Recent international media reports have mentioned the accelerated deployment of American defensive missile systems in the Persian Gulf as preparation for the possibility of an Iranian missile attack in the Gulf region. … Contrary to the impression created by the media that these reinforcements are new, perhaps a sign of concern regarding an imminent Iranian attack or a sign of American intentions to attack Iran’s nuclear installations in the near future, at work is a prolonged process that began about two and a half years ago, while President George W. Bush was still in office. …
Despite the fact that the buildup process has been taking place for years, there is nonetheless significance to the current American media frenzy. Beyond President Obama’s internal considerations at the end of his first year in office, the reports come at a time when the United States is trying to recruit international support for harsher sanctions against Iran. They are meant to demonstrate to the world at large the commitment of the United States to the Gulf states, which are extremely anxious about Iran’s growing strength, while reminding Iran that although this is a new administration that was prepared to engage in dialogue with it, it is not about to forfeit America’s critical interests in the Persian Gulf. It is possible that it is also meant to remind Iran that the military option is still on the table.
In Israel, the tendency is to look askance at any arms buildup on the part of an Arab state. … Israel’s concerns may perhaps have practical value when Israel comes to the United States seeking newer technologies. However, at the end of the day, the likelihood that weapons procured by the Gulf states will ever be turned against Israel is very slight. By contrast, it is clearly in Israel’s best interests that there be deep American involvement in the Gulf, both as a factor moderating the Arab states and as military deterrence vis-a-vis Iran. In addition, Israel is interested in developing anti-missile defense networks under American sponsorship because … thanks to Israel’s part in the American early warning systems, information from such systems deployed in the Persian Gulf may contribute to early warning about missiles launched at Israel. Access the full article>>
