How The U.S. Stole the Middle East

Summary

This video script explores the historical roots of U.S. involvement in the Middle East, starting from the 1930s with the California oil company's discovery of oil in Saudi Arabia. It details the establishment of American presence through alliances, military bases, and the influence of oil wealth. The narrative also touches on the complex geopolitical landscape, including the U.S. support for Israel, the Soviet Union's regional ambitions, and the rise of Osama bin Laden's al-Qaeda. The script sets the stage for a deeper dive into U.S. foreign policy and its lasting impact on the region.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The Middle East, seen by Europeans as the 'middle' of their 'east', is where civilization began, particularly in modern-day Iraq.
• 🏰 Over the years, borders in the Middle East have been redrawn multiple times by empires, and most recently by European powers like the British and French, often without considering local languages, ethnicities, or identities.
• 🇺🇸 The US presence in the Middle East started small but expanded significantly, driven by interests in oil and strategic alliances.
• 🚧 American oil companies, such as one based in California, began exploring for oil in the Middle East, leading to the establishment of American communities and military bases in the region.
• 🛣️ The US sought to protect its oil interests and influence in the Middle East, which sometimes meant supporting authoritarian regimes and engaging in covert operations.
• 🔥 The US's support for Israel in the region led to tensions and backlash from neighboring oil-producing countries, impacting US foreign policy.
• 👷‍♂️ The Bin Laden family's construction company played a significant role in building American oil facilities and military bases in Saudi Arabia.
• 🎯 Osama bin Laden, son of the construction magnate, became disillusioned with the US presence in the Middle East and his family's ties to it, leading him to form al-Qaeda.
• ✈️ The US military's response to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait solidified its military presence in the Middle East, further straining relations with those uncomfortable with Western influence.
• 🔄 The US's involvement in the Middle East has evolved from primarily oil interests to a complex entanglement of military, political, and strategic considerations.

Q & A

What is the significance of the Middle East in the context of civilization's origins?

The Middle East is significant as it is where civilization started, particularly in modern-day Iraq.

How did European powers influence the borders in the Middle East?

European powers like the French, British, and Russians redrew the borders in the Middle East without considering language, ethnicity, or regional identity, which has influenced the region's political structure to this day.

What was the role of oil in the US's initial interest in the Middle East?

Oil was a crucial factor in the US's interest in the Middle East, as it was a new and important substance that powered warfare and was in high demand.

Why did a California-based company decide to explore for oil in Saudi Arabia in the 1930s?

The company, despite the risks and the uncertainty of oil presence, decided to explore for oil in Saudi Arabia due to the potential of vast profits and the strategic importance of oil.

How did the discovery of oil in Saudi Arabia in 1938 impact US-Saudi relations?

The discovery of oil led to an influx of American oil executives, workers, and their families to the Middle East, establishing the first significant American presence in the region and fostering a relationship that would shape future US involvement in the area.

What was the stipulation by the Saudis when they allowed the US to set up a military base?

The Saudis allowed the US to set up a military base but with the condition that the US could not plant a flag on the base, instead, they could put a small plaque on the building.

Who was Muhammad, and how is he connected to the US presence in the Middle East?

Muhammad was a construction company owner who helped build the US oil city and military base in Saudi Arabia, and his son Osama bin Laden later became a significant figure in opposing US presence in the region.

What was the US's involvement in Iran during the 1950s?

The US, along with the British, orchestrated a coup to overthrow Iran's democratically elected leader due to concerns about his potential friendliness with the Soviet Union, and installed a more US-friendly dictator.

How did the US's support for Israel impact its relations with other Middle Eastern countries?

The US's strong support for Israel led to a backlash from other oil-producing countries in the Middle East, causing tension and potential threats to the US's interests in the region.

What was Osama bin Laden's response to the US and Saudi Arabia's growing relationship?

Osama bin Laden was deeply uncomfortable with the US presence in the Middle East and his family's support for it, leading him to dedicate his life to fighting back against superpowers, including the US and the Soviet Union, in the region.

Why did Osama bin Laden offer to defend Saudi Arabia against Iraq's invasion of Kuwait?

Bin Laden offered to defend Saudi Arabia as a way to gain favor with the royal family and to prevent further US military presence in the region, but his offer was rejected in favor of US military intervention.