In the Middle Eastern region and Central Asia, East Africa and the Soviet Union stood evenly matched. East Africa could easily extend its influence over the coastal areas of these regions through maritime power, while the Soviet Union could achieve the same through land routes.
Ernst said, "The Soviet Union is different from Britain. Britain has no chance of defeating us in the Indian Ocean. As long as we blockade the Red Sea and the Cape of Good Hope, Britain's colonies and military bases throughout the Indian Ocean will become turtles trapped in a jar."
"The Soviet Union shares a long border with the Middle Eastern region and Central Asia, so its military, economy, and influence can easily penetrate those areas."
"Therefore, in the regions mentioned above, the Soviet Union can be said to be our only competitor, and also the country most likely to threaten our interests in the Indian Ocean."
In his previous life, the Middle Eastern region and Central Asia had been where the Soviet Union, and later Russia and the United States, engaged in their fiercest struggles, including during the Cold War.
The main stage of the Cold War appeared to be Europe, but in reality, the two superpowers supported their own proxies in the Middle East and fought fierce "hot wars."
Behind the four Middle Eastern wars stood America and the Soviet Union, providing weapons, funds, intelligence, and political support.
Beyond that, Egypt, Persia, Saudi Arabia, Iraq... Nearly every Middle Eastern country one could name had, in Ernst's previous life, failed to escape the claws of America and the Soviet Union.
If Europe had been the greatest beneficiary during the Cold War, then the Middle East had been its greatest victim.
Crown Prince Friedrich said, "The Soviet Union is indeed one of East Africa's two