The Political Position of the Gulf Cooperation Council States toward the U.S. Occupation of Iraq in 2003

Abstract

This research examines the political position of the Gulf Cooperation Council states toward the U.S. occupation of Iraq in 2003 by studying their official positions until the end of the operation. Reactions varied between publicly declared political reservations and the provision of military and logistical facilities to U.S. forces. Kuwait served as a primary base for the invasion, while Qatar and Bahrain were used as command and support centers. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman adopted more cautious positions, accompanied by indirect cooperation.

The study reveals a duality between rejecting political discourse and the security considerations that compelled cooperation with Washington. The findings also show that the occupation led to the strengthening of Iranian influence and increased the fragility of regional security, alongside rising popular criticism of Gulf regimes. The paper concludes that the Gulf position was marked by pragmatism, prioritizing security and economic interests at the expense of Arab unity.