The Political Impact of U.S. Military Force in the Middle East

This study used a rigorous content analysisevents data system to evaluate the impact of events relating to broadly defined U.S. force. Arab media seem to see the United States and the Soviet Union in a situation of mutual deterrence. The press is relatively inattentive to strategic weapons development and arms control, but follow technology and weapons development relevant to the Middle East. All the newspapers surveyed depended heavily on Western sources-- particularly AP, UPI, AFP, and Reuters--for their news. Even on issues such as the global balance, Western news is the dominant source. The primary subject of the newspapers is military assistance and arms transfers in and to the Middle East. This area accounts for over one third of the total coverage of force events. American and Soviet weapons are both highly regarded. Soviet weapons are viewed more favorably than overall Soviet technology. In general, U.S. high technology is greatly respected, as is advanced American military technology. Soviet air defense and ATGMs received particularly favorable treatment. American commitment to Israel is seen to be in terms of Israels existence only, not support of any particular Israeli policy.