In these conference proceedings, the authors document the presentations delivered by experts on Persian Gulf affairs, the question-and-answer sessions that followed each of the four panels, and the concluding remarks. Given the dynamic and fluid nature of events throughout the Arab world in the preceding six months, the conference focused on the security implications of a rapidly changing Gulf region and their potential effects on U.S. Central Command. The four panel topics were the Arab Spring, the prospects for and implications of a more-unified Gulf Cooperation Council, how Gulf militaries and their relationships with the United States may be affected by political changes, and how present-day events may influence or alter the threat posed by Iran.

"Prepared for the Office of the Secretary of Defense ; approved for public release, distribution unlimited."

Preface -- Summary -- Acknowledgments -- Conference agenda -- Biographies -- Panel one: the Arab spring: Gulf security in a region of dramatic change -- Panel two: The Gulf Cooperation Council and Arab League Political Unity : implications for U.S. foreign policy -- Panel three: Iran in the Gulf : defining the challenge and the Arab response -- Panel four: Gulf militaries and political change -- Conclusion and closing remarks.