Gulf rulers fear expanded war pitting the US and Israel against Iran’s allies
US secretary of state Antony Blinken meets Bahrain's Crown Prince Salman Bin Hamed al-Khalifa: United Arab Emirates and Bahrain have normalised ties with Israel but they have been compelled to adopt a hard line against Israel by Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar. Photograph: Jacquelyn Martin/Pool. But they have been compelled to adopt a hard line against Israel by Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar – countries which have not normalised their relations with the Israelis.
The Gulf rulers fear an expanded war pitting the US and Israel against Iran’s allies. Hizbullah rockets fired into Israel could draw. Iraqi Shia militias could target US troops based in that country and Syria. Yemeni Houthis could strike Saudi and Emirati oil installations and ports. Gulf airports, which are highly vulnerable to attack, have made the region a global transit, trade and tourist hub.
While going along with the majority, Qatar has assumed the proactive role of intermediary in negotiations. Doha has helped secure the opening of the Egyptian border crossing into Gaza for humanitarian aid convoys. It has also helped to negotiate the release of some hostages held by Hamas.
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