Includes bibliographical references (p.555-562) and index.

The islands issue: an overview -- From early history to the rule of the Qawasim -- The islands during the British protectorate -- British withdrawal and Iranian occupation of the islands -- The islands since the formation of the United Arab Emirates -- A legal perspective on the islands issue -- Occupation and regional instability -- The Arab world's reaction to the Shah's occupation -- The Arab world's reaction to the conduct of the Islamic Republic of Iran -- The international community and the islands dispute in the 1960s -- The international community and the islands dispute in the 1970s -- The international community and the islands dispute since 1979.