How did the Soviet Union's policies influence the course of the Arab-Israeli conflict?

The Soviet Union's policies significantly influenced the Arab-Israeli conflict by providing military and diplomatic support to Arab nations.

The Soviet Union played a pivotal role in shaping the course of the Arab-Israeli conflict, primarily through its policies of military and diplomatic support to Arab nations. This was part of the broader Cold War strategy, where the USSR sought to extend its influence in the Middle East, a region of strategic importance due to its oil reserves and geopolitical location.

The USSR was instrumental in the formation of the State of Israel in 1948, being one of the first nations to recognise its independence. However, the relationship quickly soured due to ideological differences. The USSR viewed Israel as a Western outpost in the Middle East, and Israel's alignment with the United States further strained relations. Consequently, the USSR shifted its support towards the Arab nations, many of which were seeking to challenge Western influence in the region.

The Soviet Union's military support to Arab nations was significant. It provided arms and military training to several Arab countries, including Egypt and Syria. This support was particularly evident during the Six-Day War in 1967 and the Yom Kippur War in 1973, where Soviet-supplied arms were used extensively by Arab forces. The USSR's military aid not only bolstered the Arab nations' military capabilities but also emboldened them to confront Israel, thereby escalating the conflict.

Diplomatically, the USSR used its position as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council to advocate for Arab interests. It consistently supported resolutions condemning Israeli actions and calling for the recognition of Palestinian rights. The USSR also played a key role in the formation of the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) in 1964, which it recognised as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people.

However, the Soviet Union's influence was not without its limitations. Its policies often led to a hardening of positions, making a peaceful resolution of the conflict more difficult. Moreover, the USSR's support for Arab nations was often conditional on their alignment with Soviet interests, leading to tensions within the Arab bloc.

In conclusion, the Soviet Union's policies had a profound impact on the Arab-Israeli conflict. Its military and diplomatic support for Arab nations escalated the conflict and shaped its course. However, these policies also complicated the conflict, making a peaceful resolution more challenging.