Monarchies to anarchies? Oil, power and war in West Asia

It cannot be glossed over that Iran has prepared for halfa century against all odds for a war with the United States.

- ANURAG AWASTHI

The map of West Asia is a maze, geographically and demographically.

The complexity is augmented by the choke points for sea lanes impacting trade and energy security. Paradoxically, oil remains the central driver of conflict as well as prosperity. Bulk of this region has thrived as monarchies through the years. Some are now hereditary, constitutional monarchies and some remain unitary, absolute monarchies.

Kuwait has the Sabah dynasty as the ruling family since 1756. Modern Kuwait is a constitutional monarchy, with the Emir sharing power with a legislature, which is elected. Despite the presence of the legislature, however, the dynasty retains absolute power. The House of Saud is the ruling family of Saudi Arabia. The region evolved into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932 and wields considerable influence in the Middle East. The timeline of Qatar's modern history begins in the 18th century, when all tribes gathered under the rule of Al Thani family. This paved the way formore stability in the country and the forging of balanced relations with different influential parties in the region.

The UAE hasa chequered history of monarchy. The Qasimi dynasty was able to expand its hegemony along the coast, and by thelate 18th century it emerged as the dominant tribal faction. The Banu Yas tribal confederation of Al-Ain and Liwa was largely centred in the region's, interior. Under the leadership of the Nahyan dynasty of Abu Dhabi, the Banu Yas has been a powerful force since the mid-19th century. Aseries of agreements were signed in the 19th century to include a treaty of peace in 1820, a maritime truce in 1853and agreements in 1892 with sheikkhdoms becoming Trucial States.