ABSTRACT
The Gulf War (1980-8) between Iran and Iraq has had profound and lasting effects on both countries. Its impact has been felt throughout the Gulf while it has exacerbated the on-going Arab-Israeli conflict and has brought to the surface differences between Iranian and Saudi Arabian religious leadership. An atmosphere of fear, prejudice and suspicion pervades the Gulf region today, with Iran, Iraq and Egypt striving to obtain the 'Triad Deterrent' of chemical warfare, ballistic missiles and nuclear weaponry which Israel already possesses. As the other Gulf states have busily stocked their armouries with the most modem weaponry that they can afford to buy, a frightening and escalating arms race has developed in the Middle East.
