By José Carlos Palma
Since the Carter administration, American policy has consistently viewed protecting the Persian Gulf region as crucial to securing global energy supplies. The Persian Gulf region is home to a fifth of the world’s supply of oil, and the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf, is a vital chokepoint for the global oil trade. As such, the United States has sought to maintain a strong military presence in the region and to build relationships with key allies in the Gulf, such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
The origins of American policy in the Persian Gulf can be traced back to the 1970s, when the United States became increasingly dependent on foreign sources of oil. In 1973, the Arab-Israeli War led to an oil embargo by Arab nations, causing a major energy crisis in the United States. The crisis highlighted the vulnerability of the American economy to disruptions in the global oil supply, and prompted the U.S. government to reassess its energy policy.
In response to the crisis, President Jimmy Carter declared the protection of the Persian Gulf region to be a vital national interest of the United States. This led to the creation of the Rapid Deployment Joint Task Force, which was designed to provide a rapid response to any threat to U.S. interests in the Gulf. The task force later evolved into U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), which is responsible for American military operations in the Middle East.
American policy in the Persian Gulf region has remained consistent through subsequent administrations, with both Republican and Democratic presidents recognizing the importance of protecting global energy supplies. During the Gulf War in 1991, the United States led a coalition of countries to liberate Kuwait from Iraqi occupation, further demonstrating its commitment to the region. In the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, the United States again turned its attention to the Gulf region, with the goal of dismantling terrorist networks and preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
Today, American policy in the Persian Gulf region is focused on maintaining stability and security, promoting democracy and human rights, and countering the threat of terrorism. The U.S. maintains a large military presence in the region, with around 50,000 troops stationed in countries such as Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait. The U.S. Navy also patrols the Strait of Hormuz to ensure the safe passage of oil tankers.
In addition to its military presence, the United States has built strong relationships with key allies in the Gulf region. Saudi Arabia, in particular, has been a close partner of the United States for decades, with the two countries cooperating on issues such as counterterrorism and arms sales. The United Arab Emirates has also emerged as an important ally, with the U.S. military maintaining a major base in the country.
Despite these efforts, American policy in the Persian Gulf region has faced significant challenges in recent years. The rise of Iran as a regional power has created tensions between the United States and its Gulf allies, with the two sides taking opposing positions on issues such as the Iranian nuclear program and the conflict in Syria. The ongoing conflict in Yemen has also raised concerns about the stability of the region, with the United States supporting the Saudi-led coalition against Iranian-backed Houthi rebels.
In conclusion, American policy since the Carter administration has viewed protecting the Persian Gulf region as crucial to securing global energy supplies. The region’s importance to the global oil trade has led the United States to maintain a strong military presence and build relationships with key allies in the Gulf. While American policy has faced challenges in recent years, the United States remains committed to ensuring the stability and security of the region.
* Expert in international relations, such as foreign policy, international trade, domestic security, international security, developing nations, and domestic security, intelligence, and military.