The drawing of borders in the Arabian Peninsula has been a source of contention historically, and some of these disputes persist to the present day. The conflicts that are the result of, or are still influenced by, the original border disputes involve Saudi Arabia and its neighbors: Yemen, Iraq, and Jordan. Here’s a brief overview:
1. Saudi Arabia and Yemen
- Historical Dispute: Saudi Arabia and Yemen have had a complex and often contentious relationship, with disputes over their common border dating back to the creation of Saudi Arabia. The undefined border led to clashes as both sides attempted to assert control over the region.
- Current Conflict: The most significant current conflict between Saudi Arabia and Yemen is the ongoing Yemeni Civil War. Although not solely a border dispute, the conflict has historical roots in the border tensions, with Saudi Arabia leading a coalition in support of the Yemeni government against the Houthi rebels, who are seen by Saudi Arabia as an Iranian proxy at their southern border.
2. Saudi Arabia and Iraq
- Historical Dispute: The border between Saudi Arabia and Iraq was set by the Uqair Protocol of 1922, but the delineation remained a point of contention. The Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1990 and subsequent Gulf War brought Saudi-Iraqi relations to a low point.
- Current Relations: The fall of Saddam Hussein and the rise of a new government in Iraq have led to an improvement in Saudi-Iraqi relations. However, the legacy of past disputes and the presence of various factions within Iraq, including those aligned with Iran, continue to complicate the relationship.
3. Saudi Arabia and Jordan
- Historical Dispute: Saudi Arabia and Jordan have had relatively fewer border disputes compared to Saudi Arabia’s issues with Yemen and Iraq. The borders were largely demarcated by the British during the colonial era, with some disputes in the 1960s that were eventually resolved.
- Current Relations: Today, Saudi Arabia and Jordan maintain cordial relations and have no significant border disputes. They often collaborate on economic and security issues, sharing a mutual interest in regional stability.
Broad Impact on Regional Conflicts
Tribal Allegiances: Many of the borders in the Middle East cut across tribal lands, separating tribes between different nation-states and leading to fragmented allegiances. This has sometimes fueled internal conflicts within states as well as cross-border tribal solidarity that can supersede national identities.
- Resource Distribution: Disputes over borders have frequently been tied to the control of resources, especially water and oil. Access to these vital resources continues to be a significant factor in regional dynamics and relations.
- Geopolitical Interests: Regional and international powers have historically leveraged border disputes to gain influence in the Middle East. The legacies of these disputes are sometimes used as pretexts for interventions or to justify political stances in the broader geopolitics of the region.
Conclusion
While some of the original border disputes in the Arabian Peninsula have been resolved or have become less acute over time, they laid down patterns of interstate relations and set the stage for ongoing conflicts and alliances. Historical grievances and strategic interests stemming from these early disputes continue to influence the regional security landscape, serving as a reminder that the legacies of how borders were drawn can have lasting impacts.
