United States Naval Bases in Tunisia in the 1980's.
Abstract
The basic issues are the availability of suitable naval base sites in Tunisia and the military, economic and political ramifications of U.S. bases there in the 1980's. The continued importance of the Mediterranean region for the United States is a virtual certainty. The U.S. can anticipate greater future constraints imposed on her use of various Mediterranean facilities. Bizerte, Tunisia has the potential to be a contingency base. Other ports in Tunisia are inadequate. Bizerte is a good harbor bounded by an area with expansion possibilities. The construction of a U.S. base there would be expensive and difficult to justify. The need for overseas U.S. naval bases is coming under increased scrutiny and their cost effectiveness will need more justification in the future. The political aspects of a U.S. naval base in Tunisia are the key considerations. U.S. interests are served by an independent, unaligned, moderate and pro-Western Tunisia. Internal dissension, external animosity (e.g. Libya and/or Algeria), and loss of status among Third World countries would probably result if Tunisia became openly aligned with the U.S.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 29, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA042868
Entities
People
- James P. Bergen
Organizations
- United States Army War College