Iran: Flashpoint in the Middle East
Abstract
Tehran continues to subvert America's and its allies' interest in the Middle East by supporting militant groups in Iraq and Afghanistan, aggressively seeks a nuclear arsenal despite international pressure to discontinue these ambitions, and is the chief sponsor of state terrorism by supplying organizations such as Hamas in Palestine and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Strategically, can the United States and international community afford Iran to possess nuclear weapons? If not, what strategic options are available to the international community to curb Tehran's defiant behavior? Given the geopolitical situation what strategic dilemma does U.S. policy face toward Tehran? To frame these strategic questions, the project examines the historical perspective of Iran's emergence as a modern state; providing a universal understanding of Tehran's ideology and present day agenda. A foreign policy analysis focuses on the timeframe from Bush 43 presidency to present day, discussing events which have occurred during this time. In conclusion, an analysis of obstacles facing the United States will be discussed and various strategies are offered to curtail Tehran?s aggressive behavior to undermine stability in the Middle East.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA521967
Entities
People
- David B. Gossett
Organizations
- United States Army War College