The New Pillar

In "The New Pillar: Conservative Arab Gulf States and U.S. Strategy," Simon Henderson examines the evolving dynamics between the United States and the conservative Arab Gulf states—Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman—following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. He highlights Saudi Arabia's diminishing support for U.S. initiatives in Afghanistan and Iraq, prompting Washington to strengthen ties with these smaller Gulf nations. Henderson delves into the historical, political, and economic contexts of these states, analyzing their relationships with the West and offering strategic recommendations for U.S. engagement. This analysis underscores the significance of these Gulf states as pivotal partners in U.S. Middle East policy.