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Russia already has a foothold in neighboring Iraq and is entrenched
in Ethiopia and Yemen-Aden, which command the Red Sea access to
the Suez Canal. Emergence of a Soviet-aligned Iran thus could give
the Kremlin control over both of the West's major oil-supply routes.
A major goal of the ·soviet Union has long been the acquisition of
warm-water ports in South Asia and easy access to the Indian Ocean.
Russian naval strength is expanding in that region, but to get
there Soviet warships must make the long voyage from Black Sea and
Northern Pacific ports.
With a pro-Soviet government now ruling Afghanistan next door
and nearby Pakistan boiling with political unrest, a stable govern
ment in Teheran is a must if Washington hopes to block further
expansion of Moscow's influence in a critical corner of the world.
The Shah's drastic measures may break the back of the violence in his
country for the time being. But many experts believe he can't ultimately
prevail against the determined opposition of the powerful Shia Moslem
leaders and their impassioned followers.
--Gene H. Hogberg, News Bureau