The effects of the war in the Middle East are being felt all around the world, but especially so in the Gulf States, which have come under direct attack from Iran because of their diplomatic ties to the US and Israel. The conflict has put them in a tricky position, testing their energy-reliant economies and their relatively new friendship with the West. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll take you through who the Gulf States are, why they've come under fire from Iran, and where their allegiance lies…

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Reading: This piece in The Conversation raises 4 key questions that might help clarify the future of the Middle East…

Listening: This podcast episode from The Guardian looks at whether the Gulf States will join the war…

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