Iran Might Be America’s Enemy, but Saudi Arabia Is No Friend
By Opinion
Published 5 years ago on
September 18, 2019
Share
[aggregation-styles]
The New York Times Subscription
The New York Times Subscription
In 1987, an Iraqi warplane attacked an American Navy frigate, the Stark, on patrol in the Persian Gulf. Accepting Saddam Hussein’s explanation that the attack, which killed 37 sailors, had been an accident, American officials promptly used the episode, which came at the height of the Iran-Iraq war, to ratchet up pressure on Tehran. The incident provided the impetus for what became a brief, and all but forgotten, maritime war between the United States and Iran.
Last week, someone — precisely who remains to be determined — attacked two oil refineries in Saudi Arabia. American authorities have been quick to blame Iran, and the possibility of a violent confrontation between the two countries is once again growing. Before making a decision on whether to pull the trigger, President Trump would do well to reflect on that 1987 episode and its legacy.
Last week, someone — precisely who remains to be determined — attacked two oil refineries in Saudi Arabia. American authorities have been quick to blame Iran, and the possibility of a violent confrontation between the two countries is once again growing. Before making a decision on whether to pull the trigger, President Trump would do well to reflect on that 1987 episode and its legacy.
By Andrew J. Bacevich | 16 Sept 2019
RELATED TOPICS:
Fresno Trash Hauler’s Response to Overpayments: We Followed the City’s Rules
Politics /
9 hours ago
Which Six QBs Were Selected in the Top 12 of the NFL Draft?
Sports /
9 hours ago
Nuggets Close to Sweeping Lakers After Game 3 Win
Sports /
9 hours ago
Jose Ramirez: ‘I Want to Make a Statement and Put on a Show’
Sports /
10 hours ago
Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s 6 Shutout Innings Help Dodgers Finish Sweep, Defeat Nats 2-1
Sports /
11 hours ago
The 49ers Add Florida Receiver Ricky Pearsall With the 30th Draft Pick
Sports /
11 hours ago
Political Stunt, Egg on His Face, Personal Vendetta. Who’s Fresno DA Talking About?
Politics /
11 hours ago
Fresno Oops? Garbage Hike Protest Vote Delayed by Error
A mistake by the city of Fresno in the process to approve residential garbage rates will delay a vote.
When a city government proposes rate ...
Politics /
8 hours ago
Categories
Latest
Videos
Politics /
8 hours ago
Fresno Oops? Garbage Hike Protest Vote Delayed by Error
Politics /
8 hours ago
Trump’s Potential VP Pick Boasts About Executing Puppy
Opinion /
8 hours ago
Trita Parsi: Blind Support for Israel Erodes Western Democracies
Politics /
9 hours ago
Fresno Trash Hauler’s Response to Overpayments: We Followed the City’s Rules
Sports /
9 hours ago
Which Six QBs Were Selected in the Top 12 of the NFL Draft?
Sports /
9 hours ago
Nuggets Close to Sweeping Lakers After Game 3 Win
Sports /
10 hours ago