The storyline
When three Islamic fundamentalists blow up the most important oil refinery in the Soviet Union, they drive the Politburo into a corner. Rather than facing a serious oil shortage, they choose to seize the oilfields in the Persian Gulf, neutralizing NATO countries politically and militarily. The Red Army launches Red Storm, a plan of diplomatic subterfuge and intense rearming.
The Allies pick out disturbing signs and gradually prepare for action. Both blocs are ready, West Germany and North Atlantic will be at stake.
Quotes (from the book)
From time immemorial, the purpose of a navy has been to influence, and sometimes decide, issues on land. This was so with the Greeks of antiquity; the Romans, who created a navy to defeat Carthage; the Spanish, whose armada tried and failed to conquer England; and, most eminently, in the Atlantic and Pacific during two world wars. The sea has always given man inexpensive transport and ease of communication over long distances. It has also provided concealment, because being over the horizon meant being out of sight and effectively beyond reach. The sea has supplied mobility, capability, and support throughout Western history and those failing in the sea-power test - notably Alexander, Napoleon and Hitler - also failed the longevity one.
Edward L. Beach, in Keepers of the Sea
Cover Harper Collins