American Military Presence in the Persian Gulf Even prior to the Gulf War, the U.S. had thrown its immense military, diplomatic, and economic weight behind the monarchies of the Persian Gulf like Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. Though they rule over less than 10% of the world’s total population, these countries control most of its petroleum wealth (64% of the worlds oil reserves). Prior to the war, it was difficult for …showed first 75 words of 1605 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1605 total…security. Instead of acting as the guarantor of Persian Gulf security, the U.S. should make clear to southern Gulf monarchies they, not outside allies, are primarily responsible for their own defense. This will restore the idea of the GCC states to think seriously about security cooperation, not only with one another, but the entire Middle East and attempt to slow down terrorism by internal organizations against the U.S. in the Persian Gulf region.