(The image of Iraq and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries in the speech of the United States State Department)

Abstract

This research paper attempts to decipher the image the US State Department seeks to project of its partnerships with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, as well as Iraq, through content analysis of 52 statements, news reports, press interviews, and other publications released during the last months of 2022.
The paper reveals the State Department's significant interest in showcasing its partnerships and alliances, and their scope. The study categorizes the types of relationships with each country, focusing on military cooperation with some, economic cooperation with others, and, like Iraq and Qatar, on combating terrorism.
Furthermore, cooperation in environmental and climate issues, human rights, and other areas is also examined. The study reveals the stages of these alliances, some of which were primarily commercial partnerships. For example, Oman was considered a trade and diplomatic partner, while Qatar was designated a major non-NATO ally, according to official statements. (US State Department, 2022)
It seems that the image that the State Department's media message maker wanted to convey to the global audience, especially the competitor, is that relations, partnerships, and alliances with the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and Iraq are strong and cannot be broken or diminished, and there are many warnings to regional countries and others.