‘Lower the Ante in the Gulf ‘

Anthony H. Cordesman’s article (Editorial Pages, May 25), “Our Persian Gulf Role is Justified, Our Approach Correct,” is a bundle of ignorance. I truly wonder if American strategic analysts either read history or look at maps!

Foremost, Iraq is no friend of the United States and we stand to gain grief when we assist Iraq, a Soviet client. Iran, whilst not a friend, is also an enemy of the Soviet Union. Should Iran win, the republic’s leaders are intelligent enough to realize that they must rebuild a greatly devastated Iran and consolidate their power.

Were the Iranians foolish enough to seek an immediate westward expansion, both the odds and history are against them. For thousands of years the rulers of Anatolia and Egypt have intervened whenever the rulers of Iran have progressed too far. Today, Egypt has pledged assistance to the Arabian Gulf states in the event of an Iranian invasion. Turkey has already committed forces to its southern regions and has redefined its efforts to suppress Kurdish separatists. Neither has committed much to defend the foul regime of Saddam Hussein. Both are keen to assure that the war does not spread.

Neutrality in the Iraq-Iran war is the best American policy. Iraq’s defeat is potentially a great blow for Soviet influences and power in the Middle East and Central Asia. American interests are best served through the encouragement of important regional powers to act in their best interests. Of course, these arguments are all academic should Iran lose, a new shah seize power, or Iran win and choose peace.

S.J. ABDUL KADER

San Pedro