DOCSLIB.ORG

Us Military Assistance to Saudi Arabia, 1942-1964

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Us Military Assistance to Saudi Arabia, 1942-1964 DANCE OF SWORDS: U.S. MILITARY ASSISTANCE TO SAUDI ARABIA, 1942-1964 DISSERTATION Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Philosophy in the Graduate School of The Ohio State University By Bruce R. Nardulli, M.A. * * * * * The Ohio State University 2002 Dissertation Committee: Approved by Professor Allan R. Millett, Adviser Professor Peter L. Hahn _______________________ Adviser Professor David Stebenne History Graduate Program UMI Number: 3081949 ________________________________________________________ UMI Microform 3081949 Copyright 2003 by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights reserved. This microform edition is protected against unauthorized copying under Title 17, United States Code. ____________________________________________________________ ProQuest Information and Learning Company 300 North Zeeb Road PO Box 1346 Ann Arbor, MI 48106-1346 ABSTRACT The United States and Saudi Arabia have a long and complex history of security relations. These relations evolved under conditions in which both countries understood and valued the need for cooperation, but also were aware of its limits and the dangers of too close a partnership. U.S. security dealings with Saudi Arabia are an extreme, perhaps unique, case of how security ties unfolded under conditions in which sensitivities to those ties were always a central —oftentimes dominating—consideration. This was especially true in the most delicate area of military assistance. Distinct patterns of behavior by the two countries emerged as a result, patterns that continue to this day. This dissertation examines the first twenty years of the U.S.-Saudi military assistance relationship. It seeks to identify the principal factors responsible for how and why the military assistance process evolved as it did, focusing on the objectives and constraints of both U.S. and Saudi participants. Drawing heavily on U.S. primary source materials, the research traces the history of military assistance from 1942-1964. These years are explored using six time periods. The first is from 1942 to 1945, tracing early political relations, security developments, and the initiation of military activities and assistance by the U.S. during the war years. The years 1945 to mid-1950 examine the transition from world war to cold war, and the first serious long-term plans and actions between the two countries on military assistance. The period from mid-1950 through 1953 focuses on efforts to formalize U.S.-Saudi military assistance via written agreements, and to establish a regular military advisory group inside the Kingdom. The years 1954-1956 are investigated against the backdrop of ii what was a key phase of Arab nationalism and British decline in the region, all while the U.S. continued to seek containment of Soviet influence with Saudi assistance. The period 1957-1960 focuses on the effects of key developments inside Saudi Arabia on the military assistance process; the Saudi internal power struggle between King Saud and Crown Prince Faisal. Last are the years 1961 through 1964, characterized as an era of Arab polarization and direct security threats to the Kingdom, most notably the war in the Yemen. That war brought into sharp relief the many tensions inherent in the military assistance relationship. It also was the period of greatest internal conflict between Saud and Faisal, culminating in King Saud’s removal from the throne. The work concludes with a summary of the principal findings and patterns of behavior observed over the entire period. It also addresses the historically important question (and enduring policy issue) of how to evaluate the effectiveness of the overall military assistance undertaking with Saudi Arabia. The Sword Dance or ‘Ardha’ is the national dance of Saudi Arabia. It is used here as a metaphor for the intricate moves required by the U.S. and Saudi Arabia in their military dealings, and to denote the distinct patterns of behavior that emerged. iii DEDICATION Dedicated to my wife Liliana, for her unrelenting support and who endured far more than anyone should ask. iv ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I am indebted to many people who gave of their time, knowledge, and advice throughout this endeavor. I wish to thank Professors Peter Hahn and David Stebeene for their willingness to take on this project as members of my dissertation committee. They were generous with their time and guidance in significantly improving the final product. I would also like to thank Professors Martha Garland and John Guilmartin for all of their assistance in helping me move toward final completion of my Ph D. During a much earlier phase of this effort, Drs. Williamson Murray and Charles Hermann provided freely of their time, guidance, and support for which I am most appreciative. A very special and deep dept of gratitude goes to Professor Allan Millett. In addition to being my dissertation adviser, he has been a mentor throughout my academic and professional career. His knowledge and expertise are exceeded only by his constant support and willingness to keep this research moving forward. For this I will always remain grateful. At the History Graduate School I am most thankful to Joby Abernathy for all of her assistance on the many administrative procedures associated with this effort. Beth Russell of the Mershon Center also provided critical, oftentimes short notice, communication and support throughout. At the U.S. Naval War College, I would like to thank Dr. Kenneth Watman who, along with Professor William Turcotte, provided me with the opportunity to both teach at the War College and time to write while there. Ken was also party to many long v discussions on the topic, and I benefited immensely from his sharp questioning and insights. Much of this research was conducted while at RAND. The corporation was generous in providing flexibility and assistance along the way. Several RAND colleagues were instrumental in providing all manner of support. Donna Betancourt, David Chu, Natalie Crawford, Richard Darilek, Lynn Davis, Mike Hix, David Kassing Tom McNaugher, Jim Quinlivan, and Lauri Zeman all invested in this undertaking. I only hope they know what a difference they each made and my gratitude for all they have done. I also thank Robin Davis who worked tirelessly to produce a polished final document. Finally, my greatest thanks are reserved for my parents, who made this entire journey possible. vi VITA August 14, 1956…………………………………………Born-Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 1981……………………………………………………..M.A. (First), War Studies, King’s College, University of London 1998-1999………………………………………………Visiting Professor, U.S. Naval War College, Newport Rhode Island 1986-Present…………………………………………….Member, professional research staff, RAND 1984-1985………………………………………………Member, research staff, Consortium for the Study of Intelligence, National Strategy Information Center 1982-1984………………………………………………Graduate Teaching and Research Associate, Mershon Center, The Ohio State University PUBLICATIONS 1. Bruce R. Nardulli et. al., Disjointed War: Military Operations in Kosovo, 1999, MR- 1406-A (Santa Monica, Calif.: RAND), 2002. 2. Bruce R. Nardulli, “A Future of Sustained Ground Operations,” RAND Review (Santa Monica, Calif.: RAND), Summer 2002. 3. Bruce R. Nardulli and Thomas McNaugher, “Transforming the Army,” in Military Transformation (Washington, D.C.: National Defense University Press), 2002. vii 4. John Gordon, Bruce Nardulli, and Walter Perry, “Task Force Hawk: The Importance of Jointness,” Joint Force Quarterly (Washington, D.C.: Institute for National Strategic Studies, National Defense University), Spring Issue, 2002. 5. Ian O. Lesser, Bruce R. Nardulli, and Lory A. Arghavan, “Sources of Conflict in the Greater Middle East,” in Sources of Conflict in the 21st Century, RAND, MR-897-AF (Santa Monica, Calif.: RAND), 1998. 6. Bruce Nardulli et al., Future Gulf Dynamics and U.S. Security, DB-106 (Santa Monica, Calif.: RAND), 1994. 7. Project Air Force Assessment of Operation Desert Shield: The Buildup of Combat Power, RAND/MR-356-AF, (Santa Monica, Calif.: RAND), 1994. Authored policy section. 8. Bruce Nardulli, "European Defense and Stability in the New Era," Mershon Center, Winter 1990, The Ohio State University. 9. Bruce Nardulli, "The View From Berlin: A Conference Report," Conventional Arms Control and the Security of Europe, Westview Press, 1988 10. Bruce Nardulli, "Clausewitz and the Reorientation of Nuclear Strategy," Journal of Strategic Studies, Vol. 5, No. 4, December 1982. FIELDS OF STUDY Major Field: History viii Table of Contents Abstract............................................................................................................................... ii Dedication...........................................................................................................................iv Acknowledgments ...............................................................................................................v Vita ................................................................................................................................. vii List of Maps...................................................................................................................... xii List of Tables ................................................................................................................... xiii CHAPTER 1 THE DANCE OF SWORDS.......................................................................1 Introduction..............................................................................................................1
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Country City Sitename Street Name Saudi Arabia Jeddah Arabian Solutions - Saudi Arabia Barom Center Saudi Arabia Jeddah Arabian Solutions Hial St
    Country City SiteName Street name Saudi Arabia Jeddah Arabian Solutions - Saudi Arabia Barom Center Saudi Arabia Jeddah Arabian Solutions Hial St. W.Bogddadih AlZabin Cmpound villa 102 Saudi Arabia Damman Abdulla Fouad Company Limited P. O. Box 257 Saudi Arabia Dammam Abdulla Fouad Company Limited P O Box 257 31411 Saudi Arabia Riyadh Riyadh House Est. King Fahad Road Saudi Arabia Jeddah Idress Mohammed Ali Fatni Trading P.O.Box 132270 Jeddah 21382 Est. Saudi Arabia Jeddah Saudi Business Machine P.O.Box 5648 Saudi Arabia Riyadh Saudi Business Machine P.O Box 818 Saudi Arabia Jeddah Saudi Business Machines Ltd PO Box 5648 Saudi Arabia Jeddah Saudi Business Machines Ltd. PO Box 5648, Jeddah 21432, K S A Saudi Arabia Jeddah Saudi Business Machines Ltd. PO Box 5648, Juffali Building,Madinah Road Saudi Arabia Jeddah Saudi Business Machines Ltd. Juffali Building, Madinah Road Saudi Arabia Riyadh SAUDI BUSINESS MACHINES LTD. Centria Commercial Complex Saudi Arabia Riyadh Saudi Business Machines Olaya Street Saudi Arabia Al-Khobar Redington Arabia LTD AL-Khobar KSA Hail Center Saudi Arabia Jeddah Canar Office Systems Co Khalid Bin Walid Street Saudi Arabia Riyadh shrakat partnerships trading olaya street villa number 8 Saudi Arabia Riyadh Saudi Unicom for communications Al-Mrouje technology Saudi Arabia Riyadh Khalid Al Safi Company Salah Al-Deen Al-Ayubi St., Saudi Arabia Jeddah Azizia Panda United Company P.O.Box 33333 Jeddah 21448 Saudi Arabia Dammam Othman Yousif Al Yousif Est. for IT Ad Dhahran Street Solutions Saudi Arabia Al Khober al hasoob al asiavy est. king abdulaziz road Saudi Arabia Jeddah EchoServe-Al Sada Al Shamila for Madina Road Information Technology Co.
    [Show full text]
  • Chapter Ii Foreign Policy Foundation of Saudi Arabia and Saudi Arabia Relations with Several International Organizations
    CHAPTER II FOREIGN POLICY FOUNDATION OF SAUDI ARABIA AND SAUDI ARABIA RELATIONS WITH SEVERAL INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS This chapter discusses the foreign policy foundation of Saudi Arabia including the general introduction about the State of Saudi Arabia, Saudi Arabia political system, the ruling family, Saudi’s Arabia foreign policy. This chapter also discusses the Saudi Arabia relations with several international organizations. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a country that has many roles, well in the country of the Arabian Peninsula as well as the global environment. The country that still adhere this royal system reserves and abundant oil production as the supporter, the economy of their country then make the country to be respected by the entire of international community. Regardless of the reason, Saudi Arabia also became the Qibla for Muslims around the world because there are two of the holiest city which is Mecca and Medina, at once the birth of Muslim civilization in the era of Prophet Muhammad SAW. A. Geography of Saudi Arabia The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a country located in Southwest Asia, the largest country in the Arabian Peninsula, bordering with the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea, as well as Northern Yemen. The extensive coastlines in the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea provide a great influence on shipping (especially crude oil) through the Persian Gulf and the Suez Canal. The Kingdom occupies 80 percent of the Arabian Peninsula. Estimates of the Saudi government are at 2,217,949 15 square kilometres, while other leading estimates vary between 2,149,690 and 2,240,000 kilometres.
    [Show full text]
  • Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
    White Paper Makkah | Retail 2018 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Evolving Dynamics Makkah Retail Overview Summary The holy city of Makkah is currently going through a major strategic development phase to improve connectivity, Ian Albert increase capacity, and enhance the experience of Umrah Regional Director and Hajj pilgrims throughout their stay. Middle East & North Africa This is reflected in the execution of several strategic infrastructure and transportation projects, which have a clear focus on increasing pilgrim capacity and improving connectivity with key projects, including the Holy Haram Expansion, Haramain High- Speed Railway, and King Abdulaziz International Airport. These projects, alongside Vision 2030, are shaping the city’s real estate landscape and stimulating the development of several large real estate projects in their surrounding areas, including King Abdulaziz Road (KAAR), Jabal Omar, Thakher City and Ru’a Al Haram. These projects are creating opportunities for the development of various retail Imad Damrah formats that target pilgrims. Managing Director | Saudi Arabia Makkah has the lowest retail density relative to other primary cities; Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam Al Khobar and Madinah. With a retail density of c.140 sqm / 1,000 population this is 32% below Madinah which shares the same demographics profile. Upon completion of major transport infrastructure and real estate projects the number of pilgrims is projected to grow by almost 223% from 12.1 million in 2017 up to 39.1 million in 2030 in line with Vision 2030 targets. Importantly the majority of international Pilgrims originate from countries with low purchasing power. Approximately 59% of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims come from countries with GDP/capita below USD 5,000 (equivalent to SAR 18,750).
    [Show full text]
  • The Destruction of Religious and Cultural Sites I. Introduction The
    Mapping the Saudi State, Chapter 7: The Destruction of Religious and Cultural Sites I. Introduction The Ministry for Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Da’wah, and Guidance, commonly abbreviated to the Ministry of Islamic Affairs (MOIA), supervises and regulates religious activity in Saudi Arabia. Whereas the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice (CPVPV) directly enforces religious law, as seen in Mapping the Saudi State, Chapter 1,1 the MOIA is responsible for the administration of broader religious services. According to the MOIA, its primary duties include overseeing the coordination of Islamic societies and organizations, the appointment of clergy, and the maintenance and construction of mosques.2 Yet, despite its official mission to “preserve Islamic values” and protect mosques “in a manner that fits their sacred status,”3 the MOIA is complicit in a longstanding government campaign against the peninsula’s traditional heritage – Islamic or otherwise. Since 1925, the Al Saud family has overseen the destruction of tombs, mosques, and historical artifacts in Jeddah, Medina, Mecca, al-Khobar, Awamiyah, and Jabal al-Uhud. According to the Islamic Heritage Research Foundation, between just 1985 and 2014 – through the MOIA’s founding in 1993 –the government demolished 98% of the religious and historical sites located in Saudi Arabia.4 The MOIA’s seemingly contradictory role in the destruction of Islamic holy places, commentators suggest, is actually the byproduct of an equally incongruous alliance between the forces of Wahhabism and commercialism.5 Compelled to acknowledge larger demographic and economic trends in Saudi Arabia – rapid population growth, increased urbanization, and declining oil revenues chief among them6 – the government has increasingly worked to satisfy both the Wahhabi religious establishment and the kingdom’s financial elite.
    [Show full text]
  • King Faisal Assassinated
    o.i> (Ejmttrrttrut iatlg (Sampita Serving Storrs Since 1896 VOL. LXXVIII NO. 102 STORRS, CONNECTICUT WEDNESDAY. MARCH 26. 1975 5 CENTS OFF CAMPUS King Faisal assassinated BEIRUT- (UPI) Saudi Khalid underwent heart surgery sacred cities of Mecca and monarch was wounded and Washington said the 31-year-old Arabi's King Faisal, spiritual in Cleveland, Ohio, three years Medina. hospitalized. Then. a .issassin was son of King Faisal's leader of the world's 600 million ago. t c a r - c h o k c d .innounccr half brother. Prince Musaid. The nephew walked the Moslems and master of the Faisal was killed while holding broadcast the news that Faisal Mideast's largest oil fields, was court in his Palace to mark the length of the hall apparently had died. Immediately all radio They said in 1966 he studied assassinated Tuesday as he sat on mniversary of the birth of intended to greet the seated King stations switched to readings of English at San Francisco State a golden chair in the mirrored Prophet Mohammed the with the customary kiss on both the Koran and thousands of College, and the following year hall of his palace by a deranged founder of the Islamic religion checks. Instead, he pulled a Saudis. (Tying and spreading he enrolled in a course in member of his own family. whose 600 million followers revolver from beneath his their arms in Uriel, surged into mechanical engineering at the Faisal, 68, died of wounds revered Faisal as their spiritual flowing robe and fired. the streets of Riyadh.
    [Show full text]
  • Saudi Arabia.Pdf
    A saudi man with his horse Performance of Al Ardha, the Saudi national dance in Riyadh Flickr / Charles Roffey Flickr / Abraham Puthoor SAUDI ARABIA Dec. 2019 Table of Contents Chapter 1 | Geography . 6 Introduction . 6 Geographical Divisions . 7 Asir, the Southern Region � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �7 Rub al-Khali and the Southern Region � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �8 Hejaz, the Western Region � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �8 Nejd, the Central Region � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �9 The Eastern Region � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �9 Topographical Divisions . .. 9 Deserts and Mountains � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �9 Climate . .. 10 Bodies of Water . 11 Red Sea � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 11 Persian Gulf � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 11 Wadis � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 11 Major Cities . 12 Riyadh � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �12 Jeddah � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �13 Mecca � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �
    [Show full text]
  • Saudi Arabia Under King Faisal
    SAUDI ARABIA UNDER KING FAISAL ABSTRACT || T^EsIs SubiviiTTEd FOR TIIE DEqREE of ' * ISLAMIC STUDIES ' ^ O^ilal Ahmad OZuttp UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF DR. ABDUL ALI READER DEPARTMENT OF ISLAMIC STUDIES ALIGARH MUSLIM UNIVERSITY ALIGARH (INDIA) 1997 /•, •^iX ,:Q. ABSTRACT It is a well-known fact of history that ever since the assassination of capital Uthman in 656 A.D. the Political importance of Central Arabia, the cradle of Islam , including its two holiest cities Mecca and Medina, paled into in insignificance. The fourth Rashidi Calif 'Ali bin Abi Talib had already left Medina and made Kufa in Iraq his new capital not only because it was the main base of his power, but also because the weight of the far-flung expanding Islamic Empire had shifted its centre of gravity to the north. From that time onwards even Mecca and Medina came into the news only once annually on the occasion of the Haj. It was for similar reasons that the 'Umayyads 661-750 A.D. ruled form Damascus in Syria, while the Abbasids (750- 1258 A.D ) made Baghdad in Iraq their capital. However , after a long gap of inertia, Central Arabia again came into the limelight of the Muslim world with the rise of the Wahhabi movement launched jointly by the religious reformer Muhammad ibn Abd al Wahhab and his ally Muhammad bin saud, a chieftain of the town of Dar'iyah situated between *Uyayana and Riyadh in the fertile Wadi Hanifa. There can be no denying the fact that the early rulers of the Saudi family succeeded in bringing about political stability in strife-torn Central Arabia by fusing together the numerous war-like Bedouin tribes and the settled communities into a political entity under the banner of standard, Unitarian Islam as revived and preached by Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab.
    [Show full text]
  • Christian-Muslim Relations a Bibliographical History History of Christian-Muslim Relations
    Christian-Muslim Relations A Bibliographical History History of Christian-Muslim Relations Editorial Board David Thomas, University of Birmingham Sandra Toenies Keating, Providence College Tarif Khalidi, American University of Beirut Suleiman Mourad, Smith College Gabriel Said Reynolds, University of Notre Dame Mark Swanson, Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago Volume 24 Christians and Muslims have been involved in exchanges over matters of faith and morality since the founding of Islam. Attitudes between the faiths today are deeply coloured by the legacy of past encounters, and often preserve centuries-old negative views. The History of Christian-Muslim Relations, Texts and Studies presents the surviving record of past encounters in authoritative, fully introduced text editions and annotated translations, and also monograph and collected studies. It illustrates the development in mutual perceptions as these are contained in surviving Christian and Muslim writings, and makes available the arguments and rhetorical strategies that, for good or for ill, have left their mark on attitudes today. The series casts light on a history marked by intellectual creativity and occasional breakthroughs in communication, although, on the whole beset by misunderstanding and misrepresentation. By making this history better known, the series seeks to contribute to improved recognition between Christians and Muslims in the future. The titles published in this series are listed at brill.com/hcmr Christian-Muslim Relations A Bibliographical History Volume 7. Central and Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa and South America (1500-1600) Edited by David Thomas and John Chesworth with John Azumah, Stanisław Grodź, Andrew Newman, Douglas Pratt LEIDEN • BOstON 2015 Cover illustration: This shows the tuğra (monogram) of the Ottoman Sultan Murad III, affixed to a letter sent in 1591 to Sigismund III Vasa, king of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.
    [Show full text]
  • The John F. Kennedy National Security Files, 1961–1963
    A Guide to the Microfilm Edition of National Security Files General Editor George C. Herring The John F. Kennedy National Security Files, 1961–1963 Middle East First Supplement A UPA Collection from Cover: Map of the Middle East. Illustration courtesy of the Central Intelligence Agency, World Factbook. National Security Files General Editor George C. Herring The John F. Kennedy National Security Files, 1961–1963 Middle East First Supplement Microfilmed from the Holdings of The John F. Kennedy Library, Boston, Massachusetts Guide by Dan Elasky A UPA Collection from 7500 Old Georgetown Road ● Bethesda, MD 20814-6126 Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data The John F. Kennedy national security files, 1961–1963. Middle East, First supplement [microform] / project coordinator, Robert E. Lester. microfilm reels. –– (National security files) “Microfilmed from the John F. Kennedy Library, Boston, Massachusetts.” Accompanied by a printed guide compiled by Dan Elasky, entitled: A guide to the microfilm edition of the John F. Kennedy national security files, 1961–1963. Middle East, First supplement. ISBN 1-55655-925-9 1. Middle East––Politics and government––1945–1979––Sources. 2. United States–– Foreign relations––Middle East. 3. Middle East––Foreign relations––United States. 4. John F. Kennedy Library––Archives. I. Title: Guide to the microfilm edition of the John F. Kennedy national security files, 1961–1963. Middle East, First supplement. II. Series. DS63.1 956.04––dc22 2007061516 Copyright © 2007 LexisNexis, a division of Reed Elsevier
    [Show full text]
  • Desert Storm"
    VECTORS AND WAR - "DESERT STORM" By Joseph Conlon [email protected] The awesome technological marvels of laser-guided munitions and rocketry riveted everyone's attention during the recent Persian Gulf War. Yet, an aspect of the war that received comparatively little media attention was the constant battle waged against potential disease vectors by preventive medicine personnel from the coalition forces. The extraordinarily small number of casualties suffered in combat was no less remarkable than the low numbers of casualties due to vector-borne disease. Both statistics reflect an appreciation of thorough planning and the proper allocation of massive resources in accomplishing a mission against a well-equipped foe. A great many personnel were involved in the vector control effort from all of the uniformed services. This paper will address some of the unique vector control issues experienced before, during, and after the hostilities by the First Marine Expeditionary Force (1st MEF), a contingent of 45,000 Marines headquartered at Al Jubail, a Saudi port 140 miles south of Kuwait. Elements of the 1st MEF arrived on Saudi soil in mid-August, 1991. The 1st MEF was given the initial task of guarding the coastal road system in the Eastern Province, to prevent hostile forces from capturing the major Saudi ports and airfields located there. Combat units of the 1st Marine Division were involved in the Battle of Khafji, prior to the main campaign. In addition, 1st MEF comprised the primary force breaching the Iraqi defenses in southern Kuwait, culminating in the tank battle at the International Airport. THE VECTOR-BORNE DISEASE THREAT The vector control problems encountered during the five months preceding the war were far worse than those during the actual fighting.
    [Show full text]
  • The Gordian Knot: American and British Policy Concerning the Cyprus Issue: 1952-1974
    THE GORDIAN KNOT: AMERICAN AND BRITISH POLICY CONCERNING THE CYPRUS ISSUE: 1952-1974 Michael M. Carver A Thesis Submitted to the Graduate College of Bowling Green State University in partial fulfillment of The requirements for the degree of MASTER OF ARTS May 2006 Committee: Dr. Douglas J. Forsyth, Advisor Dr. Gary R. Hess ii ABSTRACT Douglas J. Forsyth, Advisor This study examines the role of both the United States and Great Britain during a series of crises that plagued Cyprus from the mid 1950s until the 1974 invasion by Turkey that led to the takeover of approximately one-third of the island and its partition. Initially an ancient Greek colony, Cyprus was conquered by the Ottoman Empire in the late 16th century, which allowed the native peoples to take part in the island’s governance. But the idea of Cyprus’ reunification with the Greek mainland, known as enosis, remained a significant tenet to most Greek-Cypriots. The movement to make enosis a reality gained strength following the island’s occupation in 1878 by Great Britain. Cyprus was integrated into the British imperialist agenda until the end of the Second World War when American and Soviet hegemony supplanted European colonialism. Beginning in 1955, Cyprus became a battleground between British officials and terrorists of the pro-enosis EOKA group until 1959 when the independence of Cyprus was negotiated between Britain and the governments of Greece and Turkey. The United States remained largely absent during this period, but during the 1960s and 1970s came to play an increasingly assertive role whenever intercommunal fighting between the Greek and Turkish-Cypriot populations threatened to spill over into Greece and Turkey, and endanger the southeastern flank of NATO.
    [Show full text]
  • Saudi Arabia 2019 Crime & Safety Report: Riyadh
    Saudi Arabia 2019 Crime & Safety Report: Riyadh This is an annual report produced in conjunction with the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses Saudi Arabia at Level 2, indicating travelers should exercise increased caution due to terrorism. Overall Crime and Safety Situation The U.S. Embassy in Riyadh does not assume responsibility for the professional ability or integrity of the persons or firms appearing in this report. The American Citizens’ Services unit (ACS) cannot recommend a particular individual or location, and assumes no responsibility for the quality of service provided. Review OSAC’s Saudi Arabia-specific page for original OSAC reporting, consular messages, and contact information, some of which may be available only to private-sector representatives with an OSAC password. Crime Threats There is minimal risk from crime in Riyadh. Crime in Saudi Arabia has increased over recent years but remains at levels far below most major metropolitan areas in the United States. Criminal activity does not typically target foreigners and is mostly drug-related. For more information, review OSAC’s Report, Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad. Cybersecurity Issues The Saudi government continues to expand its cybersecurity activities. Major cyber-attacks in 2012 and 2016 focused on the private sector and on Saudi government agencies, spurring action from Saudi policymakers and local business leaders. The Saudi government, through the Ministry of Interior (MOI), continues to develop and expand its collaboration with the U.S.
    [Show full text]