ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to reconstruct Soviet behavior in the region and in superpower diplomatic forums as a means of testing the alternative hypotheses. Western literature on Soviet policy in the Middle East during 1967-1972 is largely in agreement that the Soviet leadership did not want another Middle East war to break out during these years. The hypothesis can be restated in terms of its view of Soviet preference ordering among the goals being pursued by the USSR's Middle East policy. The Soviets did not give blanket endorsement to Nasser's change in tactics. In July 1968, Nasser visited Moscow for what the Soviet press referred to as "frank" discussions. Soviet fears that the United States had turned from superpower collaboration to unilateralism were heightened during the spring and summer of 1970. The Soviets were aware of what was happening, though they could not be certain of its consequences.
