ABSTRACT
The period covering 1992 to the present time has been characterized by efforts undertaken by the UAE to reactivate and internationalize the issue of Abu Musa, Greater Tunb and Lesser Tunb islands by raising it in multilateral forums, with the aim of buttressing its position by drawing support primarily from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states and the Arab League and ultimately from larger global organizations. This chapter begins by reviewing unsuccessful efforts on the part of Iran to remove tension in its relations with GCC countries. It examines the events leading to the close involvement of the United States and its allies in the security arrangement devised for the Persian Gulf. An assessment follows of the newfound strength of the conservative-moderate Arab camp, which contrasts with its weaker status in the 1980s. The chapter reviews a new cycle of activity embarked upon by the UAE and its allies, taking into account all of the trends in the Persian Gulf.
