Persian Gulf in the Soviet perceptions : a case study of the Ba'thist Iraq (1968-1975)

Abstract

his sub-thesis studies Soviet policy towards the Ba'thist Iraq. Basically, it is a recapitulation of the Iraqi scene which offered, or denied, opportunities to the USSR during the period 1968-75. It sets out the context, as projected by Soviet media, within which the Soviet policy operated. Without undertaking an exhaustive treatment of the nature, or evolution of, Soviet relations with Iraq, this subthesis attempts to outline the Soviet perception of the following three inter-related problems of the area directly involving Iraq and, subsequently, affecting development of the Soviet policy: a. formation of a ‘united front' of all 'progressive' forces of the Ba'thist Iraq. b. resolution of the 'nationalities question' of autonomy/separation seeking Kurds. c. promotion of friendlier relations of Iraq with the neighbouring Iran. In other words, this sub-thesis will project and explain the nature of Moscow's pattern of interaction with Iraq and its governing logic in the regional context. Instead of undertaking a country to country approach, Iraq was selected, arbitrarily, for the purpose of this research. It was done, because Iraq was, Kremlin believed, the only country of the area which "on the whole” was striving for socialist construction and following the non-capitalist path of development and had all the aforesaid problems on its agenda. Thus, the study of the Ba'thist Iraq provided us with a unique example where the Soviet response towards these three dimensions of political process could be seen progressing simultaneously. Hence, it was held imperative to delimit ourselves to the post-68 Ba'thist Iraq.