> yes, this is not surprising. the US is promoting a Gulf-wide
> strategic alliance against the Iranians - both as an alternative
> to
> the Israelis as the only locally allied force against Iran, and
> because Gulf states have extremely deep pockets to spend on US
> hardware. its a win-win situation for the US, so to speak, and it
> sets up an interesting alliance of strategic interest between the
> US,
> Israel, the Saudis and local emirates.
Moreover, US/NATO forces are in Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan. US Navy dominates Indian Ocean. Iran is effectively encircled militarily and isolated diplomatically. I am no expert, but Iran would appear to be in a difficult situation.
Ulhas