ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the nature of Soviet policy toward the Gulf area. It examines the Soviet interests in the region, as well as of the political and military resources that the Soviet Union has at its disposal to affect local outcomes. The most obvious factor conditioning Soviet policy vis-a-vis the Gulf is the region's geographical proximity to the Soviet Union. Related to border security is the Soviet Muslim factor. A third determinant of Soviet policy toward the Gulf area is ideology. A fourth aspect of Soviet policy towards the Gulf area is oil. The multiple, ambiguous, and interactive character of threats to Gulf stability creates a dilemma for Western policymakers. The most extreme threat from a Western planning perspective is the possibility of a direct Soviet military attack on Iran. Soviet-Iraqi relations were established shortly after the military coup that overthrew the Hashemite monarchy in July 1958.
