Desert Storm Lessons Learned: Middle Eastern and Asian Perspectives

摘要

The author surveys Middle Eastern and Asian reactions to the 1990-1991 PersianGulf war. The importance of regional security arrangements in the post-Cold War environment, the economic benefits of East-West cooperation, and the responsibility of Japan to militarily defend its own economic interests were the lessons of the Gulf war to Middle Eastern and Asian observers. To the extent that Saddam Hussein's political objective was recognition as the leader of the Arab world, he may have 'won' the war. In emphasizing the importance of understanding non-American perspectives on war, the author recommends applying the Red Flag tactical training concept at the operational level of warfare.