Arabian Gulf States Role in Peace

"Gulf countries" is a general term with multiple possible meanings. In its most fundamental form, "gulf countries" refers to the countries of the Persian Gulf/Arabian Gulf region of the Middle East, including some or all of the nations on the Arabian peninsula that connects Asia to Africa. However, exactly which of those countries are and are not considered "gulf countries" often depends upon the source and context. Of particular importance is whether one is grouping the countries by geographical location or by political or cultural similarities. Geographically speaking, "gulf countries" typically refers to the eight countries that border the Persian Gulf. In socio-political terms, it may refer to the seven Arab Gulf States (Arabic-speaking countries that border the Persian Gulf), or to the eight members of the intercontinental Arab League that are located in the region. Finally, the term may also refer to the six members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), a regional intergovernmental union. Frequently excluded or "borderline" gulf states Three gulf states in particular have a notable tendency to be included by some sources but excluded by others.