ABSTRACT
Iran's approach, to oppose outside powers' participation in regional security, went counter to the interests of the Arab states. It therefore ceased the quest for a regional approach, concentrating instead on bilateral relationships. It was in the light of the concerns that Fahd turned to the US and initiated the negotiations which led to the massive Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) deal of 1980-81. This agreement was significant in that it required an unprecedented degree of direct US involvement and the presence of US military personnel in Saudi Arabia. For the Saudis, the Iran-Iraq War and the dangers represented by the Iranian revolution reinforced their decision to develop the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) as an internal security mechanism, whilst relying increasingly on Western, and particularly US, assistance for protection against direct military threats. At the same time, Saudi Arabia launched a mediation initiative to end the war through the Islamic Conference Organisation (ICO).
