Joseph Kostiner Livres

This book analyzes four main episodes of conflict and defense which have affected the region during the last three decades: the Iran-Iraq war (1980-1988), which effected the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) from a close, neighborly distance; the Iraq-Kuwait war (1990-1991), which constituted an attempt to invade the GCC and eliminate one of its member states, Kuwait. And the subsequent attempts to reestahblish a regional inter-state stability in the Gulf (during the mid-1990s, approximately), and the war of Islamic terrorism (notably al-Qa'ida) against Saudi Arabia (leading up to 2005). Each episode was driven by inimical interests and evolved as a distabilizintg influence on the Gulf states. At the same time, each conflict resulted in a paradoxical combination rivalry and cooperation among the GCC states themselves. A perpetual sequence of conflict and cooperation thus developed.

Examining the unification process between North and South Yemen, this study begins with the preparations during the 1970s and '80s, which preceded union in 1990. It then examines the subsequent evolution of unity and the problems which led to internal war and the occupation of South Yemen by North Yemeni forces in 1994, concluding with some thoughts on the implications of this forced unity. Within the broad context of post-Cold War conditions, the Gulf War and inter-Arab relations, Yemeni hopes for unification are examined, as are the reasons why these were to be frustrated, with the co-existence of two rival state systems and communities. Attention is paid to the role of Islamic and tribal groups and values, and special emphasis is placed on the convulsions accompanying democratization.