Biden challenged to fortify US power in the Gulf April 20, 2021 Share In the 19th century, the Gulf was a British lake. In the 20th century, American warships played an all but unchallenged role securing the safe and unfettered passage of oil to the West. As the 21st century progresses, the transition to a new era is unstoppable. No longer a hegemon, Washington’s options are being reframed in a new contest for access and control in and around the Gulf. This challenge — and opportunity — is front and center not only in Washington, but also in capitals from Beijing to Moscow, from Riyadh to Jerusalem.