ABSTRACT
Given America's dilemma in the Gulf, one might have expected the Soviet Union to view the energy problem and developments in the region as unmixed blessings. From the Soviet perspective, one of the negative aspects of the energy crisis was the accompanying expansion of economic ties between the industrial West and the important Gulf state of Iraq. Another negative development for the Soviet Union was elicited by the energy problem. In addition to the costs for Moscow associated with the issues, there were negative developments for the Soviet Union resulting from other actions taken by Washington. Those American initiatives were elicited, or intensified, by Washington's concern over its vulnerable energy position. In addition to being concerned with the integrated American view of the area, as well as with the increased integration of Gulf states into the international capitalist economic system, Moscow also had reason to be troubled by the salient events themselves that occurred in the area during 1979-1980.
