The Persian Gulf and the National Interest.
Abstract
With gasoline lines a fading memory, it is easy for Americans to misinterpret the energy crisis as overinflated, and even easier to underestimate the importance of the Persian Gulf. Yet, it was just two years ago that former President Carter designated the Persian Gulf as a region of vital national interest. His purpose, in what came to be known as the Carter Doctrine, was to help ensure the steady flow of petroleum to the world market. President Reagan has subsequently confirmed that policy by increasing the U.S. military presence in the Inidan Ocean, strengthening the Rapid Deployment Force (RDF), and selling AWACS and other advanced military equipment to Saudi Arabia. What seemed to be a sensible policy direction with the turmoil in Iran, skyrocketing oil prices, and the Soviet intervention in Afghanistan, has come under increasing criticism in the light of today's plentiful supplies of oil. A growing chorus of optimists argues that reliance on the unfettered market will give us a future of abundant energy and freedom from dependence on oil imports.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1982
- Accession Number
- ADA112505
Entities
People
- Desmond P. Wilson
Organizations
- Center for Naval Analyses