The Bab Al-Mandab Strait's importance as the southern gate of the Red Sea in which maritime history began has a significant importance upon today's world order. It is important geographically, politically, economically and militarily. Besides these factors, there are in the region, contrasts and elements of tension due to different political regimes, religious and cultural heritages, economic resources and the existence of crisis situations. The region is considered a confrontation arena between the superpowers, which tried to establish and then promote their military presence and influence there. The region's nations have tried to cooperate among themselves to lessen tension and to promote peace and security in the region. These attempts still need more effort to achieve the hoped for results. This paper analyzes the situation in the region focusing on its importance.

The Bab Al-Mandab Strait's importance as the southern gate of the Red Sea in which maritime history began has a significant importance upon today's world order. It is important geographically, politically, economically and militarily. Besides these factors, there are in the region, contrasts and elements of tension due to different political regimes, religious and cultural heritages, economic resources and the existence of crisis situations. The region is considered a confrontation arena between the superpowers, which tried to establish and then promote their military presence and influence there. The region's nations have tried to cooperate among themselves to lessen tension and to promote peace and security in the region. These attempts still need more effort to achieve the hoped for results. This paper analyzes the situation in the region focusing on its importance.

Study is part of William R. Kintner's (editor) forthcoming volume on Soviet policy along the Black Sea-Vladivostok maritime route.