Conflicts in the Persian Gulf Origins and Evolution

Analyzing the origins of conflicts and wars in the Persian Gulf, this study assesses the conflicts' shared trajectories and fallouts. Although the origins of conflicts are varied (sectarian, religious, ethnic, and tribal, over territory and over resources), as conflicts evolve, the quest for "revenge" and the desire to settle old scores is only one, apparent fuel, which belies a more essential one. The evolution of most conflicts can, over time, be traced to a single source—the struggle for power and control over resources. Hossein Askari argues that reconciliation will require the simultaneous adoption of foundational political, social, and economic reforms by the countries in the region, as well as the cooperation of the global powers, especially the United States, to end support of dictators and reduce the human costs of aggression. The creation of a just society with freedom and equal opportunities for all is a necessary precondition if peace and prosperity are to flourish.

Hossein Askari is Iran Professor of International Business and International Affairs at the George Washington University, USA. He has served on the Executive Board of the IMF and as a special advisor to the Minister of Finance of Saudi Arabia.

Foreword; Ahmad Ghoreishi
1. Catalogue of Persian Gulf Conflicts
2. Sectarian and Religious Disputes
3. Ethnic and Tribal Disputes
5. Territorial and Resource (Oil, Natural Gas, Water) Disputes
5. The Impact of Governance, Underdevelopment, Deprivation, and Injustice
6. The Impact of Foreigners
7. The Fallout
8. The Evolution
9. Islam and Reconciliation
10. Conclusion