Security Arrangements and Extra-Regional Intrusions in the
Persian Gulf
Abstract: The Persian Gulf region has always been of particular interest both
to the regional and foreign powers. Foreign interest in the Persian Gulf area
has always been of economic, security and political nature. Since the terrorist
attacks of September 11, 2001, Washington has systematically tried to
securitize the inter-state relations in the region. In May 2006, the American
administration launched a new (Persian) Gulf Security Dialogue (GS) that
serves as the principal coordination mechanism between the U.S. and these
littoral states. This approach combined with the NATO plan to further its
regional partnership, made any significant rapprochement among the
Persian Gulf states on the issue of security almost impossible. The region
presents an increased strategic importance for NATO’s ongoing operations in
Afghanistan and Iraq. NATO’s presence was to promote an arrangement
similar to that of Partnership for Peace (PFP) if a friendly country felt
threatened in its security. Notwithstanding its negative assessment of Iran’s
role in the region, NATO views this country as a key state in the Persian
Gulf.
Security Arrangements and Extra-Regional Intrusions in the
Persian Gulf
