Israel, GCC: United Only by a Mistrust in the U.S.

The U.S. balance-of-power strategy in the Middle East is nearing a potential pitfall. A number of crucial arms contracts for the sale of U.S. weaponry to several Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states are at risk of falling through because of Israeli opposition. The United States' final decision on whether to sign will anger one of two sides, Israel or the GCC, and both already harbor misgivings about continued U.S. support. The GCC states could even turn to alternative partners for the lucrative defense deals. Washington will have to carefully manage these relationships if it is to maintain stability in the Middle East....