Area Studies Area Studies The Middle East The Middle East

Area Studies Area Studies The Middle East The Middle East

Overview Middle Eastern Overview History of US Involvement Military AOR U.S. Interests Arab-Israeli Conflict

History of US InvolvementHistory of US Involvement Early European involvement

• France invasion of Egypt 1798-1802• 19th Century colonial powers

• WW I• Borders

Middle East Treaty Organization Baghdad Pact, 1955

Great Britain, Turkey, Iran, Iraq, and Pakistan sign METO • Deter Soviet expansionism• US joins, Iraq withdraws1959• HQ moves to Ankara…name change to Central

Treaty Organization (CENTO)• CENTO dissolves in 1979 after Iran and

Pakistan withdraw

Operation Nickel GrassOperation Nickel GrassYom Yom Kippur WarKippur War , 1973 , 1973

On 6 October 1973 an Egyptian/Syrian coalition launched a two-prong attack on Israel • Israel held but ran low on supplies• US provides airlift weapons supply via Lajes• US airlifted over 22,000 tons of supplies and

equipment

Camp David Peace AccordsCamp David Peace Accords Israel – Egypt Sept. 17, 1978

• President Carter, Camp David, MD• Begin – Sadat• First peace treaty between Israel and an Arab

country                                                                                                    

Iranian Hostage Crisis Iranian Hostage Crisis Nov. 4, 1979; 500 Iranian students seize

the US Embassy in Tehran• Response to US allowing Shah in for treatment• 52 Hostages held 444 days• Operation Eagle Claw…eight killed• Ruined Carter’s re-election chance• Released day Reagan sworn in

Gulf WarGulf War

Iraqi invasion of Kuwait – 2 Aug 1990 Desert Shield deployment begins – 7 Aug 1990 Desert Storm Air Campaign – 16 Jan 1991 100 hour ground war – 23 Feb 1991 Cease fire – 3 Mar 1991

TerrorismTerrorismTerrorismTerrorism State sponsored terrorism appears to have

declined over the past five years Transnational groups—with decentralized

leadership that makes them harder to identify and disrupt—are emerging • Usama bin Ladin • Hamas and Hizballah joining forces

Terrorists are becoming more operationally adept and more technically sophisticated in order to defeat counter terrorism measures.

For example, as we have increased security around government and military facilities, terrorists are seeking out "softer" targets that provide opportunities for mass casualties

TerrorismTerrorism

                                                                                                                                    

Post WarPost WarPost WarPost War DESERT STRIKE DESERT THUNDER

DESERT FOXShining Presence

Phoenix Scorpion I-IV Desert Focus Vigilant Warrior Vigilant Sentinel Intrinsic Action Desert Spring Iris Gold Pacific Haven/Quick Transit Provide Comfort I-II Northern Watch Southern Watch Enduring Freedom Iraqi Freedom

Military AORMilitary AOR

•USCENTCOM

–Headquarters: MacDill AFB FL

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Apr2002/020417-D-6570-003.jpg

US InterestsUS Interests

Persian Gulf WarPersian Gulf War

Arab Israeli ConflictArab Israeli Conflict

Other Middle Eastern IssuesOther Middle Eastern Issues

SummarySummary Middle Eastern Overview History of US Involvement Military AOR U.S. Interests Arab-Israeli Conflict

Middle Eastern Overview History of US Involvement Military AOR U.S. Interests Arab-Israeli Conflict

QuestionsQuestions