The fall of the Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad has opened a window for wealthy Gulf countries to expand their influence as the sway of Iran diminishes.
A woman pushing a stroller through desolate streets outside Damascus, the capital of Syria. Gulf Arab states are leading the effort to help the country recover from the civil war.
The countries have long worried about being sucked into regional war as they juggle relations with Washington, their security guarantor, while seeking to improve ties with Tehran.
Saudi Arabia, Qatar and other Gulf Arab countries expressed dismay over the American attack, but stopped short of condemning the United States, a key ally.