As someone who grew up in the 70s and 80s, the Cold War isn't just history to me but a lived experience. That binary confrontation was more nuanced than many history books have remembered. With the current Israeli conflict in Gaza very much in mind, I turned to Ian Sanders of the "Cold War Conversations" podcast to help examine the shifting sands of the Middle East, from 1946 to 1991. His podcast is interwoven with the rich, personal narratives of people who lived through one of the most tense periods in modern history. It captures the essence of an era defined by espionage, geopolitical strife, and the constant spectre of nuclear war.
Our conversation begins in 1946 in Iran and the Soviet withdrawal, followed by the support of both superpowers for the creation of the state of Israel. We then move to the 1950s, a period marked by significant geopolitical shifts, especially highlighted in Sanders' discussions with the dramatic overthrow of the monarchy in Egypt and the ascension of Nasser. This pivotal moment signalled a profound move towards socialism—albeit distinct from communism—reshaping Egypt's identity and its role on the world stage. It also marked the end of Britain and France as great powers. Egypt in that time emerged as the crucial Arab state in a complex web of alliances and conflicts that characterised the Cold War era and its enduring impact on the Middle East.
We also touch on Jordan's complex relationship with both the Western bloc and its own citizens, highlighting the balance countries in the region had to maintain amidst the global tug-of-war between superpowers. This exploration into Jordan's political landscape during the Cold War offers listeners a deeper appreciation for the delicate interplay of internal politics and international diplomacy.
The Six-Day War of 1967 and its profound consequences, including Israel's significant territorial gains and the subsequent weakening of Nasser's position in Egypt, changed the region's geopolitics. Sanders' conversation sheds light on the strategic geopolitical realignment of Egypt that led to the Camp David Accords in 1978.
Another focal point of our conversation is the Iran-Iraq War of the 1980s, a significant yet often overshadowed conflict that Ian referred to as almost background noise. It involved an enduring border dispute and the profound influence of external powers in shaping the war's outcome through arms sales. This conflict exemplifies the Cold War's far-reaching tentacles, complicating the geopolitical puzzle of the Middle East.
Lastly, the Soviet Union's challenges, particularly the draining effect of its involvement in Afghanistan, draw striking parallels to the American experience in the region decades later. Sanders explores the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan and the internal pressures that contributed to the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, offering a comprehensive view of the Cold War's endgame and the reshaping of global politics. Give the episode a listen and let me know what you think in the comments.
The Cold War in the Middle East