Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
IN the 50 degree heat of the Northern Arabian Gulf a dangerous game of cat and mouse is stirring the calm waters surrounding one of the most lucrative oil terminals in the world.
Task Force 158, a coalition of US, Australian and UK naval forces working with the Iraqi Navy, is operating just 4,000 metres from the nearest Iranian outpost along the disputed line between Iraqi and Iranian territorial waters. At any moment an “incursion” could upset the delicate strategic balance in the region as one side quietly tests the other’s patience and watches the response.
GulfWeekly reporter -RdS- and chief photographer T. Andrew Morton (pictured right) have just returned from assignment on the Iraqi offshore oil terminals.
The high seas stand-off coincides with the announcement of plans to sell $20bn in advanced weaponry to Gulf States.
The Bush administration plan aims to provide Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates with advanced satellite-guided bombs, upgrades to its fighters and new naval vessels over a 10-year period.
It appears that Israeli acquiescence to the deal was secured last month on a visit to Washington by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert with a pledge to preserve Israel’s “qualitative advantage”.
US Defence Secretary Robert Gates and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice visited the region this week as the US strives to build support among its Arab allies for its opposition to Iran.
The administration is also keen to reassure Gulf States of its long-term commitment to the region. An official said Mr Gates would reassure them that: “regardless of what happens in the near term in Iraq that our commitment in the region remains firm, remains steadfast and that, in fact, we are looking to enhance and develop it”.
