United States Persian Gulf Policy since 1968.
Abstract
U.S. concerns over the security and military defense of the Persian Gulf have steadily intensified during the last 45 years, although the nature and relative importance of U.S. interests in the area have varied. The significance of the region has tended to increase as the result of growing United States and Western dependence on Persian Gulf and Middle East oil and the need to assure continued access to the region's vast oil reserves. Stability in the Persian Gulf is critical to the economic health of the West. An interruption in the flow of oil or control of these energy resources by an unfriendly power could have devastating effects on the pattern of world trade and on our economy. A second American interest in the Gulf has been to contain the expansion of Soviet influence in the region. The region's strategic location and its vital shipping lanes makes it critical in the East-West conflict. The Soviet Union and its allies must not be allowed to control the oil fields. Additionally, the 'hugh amounts of capital the oil-producing countries hold' must be kept from Moscow's control. Regional stability has been a third American interest, as access to oil will be more reliable if countries in the area are not disrupted by internal and external strife. Revolutions might cause nonaligned states to move closer to the Soviet Union or disrupt states that maintain close relations with the United States.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA194926
Entities
People
- Tommy G. Cates
Organizations
- Air Command and Staff College