Der Iran-Irak-Krieg 1980–1988. Die Balancepolitik der Supermächte

Résumé

This paper mainly deals with the balance of power between the two superpowers during the 1980–1988 Iran-Iraq War. In this regard, the focus is on the strategic considerations prior to the conflict. Since neither the Soviet Union, nor the USA could afford to lose this conflict region to their respective opponent, the Iran-Iraq War is a typical example of a ";;hot war";; within Cold War balance of power politics.