Gulf States do not Require US Assistance Against Iran
Ethan Chorin, Center for Strategic and International Studies | May 28, 2008
The US proposal of a regional nuclear defense shield against Iran is not being met with enthusiasm by its allies in the Persian Gulf. ++ As business ties with Iran deepen, the Gulf States perceive the offer of the US as a short-sighted attempt to divide the Middle East, and as potentially highly destabilizing. ++ It is in the US's own interest not to force its allies into making an unnecessary decision, by exerting excessive pressure on Iran. ++ The US should continue economic sanctions, which have proven effective, in order to influence the discourse within Iran.
