http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/11/2012117112056212762.html
Last Saturday I read this article and thought this is a perfect example of the GCC really fails at collective security. The article talks about how the UAE and Qatar are seeking to buy $7.2 billion worth of Missile Defense systems from the US company Lockheed Martin Corporation. The system is called the THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Aerial Defense) and incorporates mobile firing systems and radar. It goes on to talk about how the US deals with each GCC state on its own in building up defense capabilities.
My research paper for this class is about how political elitism has caused the GCC states to become irrational actors during attempts at collective security. Although the article doesn't mention political elites it does talk about US-Qatari and US-Emirati relations.
Notice how the article talks about the GCC states, led by Saudi Arabia, expressing interest in developing their security capabilities but the US only deals with the GCC on a state by state basis. My paper points to the lack of unified security efforts as a reason for the GCC's inability to really provide a security force for the entire council. The arms deal hasn't been completed yet but the way it is being done is what needs to be looked at. History has shown that the Peninsula Shield Force, the GCC collective security force, has not been effective and that the member states rely on the US for support against a strong Iran.
In my opinion this arms deal shows how specific interstate politics undermines GCC security efforts. Qatar and Iran share natural gas fields and have a different relationship than other states. The UAE and Iran have been at odds over territorial claims since its independence in 1971. The UAE and Qatar lack large armed forces and naval capabilities so bolstering missile defense seems like a rational way to compensate for weaknesses. However according to this article other member states's military capabilities have not been considered in order to purchase arms for the collective good of the GCC.
Last Saturday I read this article and thought this is a perfect example of the GCC really fails at collective security. The article talks about how the UAE and Qatar are seeking to buy $7.2 billion worth of Missile Defense systems from the US company Lockheed Martin Corporation. The system is called the THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Aerial Defense) and incorporates mobile firing systems and radar. It goes on to talk about how the US deals with each GCC state on its own in building up defense capabilities.
My research paper for this class is about how political elitism has caused the GCC states to become irrational actors during attempts at collective security. Although the article doesn't mention political elites it does talk about US-Qatari and US-Emirati relations.
Notice how the article talks about the GCC states, led by Saudi Arabia, expressing interest in developing their security capabilities but the US only deals with the GCC on a state by state basis. My paper points to the lack of unified security efforts as a reason for the GCC's inability to really provide a security force for the entire council. The arms deal hasn't been completed yet but the way it is being done is what needs to be looked at. History has shown that the Peninsula Shield Force, the GCC collective security force, has not been effective and that the member states rely on the US for support against a strong Iran.
In my opinion this arms deal shows how specific interstate politics undermines GCC security efforts. Qatar and Iran share natural gas fields and have a different relationship than other states. The UAE and Iran have been at odds over territorial claims since its independence in 1971. The UAE and Qatar lack large armed forces and naval capabilities so bolstering missile defense seems like a rational way to compensate for weaknesses. However according to this article other member states's military capabilities have not been considered in order to purchase arms for the collective good of the GCC.
How the THAAD rocket system can be used to intercept missiles. Notice it eliminates the need for other equipment. This might be the most cost effective route for the Emirates and Qatar, but what about the other Gulf States and their missile defense capabilities?
THAAD rocket being fired from mobile launcher
Yes
ReplyDeleteThanks for such a thought provoking comment!
ReplyDelete