"These states are seeking to use NATO to strengthen the stability and
security of the region," the report said.
In 2006, Kuwait became the first GCC state to sign a military agreement
with NATO. Two years later, the Kuwait Navy conducted an exercise in the
Gulf with NATO forces that included attack training, anti-piracy maneuvers,
as well as an air defense and firepower demonstration.
At the same time, Qatar and the UAE conducted a week-long military
exercise with France. The exercise was designed to enhance combat
capabilities of the two GCC states.
In 2008, the GCC also signed a military cooperation agreement with
Turkey, with the second largest military in NATO. But the report said Ankara
could be a reluctant military partner of the GCC against Iran, Turkey's
neighbor and energy supplier.
"The involvement of NATO would not only benefit the Arab states, it
would also facilitate cooperation between the United States and its European
allies in addressing Iran's nuclear ambitions," the report said. "If NATO is
used as an instrument to maintain security in the region, Washington's
European allies could similarly play an important role in guarding against
Iranian provocation."
Khaitous, a former staffer at the United Nations Disarmament Affairs
Department, said a nuclear-armed Iran would spark an Arab conventional arms
buildup in the Middle East as well as efforts to develop nuclear
capabilities. He said Arab countries could also seek biological and chemical
weapons unless the United States offfers security guarantees.
"No matter how much Arab states, particularly those in the Persian Gulf,
spend on their militaries, they will probably seek support from Western
powers to ensure their security," the report said. "The lack of military
experience, modest population totals, and limited geographic size of most
Arab countries near Iran mean that Gulf states will continue to seek out
extra-regional security guarantors."