SOCIOL 170B Chapter Notes - Chapter 4: Main Source, Henry Kissinger, Iranian Revolution
Document Summary
Us had 2 major interests in the gulf: Iran a critical area because of high oil production: britain and america could not defend the area against soviet influence, shah of iran eager to become gulf"s police. 1969 nixon doctrine: america would rely on friendly local powers as regional policemen: 2 pillar strategy: iran and saudi arabia. Saudi arabia had limited military capability so iran would be main source of strength: conflict between 2 nations already existed. Saudi arabia part of arab league and enemy of israel: iran secretly friendly with israel supplied israel with oil received arms and related services. Us closer to moderate saudis regarding oil. Under 2 pillar strategy us extended security commitment, arms, and technical assistance to. Us tolerated the shah because it needed iran against soviet union: used him to weaken soviet union and its allies (iraq) Nixon and kissinger aided the shah in his campaign to destabilize the baath regime in.