BRIDGING THE GULF ACROSS THE ATLANTIC - EUROPE AND THE UNITED-STATES IN THE PERSIAN-GULF

Disagreement has emerged between the United States and the European Un ion over the policies needed to achieve certain goals in the Persian G ulf about which there is a general consensus on both sides of the Atla ntic. Causes for disagreement include different historical perspective s on the region, and an uneven vulnerability to the consequences of po licy failures, especially those involving the use of military force. Y et US and European interests in the Persian Gulf are too vital, and th e relationship between the United States and Europe is too important f or one side to expect the other to follow its leadership unquestioning ly.