Mutual Realities, Perceptions, and Impediments Between The Gcc States and Iran

Abstract

Arabs and Iranians live in the same region and share the same history, geography, religion, and fate, yet sectarian differences, culture, politics, and ethnicity separate them and contribute in no small measure to creating a wall of mistrust and contention stretching back over a thousand years. These factors do not help in bridging the gap for the two distinct races to assimilate, integrate and cohabit peacefully. It is true that Iran in recent years, mainly following the election of President Khatami in 1997, has followed a moderately pragmatic trend in its foreign policy, in a region that is undergoing major transition. Iran has broken out of its isolation and achieved rapprochement with European countries, and the prospect of better relations with the United States lies ahead.