The Gulf Security Dialogue and Related Arms Sale Proposals
Abstract
In May 2006, the Administration launched an effort to revive U.S.-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) security cooperation under the auspices of a new Gulf Security Dialogue (GSD). The Dialogue now serves as the principal security coordination mechanism between the United States and the six countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC): Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman. The core objectives of the Dialogue are the promotion of intra-GCC and GCC-U.S. cooperation to meet common perceived threats. The Dialogue provides a framework for U.S. engagement with the GCC countries in the following six areas: (1) the improvement of GCC defense capabilities and interoperability, (2) regional security issues such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and Lebanon, (3) counterproliferation, (4) counterterrorism and internal security, (5) critical infrastructure protection, and (6) commitments to Iraq. The Administration has proposed a series of arms sales intended to enhance the defense capabilities of the GCC countries and improve the interoperability of their militaries in line with the objectives of the Gulf Security Dialogue. In particular, the Administration recently has proposed the sale of defense systems designed to strengthen the maritime, air, and missile defenses of some GCC members. In recent months, some Members of Congress have expressed concern regarding an Administration proposal to sell satellite-guided Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM) kits to Saudi Arabia. In the Middle East region, to date, the United States has sold JDAM kits to Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman. This report describes the structure and objectives of the Gulf Security Dialogue, briefly assesses its regional implications, summarizes related proposed arms sales, provides an overview of congressional notification and review procedures, and analyzes recent related activity in the Administration and Congress. It will be updated as events warrant.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 17, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA481897
Entities
People
- Christopher M. Blanchard
- Richard F. Grimmett
Organizations
- Library of Congress