Persian Gulf Arabs Help USA With Iran
American Pressure on Iran Gets Help from Gulf Arabs
Feb 21, 2009
In recent days hardliners in Iran’s government have questioned the Gulf nation of Bahrain’s sovereignty. These actions have forced Bahrain and other Gulf nations to affirm regional ties and potentially open doors to America’s request to place additional economic pressure on Iran.
The Problem
There are four main areas that are compelling unlikely allies to seek mutual results.
1. Iran’s Statement - According to AFP, as reported by Al Ayam newspaper in Bahrain on Friday February 20th 2009, Mr. Ali Akber Nateq Nouri, prominent conservative Iranian leader and member of Iran’s parliament, had questioned Bahrain’s independence. Iran’s Khorasan newspaper quoted Nouri on 02/11/09 as saying; “…under Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, that useless king, one of our provinces which has now become a place called Bahrain, was taken away from us. At that time Bahrain was our 14th providence and had a representative at parliament.”
2. Bahrain’s Response - was swift. The parliament condemned the remarks as ‘irresponsible’ and urged Iran to “put an end to…false statements that do not serve to boost relations… regional stability and security,” according to Al Ayam. More importantly, Bahrain recalled its team overseeing a multi-billion dollar gas deal between the two nations that is of vital economic importance to Iran.
3. GCC's [Gulf Cooperation Council] Response – was strong. Claude Salhani, editor of the Middle East Times, wrote in a February 20th article, “This [Iranian] spat has now involved regional powers who are throwing their weight behind Bahrain.” Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia have “…been outspoken in support of Bahrain,” Salhani said.
The UAE’s Gulf News reported on Friday, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, received from Bahraini Foreign Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa a message of “fraternal relations and ways of enhancing them.”
As the keynote speaker at The World Affairs Council of America, in Washington DC, H.E. Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi said in her speech broadcast live by CSPAN on February 20th; “Today marks a wonderful opportunity for the United States of America to further strengthen its affinity....” The Sheikha continued, “As we look to address regional security challenges we [understand]…weapons technology alone will not resolve conflicts. We must continue dialogue and communication.”
4. The USA – is eerily reminded of former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein calling Kuwait his 19th province just before he invaded the tiny country. That saber rattling led to Operation Desert Shield by the USA.
Sheikha Lubna spoke directly to these American concerns during her speech. “Let me now focus on particular items that might be of interest to you…security cooperation,” she said. “In the field of security and military cooperation….our history… goes back well before Desert Shield.”
The Result
As the region evaluates the exact message Iran is attempting to send, the Gulf Arab nations seem to be coalescing around the USA. In a February 20th article reporter Issac John of Dubai’s Khaleej Times, quotes Dr. Nader Habibi, professor of Economics at Brandeis University; “The US has increasingly pushed…to limit the trade flows and financial transactions that are so vital to the Iranian economy.” With the UAE halting technology and banking services for Iran while Kuwait, Jordan, Egypt and Saudi Arabia limit trade and condemn the nation and now Bahrain's canceling of a vital gas project; America’s desires are closer to fulfillment.
Whether Iran is positioning itself as a nuclear power in the Middle East or supporting its 4th political coup attempt in Bahrain, Salhani says it best. Bahrain “…houses the U.S. Fifth Fleet. An attack by Iran on Bahrain would automatically involve the U.S. military, a road Iran might not want to go down anytime soon.”
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