| Description |
During the Cold War, the United States and Saudi Arabia worked together to bolster the efforts of Islamic fundamentalist groups who were battling the Soviet Union. The training, funding, and connections given to some groups in that era led to many of the conflicts in the Middle East today, such as militant extremism in the Levant and Afghanistan. What factors led the United States to channel its efforts through Saudi Arabia? Why did it choose Saudi Arabia, rather than other potential allies like Egypt or Iran? To answer this question, first, a brief account of the political history between the United States and Saudi Arabia will be given. Then, there will be an examination of the domestic, regional, and international issues involved in this effort to maintain the balance of power between communism and the West. I argue that Saudi Arabia was chosen by the United States because of its religious and tribal ties to conflicted areas, as well as economic opportunity in oil. |
