21:31
How The U.S. Stole the Middle East
Johnny Harris
Overview
This video explains how the United States' involvement in the Middle East evolved from a focus on oil acquisition in the 1930s to a complex geopolitical presence. It details the U.S. partnership with Saudi Arabia for oil, the establishment of military bases, and the strategic decisions made during the Cold War to counter Soviet influence. The narrative highlights key events like the overthrow of Iran's government, support for Israel, and the rise of Osama bin Laden as a reaction to perceived Western encroachment, culminating in the Gulf War and the enduring U.S. military footprint in the region.
How was this?
Save this permanently with flashcards, quizzes, and AI chat
Chapters
- The Middle East's borders were historically fluid due to shifting empires.
- European powers, particularly Britain and France, redrew these borders in the early 20th century without regard for local ethnicities or languages.
- These imposed borders created the foundation for modern Middle Eastern states.
Understanding the artificial nature of current borders helps explain regional instability and conflicts stemming from unmet national aspirations.
The Sykes-Picot Agreement, though not explicitly named, represents the type of arbitrary division of territory by European powers.
- Following World War I, the U.S. recognized oil as a critical resource for global power.
- A California-based oil company took a significant risk exploring for oil in Saudi Arabia, a religiously conservative kingdom.
- The discovery of oil in 1938 led to a substantial American presence, including the establishment of company towns with American customs.
- This led to the first U.S. military base in the region, ostensibly for protection, which was a point of contention for many Saudis.
This initial pursuit of oil established a deep, intertwined relationship between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, laying the groundwork for future political and military involvement.
The creation of American-style 'company towns' with amenities like air-conditioned houses and movie theaters, which were at odds with Saudi customs.
- The U.S. expanded its Middle East involvement beyond oil to counter Soviet influence during the Cold War.
- The U.S. and Britain orchestrated a coup in Iran to install a pro-American dictator after the democratically elected leader was perceived as too close to the Soviets.
- The U.S. began heavily supporting Israel, viewing it as a strategic ally, which led to backlash from oil-producing Arab nations.
- This support for Israel created tensions and fueled resentment among Arab states, impacting U.S.-Arab relations and oil policies.
The U.S. began actively shaping the political landscape of the Middle East to serve its strategic interests, often through controversial means, creating long-term geopolitical consequences.
The U.S.-backed overthrow of Iran's democratically elected Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh in 1953.
- Osama bin Laden, son of a wealthy construction magnate with U.S. ties, grew up witnessing and resenting Western influence in Saudi Arabia.
- He fought against the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, receiving U.S. support indirectly through funding and weapons.
- After the Soviets withdrew, bin Laden formed Al-Qaeda to fight against superpowers in the Middle East.
- His frustration intensified when the U.S. deployed troops to Saudi Arabia during the Gulf War, viewing it as an unacceptable presence on holy land.
The U.S. actions, including its military presence and support for certain regimes, inadvertently fostered the environment and individuals that would later pose significant threats.
Osama bin Laden's participation in the Afghan mujahideen fighting against the Soviet Union, a conflict indirectly supported by the U.S.
- Saddam Hussein's invasion of Kuwait prompted a massive U.S.-led military intervention (Operation Desert Storm).
- The U.S. rejected Osama bin Laden's offer to defend Saudi Arabia, opting instead for a large-scale military deployment.
- The successful repulsion of Iraq led to a significant increase in U.S. military bases and personnel in Saudi Arabia.
- This prolonged U.S. military presence deeply angered many Saudis, including bin Laden, further fueling anti-American sentiment.
The Gulf War solidified the U.S. military's dominant role in the region and created a lasting grievance that contributed to future conflicts and acts of terrorism.
The U.S. military's extensive deployment of troops and firepower to push Iraqi forces out of Kuwait.
Key takeaways
- The current borders of the Middle East are largely artificial constructs imposed by colonial powers, ignoring local identities.
- The U.S. strategic interest in Middle Eastern oil was the primary driver for its initial deep involvement in the region.
- During the Cold War, the U.S. prioritized countering Soviet influence, leading to interventions and support for authoritarian regimes.
- U.S. foreign policy decisions, such as supporting Israel and maintaining military bases, generated significant resentment among local populations.
- The U.S. inadvertently supported figures like Osama bin Laden by backing anti-Soviet forces in Afghanistan.
- The large-scale U.S. military presence following the Gulf War became a major point of contention and a catalyst for extremist movements.
- The U.S. presence in the Middle East has evolved into a deeply embedded aspect of its foreign policy doctrine, making disengagement complex.
Key terms
Middle EastColonial BordersOilCold WarSoviet UnionGeopoliticsOsama bin LadenAl-QaedaGulf WarU.S. Military Presence
Test your understanding
- How did the historical redrawing of borders by European powers contribute to future conflicts in the Middle East?
- What was the primary motivation for the initial U.S. involvement in Saudi Arabia, and how did it evolve?
- How did the Cold War dynamic influence U.S. foreign policy decisions in the Middle East?
- What role did U.S. support for Israel play in shaping relations with Arab nations?
- Explain how the U.S. military presence in Saudi Arabia, particularly after the Gulf War, became a grievance for groups like Al-Qaeda.