Persian or Arabian Gulf, and why?

2015-07-18T18:33:10-04:00

The U.S. Has officially called the gulf the Persian Gulf for nearly a century yet we are here calling it the Arabian Gulf. Why is that?

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persian_Gulf_naming_dispute

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2015 6:34 PM

2015-07-18T18:34:10-04:00

I have been told prior to deployments that we refer to it as the Arabian Gulf because Persian Gulf implies ownership by Iran (Persia). Curious about everyone else's thoughts.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2015 7:40 PM

2015-07-18T19:40:50-04:00

I never realized that. I have always known it to be the Persian Gulf. I never made the Iranian connection to it but I could see how that might create conflict. I would stay with the Persian Gulf. That is what we have known it to be for so long. On a side note I noticed you are located in Point Loma. I grew up there. I recall when the Navy used to have their basic training there a long time ago on Rosecrans St.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2015 9:55 PM

2015-07-18T21:55:41-04:00

We stopped calling it Persian during the Iran/Iraq war because it signified ownership by Iran. It is now officially the Arabian Gulf thus references like the NAG, Northern Arabian Gulf.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jul 18 at 2015 11:04 PM

2015-07-18T23:04:53-04:00

I never thought of it that way. I've used both names interchangeably for years but I tend(ed) to use Persian Gulf more.

Response by COL Ted Mc made Jul 19 at 2015 2:44 AM

2015-07-19T02:44:08-04:00

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member - Commander; For the same reason why "French Fries" were referred to as "Freedom Fries" - "Dangerous, Contagious, Gross, Stupidity".

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Jul 19 at 2015 4:14 AM

2015-07-19T04:14:49-04:00

Good Question. Both Cultures have been around a while but being a History Freak and in some minor matters a Traditionalist. I would say Persian Gulf. Much Older Culture.