Co-operation is the key to sharing the Gulf

The argument could be made that Iran has more pressing problems to deal with than fishing rights. And, admittedly, it is unlikely that authorities in Tehran will sit down any time soon for consequential discussions on the issue. But that is a short-sighted position. The Gulf is a resource shared by eight countries and a vital transport link, but it is also an historical flashpoint of conflict. Fortunately, cooler heads will prevail in this case despite the abuses that UAE fisherman have reported. The accusations against the navy and other Iranian ships - theft, assault and harassment - range from diplomatic breaches to outright criminality. That Tehran cannot control pirates off its coast, much less its own security forces, speaks volumes about the domestic order.
But there are broader issues involved, and it would be a mistake to paint Iran as the villain when partnership is what is required. While the Federal National Council (FNC) has singled out Iran for transgressions in international waters, Emirati fishermen have anecdotal evidence of being interfered with by other neighbouring countries as well. Setting mutually agreeable maritime borders has been a notoriously difficult task - indeed, there is contention over even the Gulf's proper name. Not only issues of sovereign boundaries and territorial disputes need to be resolved, but also fair use of international waters. And in the long-term interest of all the littoral countries, that should be only the beginning. Accords are needed not only on sustainable fishing practices, but shipping, environmental controls and joint security. Failure to address these issues in a diplomatic context means that conflicts will continue on the water.
The GCC provides the perfect forum, although eventually including Iraq and especially Iran in discussions will be a difficult task. All sides would benefit, however, from a comprehensive management policy in the Gulf. The FNC is correct to raise the fishermen's issues; there is no purpose in pretending that problems do not exist. The next step should be diplomatic engagement focusing not only on grievances, but opportunities for agreement on this common body of water.