Outlook of Gulf Politics - Essay Example

POLITICS IN THE GULF Question How do you describe the political outlook of the Gulf Basin? The political outlook in the Gulf basin can be understood from a number of perspectives. Politics in the Gulf are largely based on religious factors. The Sunni and the Shia define sectarian politics in the Gulf to the extent that the power struggle between the two groups has always been a point of debate1. Sectarian politics in the Gulf basin are used by the elite to cause division and force a crisis between the groups2.

The rulers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Iraq and Iran have perfected the art of causing division through sectarian tendencies to evade critical issues such human rights violations3. Essentially, politics in the Gulf basin are sectarian-based. The division between the Shia and the Sunni, though emerging from the historical issues has been used by the powerful monarchs in the Gulf basin to further regional and self-interest.Question#2. What are the geopolitical vulnerabilities that might bring about conflicts in the Persian Gulf area?

The Persian Gulf faces a number of challenges that might bring intense conflicts in the region. Religious extremism is a serious issue that has emerged as a potential area of conflict. The emergence of the Islamic state and the demanding ideological goal furthered by the group have brought into focus on the vulnerability of the Persian Gulf4. The Islamic state has been accused of massive atrocities, including terrorism, genocide and human rights violations. Balance of power is another area that may bring about conflicts in the Persian Gulf.

The urge by different sects wanting to wield power and have control of the region is a potential issue of conflict, and though the struggle has been witnessed over the years5. List of ReferencesAskari, Hossein. Conflicts in the Persian Gulf: Origins and Evolution. 2013.Kristian, Coates Ulrichsen. Internal and External Security in the Arab, Gulf States. 2009. Available at: Barzegar, Kayhan. Iran, New Iraq and the Persian Gulf Political-Security Architecture. 2007. Available at: Michael, Ryan Kraig.

Forging a New Security, Order for the Persian Gulf. 2006. Available at: Kayhan, Mehran Kamrava. Visions of Persian Gulf security. 2014. Available at: