Political Dimensions of US (United States) Relations with Iran and Saudi Arabia in the 1980's.
Abstract
The Islamic Republic of Iran under Ayatollah Khomeini has refused to sacrifice some of its basic tenets even in the face of evidence that its 'objective' interests would dictate their moderation. Thus, no effort has been made to lessen the xenophobia gripping Iran, particularly that directed against the United States, in the interest of contributing to enhancing the military capabilities of Iran's armed forces in the face of the Iraqi invasion. To imagine the likelihood of that policy's remaining for the indefinite future given the still tenuous stability of the Ayatollah's system is even more challenging. Yet to face these imponderables is the challenge of this paper. The United States and Saudi Arabia have had a long, close, and fruitful association that has evolved despite cultural differences and periods of troubled US relations with the Middle East. Both nations have sought to retain effective relations, and these have been forged in the face of the strong pressures that could have shattered them. Yet, the two nations need to remain alert to dangers in their relationship and work to cement the factors that bind them together and to minimize the factors that tend to separate them.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 10, 1983
- Accession Number
- ADA126029
Entities
People
- Hermann F. Eilts
- Marvin Zonis
Organizations
- United States Army War College