There are rising questions about the relations between the United States and the nations of the Persian Gulf. Tensions have been high between the two regions for decades; wars have erupted, the energy sector has been rocky at best, and countless lives have been lost. There has been a strong American presence in the area for the past decade, and even before then, the U.S. presence in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait proved a recruitment point for Islamist radicalists. The Gulf is still riddled with problems, including social rights, energy, political stability, and everything Iran, but relations between the Gulf and the Western Hemisphere are trending towards a more peaceful coexistence.
On May 23rd the Atlantic Council hosted a discussion about the future relations between the U.S. and the Gulf States. In attendance were Vice Admiral Kevin J. Cosgriff, Franklin D. Kramer, Mr. Barry Pavel, and Dr. Jean-Loup Samaan; all four gentlemen are considered experts in the area, and work tirelessly to improve relations. According to Pavel, the main questions that need to be focused on concerning the Gulf are: 1) What are the major trends in how the West is engaging the Gulf both bilaterally as well as multilaterally? 2) What are some are some of the Gulf States doing among themselves to cooperate more on defensive security issues? 3) What’s not being done that should be?
In 1947 U.S. President Henry Truman set out an international relations policy that topped all other foreign policy throughout the Cold War. Commonly referred to as the Truman Doctrine, this policy’s main objectives were to stop the spread of communism and spread democracy. Even though it is now outdated in the wake of the Cold War, many of its objectives are still being carried out today. Ever since the U.S. entered the Gulf region over ten years ago, governments have been cast out and new ones have put in their place. Democracy, in one form or another, cannot yet be found in most Gulf States; and there are some government leaders who will not be satisfied until every Gulf State is equipped with a democratic government. However, according at a report released by the Atlantic Council, “Where the United States and European allies see the Arab transitions as generally positive change that must be nurtured, the Gulf States see threats.” Clashing moral and ethical codes have been causes for arguments, as well as “an issue of extremism in and around the area,” according to Cosgriff.
While the West seems to be focused on stabilizing and spreading democracy in the Gulf, Gulf States are spreading aid and relief to countries stricken by war and instability. In recent years, four of the Gulf’s biggest players have pledged billions of dollars to Egypt, Libya, and Tunisia. Kramer explained, “The Gulf is helping others like never before—there has been a change.” Gulf States pledge more and more relief aid each year, and Kramer argues that the U.S. presence in the area has provided the stability necessary for this to happen.
Together, the United States and the Gulf States have provided much aid and relief, yet turmoil for the area. Changes are happening, some slower than others, and the Gulf has arguably become a better region because of it. So what do we do now? Cosgriff warned, “In this need for action, there is a possibility for overreaction.” Kramer explained, “It is extraordinary difficult to effect social changes from the outside—it has to be done from the inside.” Perhaps, the panel suggested, it would be best if the West took a step back and allowed the Gulf governments to adapt as needs and cultures of the regions require, while maintaining a presence to continue in the stabilization process. The Gulf needs to decide what it is going to do, and what it will become in the future. For now the United States and the Gulf States will remain “uncertain partners in a changing region.”
Photo by Ezequiel Scagnetti/European Parliament (cc).
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Gulf States and the West: A Changing Region Creates Uncertainty
June 3, 2013
There are rising questions about the relations between the United States and the nations of the Persian Gulf. Tensions have been high between the two regions for decades; wars have erupted, the energy sector has been rocky at best, and countless lives have been lost. There has been a strong American presence in the area for the past decade, and even before then, the U.S. presence in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait proved a recruitment point for Islamist radicalists. The Gulf is still riddled with problems, including social rights, energy, political stability, and everything Iran, but relations between the Gulf and the Western Hemisphere are trending towards a more peaceful coexistence.
On May 23rd the Atlantic Council hosted a discussion about the future relations between the U.S. and the Gulf States. In attendance were Vice Admiral Kevin J. Cosgriff, Franklin D. Kramer, Mr. Barry Pavel, and Dr. Jean-Loup Samaan; all four gentlemen are considered experts in the area, and work tirelessly to improve relations. According to Pavel, the main questions that need to be focused on concerning the Gulf are: 1) What are the major trends in how the West is engaging the Gulf both bilaterally as well as multilaterally? 2) What are some are some of the Gulf States doing among themselves to cooperate more on defensive security issues? 3) What’s not being done that should be?
In 1947 U.S. President Henry Truman set out an international relations policy that topped all other foreign policy throughout the Cold War. Commonly referred to as the Truman Doctrine, this policy’s main objectives were to stop the spread of communism and spread democracy. Even though it is now outdated in the wake of the Cold War, many of its objectives are still being carried out today. Ever since the U.S. entered the Gulf region over ten years ago, governments have been cast out and new ones have put in their place. Democracy, in one form or another, cannot yet be found in most Gulf States; and there are some government leaders who will not be satisfied until every Gulf State is equipped with a democratic government. However, according at a report released by the Atlantic Council, “Where the United States and European allies see the Arab transitions as generally positive change that must be nurtured, the Gulf States see threats.” Clashing moral and ethical codes have been causes for arguments, as well as “an issue of extremism in and around the area,” according to Cosgriff.
While the West seems to be focused on stabilizing and spreading democracy in the Gulf, Gulf States are spreading aid and relief to countries stricken by war and instability. In recent years, four of the Gulf’s biggest players have pledged billions of dollars to Egypt, Libya, and Tunisia. Kramer explained, “The Gulf is helping others like never before—there has been a change.” Gulf States pledge more and more relief aid each year, and Kramer argues that the U.S. presence in the area has provided the stability necessary for this to happen.
Together, the United States and the Gulf States have provided much aid and relief, yet turmoil for the area. Changes are happening, some slower than others, and the Gulf has arguably become a better region because of it. So what do we do now? Cosgriff warned, “In this need for action, there is a possibility for overreaction.” Kramer explained, “It is extraordinary difficult to effect social changes from the outside—it has to be done from the inside.” Perhaps, the panel suggested, it would be best if the West took a step back and allowed the Gulf governments to adapt as needs and cultures of the regions require, while maintaining a presence to continue in the stabilization process. The Gulf needs to decide what it is going to do, and what it will become in the future. For now the United States and the Gulf States will remain “uncertain partners in a changing region.”
Photo by Ezequiel Scagnetti/European Parliament (cc).
