Security Issues in the Middle East
March 2001
New U.S. Team, Same Old Security Issues
This issue of Security
Issues in the Middle East analyzes events over the last quarter
including the new U.S. administration's approach to ongoing problems
in the region. The quarterly covers the February 16 U.S. air strike
on air defense targets in Iraq and its implications as well as the
ongoing U.S. policy review on sanctions against Iraq and Iran. In
addition, this quarterly analyzes the ongoing Iraqi threat to Kuwait
and the region on the tenth |
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anniversary of the Gulf War. Other regional issues covered include the signing of a historic joint defense pact by GCC member states at a December 2000 summit in Bahrain. On the domestic political front in the region, it also covers the recent changes in Kuwait's cabinet, shifting Saudi views of the United States, the implications of the election of Ariel Sharon as prime minister of Israel, and the ongoing struggle for power in Iran between conservatives and reformers in the run-up to the June elections in the Islamic Republic.
Questions regarding this report,the reports in general, or the Institute's work on energy security programs can be directed to: Andrew C. Winner or Toshi Yoshihara.