foreign policy, although the Congress declares war against another nation.

Looks quite simple right, yes it is if you turn a blind eye to all the political wrangling and bidding war that goes in Washington. You see American foreign policy affects the entire world, so there are numerous interest groups trying to sway thing their way.

For example, look at Middle East. Saudi Arabia has the most oil, but it has links to terrorism and most of 9/11 hijackers came from that country. So if tomorrow there are talks in the country on having a policy not to deal with a nation with links to people who attacked the US or similar policy is in making, Saudi Arabia will work its PR machine, lobbyists, people in high places with whom it has close relationship to be in the right side. Here is how money and influence dictates(to some extent) American foreign policy.

Israel is another example of influence dictating US foreign policy. AIPAC, the Israel lobby group has deep pockets(deeper than some oil wells in Middle East) and it has close relationship with big name people, how else then would they be able to have such favorable relationship with US when Europe and rest of world constantly criticize its policy on Palestinians and the occupied territory?

US constitution and law have their word on who dictates the foreign policy, but it is unbelievably naive to think that outside interest groups, media, and people with influence don't influence it. President decides but there are thousands telling him what they want done.

Learn more about this author, Bhumika Ghimire.
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