ABSTRACT
This chapter explores several specific conundrums Gulf and Asian countries may face in the near future, each of which would confront them with critical choices. Given the increased sensitivity of Gulf rulers to Tehran’s regional policies, they may consider Asian military activities with Iran unacceptable. US–China relations are important for Gulf countries both at global and regional levels. China’s Gulf States policy will also matter at the regional level, because of the expansion of China’s military presence in the Indian Ocean and the Gulf itself. Decision-makers in the Gulf Arab states are fully aware that a power transition from the US to China may end up with Beijing distancing itself from regional issues and avoiding the role of offshore balancer played by Washington. Pakistan’s military presence within the Arab world was so active at that time that the Pakistan Air Force went as far as to send personnel to combat missions during the 1967 Arab–Israeli War.
