Login
Even before Iraqis are confronted with the awe and terror of an unprecedented US-led bombardment – expected soon after the initial assault on the Baathist establishment and its defences, launched on 20 March as GSN went to press – businesses have been steeling themselves to chase the opportunities that will be offered by a post-Saddam Hussein Iraq. Even before the war starts, it seems to be over for Saddam Hussein, with the USA awarding reconstruction contracts – whose legality of which is questionable – and companies already dreaming about the contracts on offer.
Al-Qaeda kingpin Khaled Sheikh Mohammed may be under arrest, but the jihad continues, and intelligence sources suggest that suicide bombings and other assaults on Western and ruling family targets could follow in coming weeks. GSN examines the current extent of the security threat and finds that expatriates
As US and UK forces build up for a new Gulf war, GSN reports on Kuwait’s emergency planning. Turf wars and political sniping continue, but a sense of national purpose is emerging in a population keen to see Saddam Hussein’s removal.
Killings in Kuwait and riots in Bahrain have sent shockwaves through their security establishments, forcing the cooler heads in both governments to keep a tight rein on security mandarins while US troops deploy.
The Gulf's security mandarins were in no mood to dismiss the New Year rioting in Bahrain as simple hooliganism when they gathered at two key meetings in early January (GSN 701/4). An impromptu meeting between GCC intelligence and security ministers in Kuwait on 4 January set the scene for further discussions at the sidelines of a scheduled meeting between Arab interior and information ministers in Tunis on 14 January.
The smaller Gulf monarchies must respond to change in 2003, as their populations become restive over a range of domestic and international issues. PAGE 3
Saddam Hussein’s perversely worded “apology” for his 1990 invasion has reinforced Kuwaitis’ acceptance of the US military build up and enhanced feelings of national identity, papering over more
Across The Region, News, Data & Analysis: Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Yemen
The mood of crisis in Gulf affairs, with decisions on a war against Iraq perhaps just weeks away, is proving a delicate test for the West’s readiness to promote a democracy and human rights agenda.
Prince Bandar’s visit to President Bush’s ranch reflected rivalries within the Saudi ruling elite as much as the urgent need for consultation. GSN examines splits within the Saudi leadership.
