ABSTRACT
The relationship of the Gulf states with Saudi Arabia has evolved in a number of distinct phases. The second phase in the relationship began in 1932 when the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was established. Ibn Saud's strong rivalry with the Hashemite dynasty of Iraq, who had been his enemies when they had ruled the Hijaz, reinforced his fear that Iraq was attempting to extend its influence to the Gulf. Saudi Arabia's attitude and policies towards the Gulf states mellowed considerably it was no longer overtly resentful of their British protection. The power which had dominated Gulf waters for 150 years left the area permanently in 1971. Although these states have systematically set out to acquire modern standing armies and defence systems, their reliance on expatriate manpower in both junior and senior positions. Finally their security has become linked to that of their powerful neighbor: and so their future has become intertwined with that of Saudi Arabia.
