Lost Trillions… Bases for Protection or Gateways for Dominance?

By Mohiuddin Ghunaim

In a scene where anger blends with astonishment, the Arab street raises a legitimate question: what have the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries gained from the trillions of dollars paid to the United States over decades? And were the military bases spread across their lands truly a shield of protection, or merely instruments to entrench influence that serves the interests of others?
The relationship between the Gulf and Washington was built on a clear equation: money in exchange for security. However, repeated developments in the region—especially amid recent wars and rising tensions—have exposed the fragility of this equation. When crises intensified, these military bases were either unable or perhaps unwilling to provide the comprehensive protection they had promised. In many cases, they appeared to be observing events from a distance, without decisive intervention capable of altering outcomes.
Here, a more sensitive question arises: for whom were these bases originally established? Were they meant to protect the Gulf states and their peoples, or to ensure the security of Israel and maintain balances that serve American strategic interests in the region? The recurring scenes of security breaches, without effective deterrence, only deepen doubts about the true nature and objectives of this military presence.
At the same time, one cannot ignore the missed opportunity. The trillions that flowed abroad could have sparked a comprehensive Arab renaissance had they been redirected inward. They could have built strong economies, created jobs, and strengthened education and healthcare systems—not only in the Gulf, but across Arab countries suffering from severe economic crises.
Supporting fellow Arab nations and investing in shared development could have created a genuine security framework based on economic and social stability, rather than temporary military protection. Security is not secured by weapons alone; it is built on justice, development, and cooperation among peoples.
Today, as challenges escalate, the need to reassess these policies becomes increasingly urgent. Will the Gulf states continue to rely on an external umbrella that has proven limited, or will they move toward building self-reliance and Arab cooperation that reshapes the equation of security and interests?
It is a moment for reflection… either the compass is realigned, or the trillions will continue to be lost, and the questions will remain unanswered.