This is a comprehensive study of Soviet policies in the Middle East.
Concentrating on policy developments, Professor Golan analyses the major
Soviet decisions and objectives from the end of World War II to the
Gorbachev era. She pays particular attention to the wars and crises of
recent years and the often problematic development of political
relationships in the region. Professor Golan begins by demonstrating
how, until the end of the Brezhnev period, Soviet policies towards the
Middle East were principally influenced by the demands of superpower
competition with the USA. This is followed by a series of broadly
chronological case studies of the main Soviet alliances, such as Syria
and South Yemen; and of Sadat's Egypt and Khomeni's Iran. This original
and important book culminates in a study of Gorbachev's interests,
initiatives, and 'new thinking' in relation to overall Soviet foreign
policy objectives and the role of the Soviet Union in the region.