Defend

Definition

To protect or support someone or something from harm or danger. In the context of the question, it refers to the actions taken by the United States to safeguard and support countries in the Middle East from communist influence during the Cold War.

Related terms

Containment: The policy adopted by the United States during the Cold War aimed at preventing the spread of communism and containing its influence within certain areas.

Truman Doctrine: A U.S. foreign policy that sought to provide economic and military aid to countries threatened by communism, with Greece and Turkey being initial recipients.

Domino Theory: The belief that if one country fell under communist control, neighboring countries would also succumb to communism like dominos falling in a row.