Storm Warning in the Gulf

The American withdrawal from Iraq at the end of December 2011 brought radical change to the situation in the most fragile, strategic region in the world: the Gulf. Referred to as Arabian by some and Persian by others, for the world's oil-thirsty economy it really has become a vital life line. Over thirty years ago the USA and its allies, notably Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Bahrain, launched into a dangerous stand-off with the Islamic Republic of Iran. The coming months will be decisive and there is a real danger that this low-key confrontation will turn into outright conflict, as during the worst moments in the war between Iraq and Iran.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background Information: Iranian Foreign Relations in Europe http://www.europeansources.info/record/the-eus-relations-with-iran/

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