The Middle East is seen by Europeans as the middle of the East.
Civilization started in this region, particularly in modern-day Iraq.
Borders in the Middle East have been redrawn multiple times due to changing empires.
The most recent division was by European powers (British, French, Russians) who ignored local languages, ethnicities, and identities when drawing borders.
U.S. Interest in the Middle East
Initial Presence
In the 1930s, the U.S. began to expand its presence in the Middle East due to oil.
Access to oil became crucial after World War I; Germany lost partly due to lack of oil.
U.S. presence started small but grew into alliances, covert actions, and military bases.
Oil Exploration in Saudi Arabia
A California company sought oil in Saudi Arabia, located far from the U.S.
Saudi Arabia, a religious kingdom, approved exploration despite its restrictions on Westerners.
Oil was discovered on March 3, 1938, which led to a significant American presence.
American Lifestyle in Saudi Arabia
American oil workers established communities with lifestyles contrary to Saudi laws (e.g., women driving, alcohol consumption).
Tensions arose as locals were unhappy with the American presence.
U.S. Military Presence
The U.S. requested to build military bases for protection, which the Saudis accepted with the condition of no visible U.S. flags on their soil.
The first military operation was a landing strip next to an oil field.
Muhammad bin Laden
A key construction company helped build American oil cities and military bases; owned by Muhammad bin Laden, father of Osama bin Laden.
Muhammad had 54 children with 22 wives.
Cold War Influences
In the 1950s, U.S. involvement in the Middle East increased due to the Soviet Union's influence.
U.S. supported the overthrow of Iran's democratically elected leader to install a friendly dictator.
U.S. support shifted towards Israel, leading to tension with Arab nations.
Osama bin Laden's Rise
Osama bin Laden, uncomfortable with U.S. presence, became involved in fighting the Soviet Union in Afghanistan.
The U.S. covertly supported Afghan fighters, which would later have repercussions.
After defeating the Soviets, Osama returned to Saudi Arabia, critical of U.S. ties to the Saudi government.
Gulf War and U.S. Relations with Saudi Arabia
Saddam Hussein of Iraq invaded Kuwait, concerning Saudi Arabia about a potential invasion.
Osama offered to defend Saudi Arabia with his fighters but was rejected.
The U.S. led a coalition to repel Saddam, strengthening ties with Saudi Arabia.
U.S. military presence increased, leading to resentment among some Saudis.
Bin Laden's Actions Against the U.S.
Bin Laden began planning attacks against the U.S. after feeling rejected by his government.
He coordinated attacks globally, culminating in plans for a major attack.
Future Topics
The lecture will continue to explore U.S. presence in the Middle East, moving beyond oil to examine its implications for foreign policy and military doctrine.
Further discussions will focus on Iraq, Afghanistan, Israel, and Iran as specific case studies.
Conclusion
The Middle East is a complex region with a rich history that profoundly influences current global dynamics.