For the past two weeks, we have been mapping out the implications, conclusions and lessons from the US-Israeli war on Iran. Having discussed the effects on warfare, and the quest for alternative energy, this piece would deliberate on random changes that affect the belligerents and the region, including the greater Middle East.

First, the Iranian military response (that continues) in targeting Gulf nations housing the US bases (Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain, etc), which at times also hit the civilian infrastructure and energy facilities, will have far reaching implications. This strategy, ostensibly orchestrated by the IRGC/Pasdaran, has: a) undermined the effectiveness of security umbrella provided by the US, forcing these nations to look for alternative net-security provider (China, Russia, Pakistan and India); b) deepened cooperation with Israel (UAE), which even deployed patriot AD systems for infrastructure protection, thwarting Iranian drone and missile combos; c) forced a rethink among these nations on energy production, transportation means and storage alternatives, outside the potential conflict zones, as and when the Strait of Hormuz (SoH) is closed; and d) deepened the historic Arab-Faras (Persian) divide among Muslims that will accentuate the Shia-Sunni competition in countries like Iraq, Bahrain and Pakistan.

Second, another important byproduct of this war, whichever way it settles, is the busting of 'Dubai' dream. The desert oasis was a safe haven for friction-free trade, investment, tourism, culture, religious tolerance and entertainment for decades, attracting global elite, creating immense wealth and unprecedented prosperity for its citizens and expats alike.........

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