Central Treaty Organization (CENTO) - History, Timeline

A political-military alliance signed in 1955 between Iran (which withdrew after the fall of the Shah), Turkey, Pakistan, Iraq (which withdrew in 1958), and the UK, as a defence against the Soviet Union. In 1979 Iran and Pakistan withdrew from the alliance, and it ceased to function

The Central Treaty Organization (also referred to as CENTO, original name was Middle East Treaty Organization or METO, also known as the Baghdad Pact) was adopted in 1955 by Iraq, Turkey, Pakistan, and Iran, as well as the United Kingdom. Although American pressure, along with promises of military and economic largesse, were key in the negotiations leading to the agreement, the United States chose not to initially participate as to avoid alienating Arab states with which it was still attempting to cultivate friendly relations. In 1958 the United States joined the military committee of the alliance.

History

Modeled after the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), CENTO committed the nations to mutual cooperation and protection, as well as non-intervention in each other's affairs. Unlike NATO, CENTO did not have a unified military command structure, nor were many U.S. or UK military bases established in member countries, although the U.S. had communications and electronic intelligence facilities in Iran, and operated U-2 intelligence flights over the U.S.S.R. The United Kingdom had access to facilities in Pakistan and Iraq at various times while the treaty was in effect. In 1965 and 1971, Pakistan tried unsuccessfully to get assistance in its wars with India through CENTO, but this was rejected under the idea that CENTO was aimed at containing the U.S.S.R., not India.

CENTO did little to prevent the expansion of Soviet influence to non-member states in the area. Whatever containment value the pact might have had was lost when the Soviets 'leap-frogged' the member states, establishing close military and political relationships with governments in Egypt, Syria, Iraq, the People's Democratic Republic of Yemen, Somalia, and Libya. Future U.S. and British defense agreements with regional countries -- such as Pakistan, Egypt, and the Gulf States -- were conducted bilaterally.

Timeline

1954 February: Turkey signs a Pact of Mutual Cooperation with Pakistan. 1955 February 24: A military agreement is signed between Iraq and Turkey, and the term "Baghdad Pact" is started to be used. Iran, Pakistan and the United Kingdom join the Baghdad Pact. 1959 March: The new republican regime of Iraq withdraws the country from the alliance. 1965: Pakistan tries to get help from their allies in their war against India, but without success. 1971: In a new war with India, Pakistan again tries unsuccessfully to get allied assistance. (The U.S. provides limited military support to Pakistan, but not under the rubric of CENTO.) 1979: The new Islamic regime of Iran withdraws the country from CENTO.