The Iran-Iraq War and the Development of U.S. Responses Toward the Region.
Abstract
The Iran-Iraq war, which began in September 1980, and the evolution of regional, Soviet and U.S. responses are addressed in this study. Although the Gulf war is presented as the latest manifestation of a millenia-long struggle, this outbreak has the potential of involving other regional states in the conflict, curtailing the vital flow of Gulf oil to the free world and drawing the Superpowers into an armed conflict. The primary U.S. objectives for the region are described as maintaining the cost-effective flow of Gulf oil to the allies, insuring the security of friendly governments in the region and preventing the Soviet Union from capitalizing on the war to the detriment of the West. To facilitate these objectives, and the U.S. seeks a near term negotiated settlement to prevent either side, and especially fanatic Tehran, from becoming victorious and destabilizing the Gulf. THe author concludes that the U.S. must avoid the caprices of changing U.S. administrations and can best develop a viable policy toward the region in consultation with allies and friendly Gulf states. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1985
- Accession Number
- ADA163069
Entities
People
- Garret L. Albert
Organizations
- Air War College