Border Disputes in Arabian Peninsula

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary reason Iran emphasizes its territorial claims over the disputed islands?

To undermine UAE's diplomatic relations

To appeal to nationalist sentiments among Iranians (correct)

To secure economic benefits from the region

To align with international community standards

What position did Iran take regarding the US military presence in the Gulf?

Iran sought to cooperate with the US for regional peace

Iran viewed it as a crucial part of its security strategy

Iran welcomed it as a stabilizing force

Iran considered it less significant than its own territorial claims (correct)

What did the UAE do in response to Iran's territorial claims over the disputed islands?

Initiated joint military exercises with Iran

Agreed to bilateral talks with Iran

Increased its own military presence on the islands

Conducted protests in the United Nations and Arab League (correct)

What agreement did Oman and the UAE sign in April 1992?

An agreement to facilitate citizen movement across borders Signup and view all the answers

What action did Iran take in early 1999 to assert its claims over the disputed islands?

Inaugurated a municipal council on Abu Musa Signup and view all the answers

What do the historical lineage of contested borders in the Arabian Peninsula primarily stem from?

Colonialism and foreign intervention Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following pairs are involved in a border dispute over the islands of Abu Musa and the Tunbs?

Iran and the United Arab Emirates Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT mentioned as a consideration in the comparative analysis of border disputes?

International trade agreements Signup and view all the answers

Which dispute was finalized in May 1997?

Oman and Yemen Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason why some border disputes in the Arabian Peninsula might seem insignificant?

They occur over very small territories. Signup and view all the answers

Which example exemplifies a bilateral settlement of border disputes?

Oman and the UAE Signup and view all the answers

What do the territorial disputes in the Arabian Peninsula suggest about the nature of international boundaries?

They can challenge the stability of international relations. Signup and view all the answers

What is the potential value associated with the island of Abu Musa?

Economic resources and location Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the key provisions in the treaty signed between Iran and the sheikdom of Sharjah in 1971 regarding Abu Musa?

Income from natural resources was to be divided equally. Signup and view all the answers

What action did Iranian forces take in March 1992 to consolidate their control over Abu Musa?

They closed several essential services, including a desalination plant. Signup and view all the answers

What was Iran's stance on discussing the territorial issue with the UAE government?

Iran refused to discuss on the basis of the original 1971 pact. Signup and view all the answers

What did the UAE demand as a prerequisite for resolving the sovereignty issue over Abu Musa?

The immediate end to Iran's occupation of the Tunb islands. Signup and view all the answers

In which forum did the UAE foreign minister describe the Iranian occupation as a violation of sovereignty?

The General Assembly of the United Nations. Signup and view all the answers

What did the UAE request from Kofi Anan in July 1998 regarding the dispute over the islands?

A confirmation of GCC's position and possible referral to ICJ. Signup and view all the answers

What position did the GCC take regarding Iran's occupation of the islands?

Characterization of the occupation as a regional security threat. Signup and view all the answers

What approach did Iran offer in response to pressures regarding the occupation of the islands?

To consider opening bilateral negotiations with the UAE. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Border Disputes in International Relations (Arabian Peninsula)

The study examines eight specific border disputes.
The analysis assesses historical lineages, contested issues, and mediators in these conflicts; further, it explores patterns in interstate negotiations for resolution.
The significance of these disputes extends beyond their perceived triviality; the analysis highlights consequences for regional politics since the Gulf War.
Disputes are rooted in legacies of colonialism and foreign intervention.

Comparative Analysis of Eight Cases (1/2)

Key factors driving these disputes include historical lineage and contested issues, along with involvement of mediators.
The analysis aims to create generalized patterns in conflict resolution, given regional differences.
Actors involved include: Saudi Arabia and Qatar (approximately 15 miles of disputed territory); Saudi Arabia and Yemen (land near Yemen's division); Iran and the UAE (islands Abu Musa and the Tunbs); Bahrain and Qatar (Hawar Islands and reefs); Iraq and Kuwait (Warba, Bubiyan, & UmmalQasr islands); Oman and Yemen (finalized 1997); Oman and the UAE (settled 1993); and Saudi Arabia and Oman (finalized 1995).

Comparative Analysis of Eight Cases (2/2)

Detailed examples of disputes are provided

The Significance of Border Disputes

Specific disputes may appear insignificant but are substantial against regional and peninsular political dynamics post-Gulf War.
The status of international borders has considerable implications for future relationships among countries in the Arabian Peninsula.

Historical Lineage of Contested Borders

Border disputes in the Arabian Peninsula stem from legacies of colonialism and foreign intervention.

Iran and the United Arab Emirates (1/8)

Iran disputed the territorial status of Abu Musa, rejecting negotiation on its administration.
The strategic location of the islands within the Strait of Hormuz (gateway to the Gulf) provides them with significant economic and strategic value.

Iran and the United Arab Emirates (2/8)

Iran's military forces occupied Abu Musa in 1971.
There was a treaty that included provisions on dividing natural resources revenue and stationing Iranian forces on the island.
The treaty was with Sharjah, before the UAE was formed.

Iran and the United Arab Emirates (3/8)

Iran intensified occupation and expelled expatriates in 1992, closing services including the desalination plant.
Iran refused to discuss the issue with Abu Dhabi, claiming a prior agreement with Sharjah;
Iran did send a delegation for talks (1992); however, the negotiations broke down swiftly.

Iran and the United Arab Emirates (4/8)

The UAE, demanded Iran's withdrawal as a precondition for settling the sovereignty issue over Abu Musa.
The issue was described as a breach of sovereignty by the UAE's foreign minister in a speech to the United Nations in 1992.
The UAE (1998) sought UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's confirmation of the GCC's position—calling for Iran's withdrawal, resolving the matter peacefully or referring it to the ICJ.

Iran and the United Arab Emirates (5/8)

The international crisis did little to encourage effective Arab counterweighting of Iran.
The UAE sought support from regional institutions via statements highlighting the security threat posed by Iranian occupation.
Calls for ending the occupation and affirming Emirati sovereignty—along with advocating for peaceful settlement—were made.
Iran offered bilateral negotiation to detach dispute from international arbitration.

Iran and the United Arab Emirates (6/8)

Iran (1998) expressed readiness for direct talks with the UAE.
Iranian officials highlighted the United States' presence in the Gulf as a main obstacle to regional stability.

Iran and the United Arab Emirates (7/8)

Iran consistently rejected statements challenging its territorial claim, deeming the three islands integral parts of its territory.
The stance was part of the nation's prestige.
Iran strengthened presence (1999) by setting up a municipal council and military exercises.

Iran and the United Arab Emirates (8/8)

The UAE continued asserting its sovereign rights. The UAE persisted in lodging protests and sought referral to the ICJ for resolution.
The UAE sought adherence to the 1971 memorandum, which detailed understanding and agreement.

A Second Example of Bilateral Settlement

The Omani and UAE agreement (April 1992) opened borders, facilitating citizen movement.
Oman and Saudi Arabia (1995) finalized border demarcation; this concluded discussions in 1990.

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Description

This quiz explores eight significant border disputes in the Arabian Peninsula, focusing on their historical context, contested issues, and the mediators involved. It examines how these disputes have influenced regional politics and interstate negotiations since the Gulf War. Delve into the legacies of colonialism and foreign intervention that underline these complex conflicts.