Without Clear Objectives: Operation Earnest Will.

Abstract

This paper conducts a critical analysis of U.S. political and military objectives in the Persian Gulf during the Iran-Iraq War, focused on Operation Earnest Will. The background of the Iran-Iraq War is reviewed with particular emphasis on those actions leading up the re-registration of eleven Kuwaiti oil tankers under the American flag. U.S. strategic and operational objectives in this operation are outlined and evaluated. The impact of unfocused political objectives, and the resultantly vague guidance provided to operational commanders is examined.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 07, 1997
Accession Number
ADA325197

Entities

People

  • Michael W. Selby

Organizations

  • Naval War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Ground and Sea Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Intergovernmental Organizations
  • International Law
  • International Organizations
  • Iran Iraq War
  • Iraqi-War
  • Law
  • Middle East
  • Military Operations
  • National Security
  • Navy
  • New York
  • Persian Gulf
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Task Forces
  • United States
  • Uss Vincennes
  • War Colleges

Readers

  • Joint Military Operations and Doctrine.
  • Nuclear Non-Proliferation and International Security
  • Strategic Security Studies