Qatar joins its five Arab gulf neighbors…

Qatar joins its five Arab gulf neighbors in 1981 in establishing the Gulf Cooperation Council, an alliance formed to promote economic cooperation and enhance both internal security and external defense against the threats generated by the Islamic revolution in Iran and the Iran-Iraq War.

Unable to support a large military establishment, Qatar relies on small but mobile force of 12,000 that can deter border incursions.

Nevertheless, the Iran-Iraq War brings attacks on shipping just beyond its territorial waters, underscoring its vulnerability to interference with oil shipments and vital imports.