Spring 2009

MES 392 • ISRAEL AND THE GULF STATES

Course Description

When considering the Arab- Israeli conflict, states which border Israel are usually in the limelight. However, many more Arab states exist and relate to Israel. What is the role of these states, which do not share a border with Israel, in the conflict? How do they view Israel? What part does Israel play in their foreign policy and domestic affairs? How does Israel see these states and its relations with them?

This course will address those questions with respect to the smaller Gulf monarchies. After establishing the connections between the main actors, we will examine the considerations that govern the formation of these states' policy concerning Israel. Using a number of events as case studies, we will discern motives and interpret courses of action in order to understand the role Israel plays in these countries' statecraft. In analyzing these issues the Israeli perspective will also be examined in each case. Course material will be based on secondary sources in English, as well English newspapers published in the Gulf and translations from Arabic and Hebrew.

Grading Policy

Class Participation 30% Assignments 40% Exams 30%

Texts

Cordesman, Anthony H, Bahrain, Oman, Qata, and the UAE: challenges of security, 1997. Anthony H. Cordesman, Kuwait: Recovery and Security After the Gulf WAr, 1997.

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