Persian Gulf or Arabian Gulf - Naming Controversy
Political
The term Arabian Gulf is controversial and a major player in the Persian Gulf Naming Dispute. The Arabian or Persian Gulf is internationally recognized and flaunts the original reference of "Red Sea" the name rarely used, but offered by European nations right until the nineteenth century. The Arabian or Persian Gulf has been subject to the pan Arabism since the 1960s and is a reference to the body commonly known as the Persian Gulf. Most English publications recognise this reference to the region. Being very controversial, the term is not recognized by the UNO. The Arabian or Persian Gulf formed the background for the Persian Gulf War, when Kuwait was invaded by Iraq. The primary land conflict got international intervention.
Economical
The Persian Gulf and its coastal areas form the worlds largest single source of crude oil. The industries within the region are related and dominate world economy as the world's largest offshore oil field is located in the gulf. Large gas finds in Qatar and with Iran sharing a giant field across the territorial median line, the region is the gas station of the world! Qatar has built up a substantial LNG and petrochemical industry and the oil-rich countries, excluding Iraq, enjoy a coastline on the Persian Gulf. They form what is called the Persian Gulf States.
Geographical
The Arabian or Persian Gulf lies in Southwest Asia, and is an extension of the Indian Ocean. The region lies between Iran and the Peninsula of Arabia, and hence the controversy. The natural environment of the Persian Gulf is a good fishing ground, with extensive reefs and an abundance of pearl oysters. Sadly, the ecology is under pressure from the heavy industrialisation and repeated petroleum spillages. Iraq's egress is narrow and easily blockaded by the marshy Shatt al Arab. The river delta carries the waters of the Euphrates and Tigris.
