The Soviet Union and the Middle East.

Abstract : Russia has been interested in the Middle East intermittently for centuries, but in the past this interest has focused on security considerations. Since the emergence of the Soviet Union as a great power, and particularly since the beginnings of normal Soviet ties with some Arab states, the U.S.S.R. has viewed the Middle East as an area in which Soviet influence should be acknowledged and respected. Playing an active political, economic, military, and cultural role in the Middle East, the Soviet Union has sought to undermine Western power there, with a view both to reducing the strategic threat to the U.S.S.R. from Iran, Turkey, and the Mediterranean and to increasing Soviet influence in world councils. (Modified author abstract)