Posted: July 2nd, 2015

USA, Iran Rapprochement and the Future of GCC Countries

Introduction and Context

The general field of study is management and the context of study involves applying scenario planning in the Middle East. The reason for selecting this topic is to provide an in-depth understanding of the occurrences between the United States and Iran in trying to find an amicable solution toward nuclear energy and weaponry and the overall consequences on GCC Countries.

Outline of Chapters

The outline of the project is as follows: brief introduction and context; project questions; the learning objectives; a review of the literature used; description of the methods used in data collection; problems anticipated; findings; a critical analysis of the findings; and conclusion.

Project questions

This project aims to answer the following pertinent questions: what is the definition of the term rapprochement? Who are the member states of the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC)? What were the intentions of Iran nuclear program? What are the impacts of the deal? What is the position of the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC)?

Learning objectives

The learning objectives that are intended include: to define the term rapprochement; to state the members of Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC); to highlight the sources of conflict between the US and Iran; and to describe the structure of Gulf security.

Literature Review

Rapprochement has been defined to mean reconciliation and establishment or restoration of cordial relations between two or more nations. It also refers to intense cooperative interactions at governmental or societal level. It can be pursued between two states seeking to build up amicable relations in a specific field. This term has a more neutral connotation in political sense; hence it is more frequently used. It is considered as being the first step of a real reconciliation process, and therefore, it cannot replace the whole process (Heo, 2012).

The relevant topics in this write up include the effects of the talks in the United States of America, the effects of the talks in Iran and the Gulf’s position on the negotiations. The works of literature used in this project provide a holistic view of understanding the rapprochement. The article by Brookings Institution provides an incisive discussion on the effects of the deal to Americans, Iranians and the Gulf Course. Similarly, Marshall looks at Gulf security in its entirety and structure. Kaussler writes about the county’s nuclear diplomacy- how power politics are affecting the situation and how the conflict can be resolved.

Methodology

The methodology used involves use of primary and secondary sources of data.

Primary sources include use of interviews and questionnaires. The research used mainly Primary data: conducting interviews, face to face and telephone calls to experts in organization such as Emirates centre for strategic studies and research (www.ecssr.ac.ae), Al mezmaah studies and research centre (http://www.almezmaah.com/) and Al ittihad local newspaper – political news section (http://www.alittihad.ae/). Secondary sources of data include books, journals, published reports and the Internet. The reasons for selecting secondary sources are due to the fact that they are reliable sources and they provide several points of views and hence enriching the subject matter. The challenge faced during this research mission was the unavailability of the written sources.

 

 

Anticipated problems

While conducting the research, a few teething problems would be encountered. It is going to be difficult to gain access to the information, especially primary sources- it is important to reassure respondents of the professionalism and confidentiality of the information being given out. Pre-planning will improve the chances of project success. Secondly, sensitivity of the topic might hinder or let people to hesitate to talk freely and express their view, also national security concerns as approaching, for example, Iran or USA embassy in Abu Dhabi and interview their employees about the project title might cause a security issue to both sides.
Findings

From the research conducted the following are the findings:

The effects of the talks in the United States of America

The talks are polarizing in the United States as there is tension everywhere on the unknown steps that the Federal government will take incase the negotiations fail. President Obama has pursued diplomacy with Iran since his election to office and he has continued to be informed by a realist mindset. He calls for sobriety and mutual understanding and relations in this matter. In his ‘Naw Ruz’ message to Iran, the US President states that,

“So in this season of new beginnings I would like to speak clearly to Iran’s leaders. We    have serious differences that have grown over time. My administration is now committed          to diplomacy that addresses the full length of issues before us, and to pursuing          constructive ties among the United States, Iran and the international community. This            process will not be advanced by threats. We seek instead engagement that is honest and       grounded in mutual respect.” (Kaussler, 2014, p. 75)

The other reason why he is pursuing this deal it is because he does not need bloodshed.

The effects of the talks in Iran

Most Iranians are not supporting the deal in its totality as there are some sections that need to be scrapped out while others require amendments. In addition, the Iranians feel that a bad deal is better than none at all. This is proposed as the citizens wish to see a quick economic recovery. It has been noted that the sanctions have taken a tall order on their part as there are travel restrictions- many rich and middle- class Iranians cannot go on pilgrimages or conduct business abroad. Similarly the Iranians feel that their country has lost that traditional role it used to play in the Gulf region (“What Does a U.S. – Iran Rapprochement Mean for the Middle East? |

Brookings Institution,” n.d.).

Gulf’s position on the negotiations

The founding members of the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) include Kingdom of Bahrain, State of Kuwait, Sultanate of Oman, State of Qatar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and State of the United Arab Emirates. They have held several summits to discuss the way forward for the region. The six state members of the organization have different national policies on international relations and diplomacy. For instance, Oman is known for her soft approach of cooperation and dialogue. This necessitated the country to broker the first deal between the US and Iran. Oman, in its defense, argues that negotiations and mutual agreements are more useful to the Gulf security and there by avoiding a crisis. Other member states have different tastes, for example, Saudi Arabia was shocked by the secret US-Iran negotiations and feels that the timing was entirely wrong.

 

 

 

Discussion

Iran’s nuclear program design enjoyed popular support because it promised energy independence and scientific progress. The program faced a huge challenge for it was not subjected to informed debate or public discussion regarding its ultimate goals, the costs, and the relationships with Iran’s other objectives (Wright, 2010).

However, in a bid to foster good relations, the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) welcomed the rapprochement at its recent summit. Additionally, the entire member states made diplomatic overtures to Iran in a bid to strengthen the dwindling relationship. The council also applauded Oman’s role in facilitating peace in the region.

Conclusion

The Gulf region has a unique approach to security which involves four distinct levels: security within the country; regional security- within the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) and including Iran, Iraq and Yemen; inter-Arab which includes Egypt and Syria: and lastly international which includes Europe, the United States and Japan. All the four levels are integrated to foster stability in the region. In this regard, the USA-Iran Agreement should take note of these critical provisions. In these sense any bilateral agreements are not opposed by the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC). The United States of America and Iran can benefit by having a constructive dialogue that addresses their different ideologies and values.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

References

Al jazeera Center for Studies – Reports – Oman, Iranian Rapprochement and a GCC Union. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://studies.aljazeera.net/en/reports/2014/01/20141218365065800.htm

Benliot, A. V. (2001). Iran: Outlaw, outcast, or normal country? Huntington, NY: Nova Science Publishers.

Kaussler, B. (2014). Iran’s nuclear diplomacy: Power politics and conflict resolution.

Marschall, C. (2003). Iran’s Persian Gulf policy: From Khomeini to Khatami. London: RoutledgeCurzon.

What Does a U.S. ? Iran Rapprochement Mean for the Middle East? | Brookings Institution. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.brookings.edu/events/2014/06/11-us-iran-rapprochement

Wright, R. B. (2010). The Iran primer: Power, politics, and U.S. policy. Washington, DC: United States Institute of Peace.