Iran blames Kuwait and Bahrain for US attacks, citing regional power dynamics and geopolitical tensions
Original framing: “Iran says Kuwait and Bahrain bear responsibility for US attacks” — Middle East Eye
Historically, the Gulf has been a site of colonial and imperial control, with modern-day alliances often rooted in Cold War-era strategies. The current tensions echo past patterns of external powers using regional states as proxies.
The accusations by Iran against Kuwait and Bahrain for US attacks reflect a broader pattern of regional power dynamics shaped by historical US-Gulf alliances and the embedding of US military infrastructure in the region.
These tensions are not isolated but are part of a global system where external powers leverage local states to advance strategic interests. A systemic approach must consider the historical legacy of colonialism, the role of international law, and the voices of local populations. By integrating indigenous and cross-cultural perspectives, and by promoting transparent, inclusive dialogue, there is potential to shift from conflict to cooperation. The trickster lens reveals the paradox of Gulf states being both victims and enablers, highlighting the need for a more nuanced understanding of regional agency.