Gulf maritime raiding operated as regulated warfare between recognized belligerents

Evidence

For example, the Jowasim lineage and Muscat ships were traditionally at war, and raids were only carried out against Arab polities with whom there was a recognised state of war.[xxix] This Jowasim alliance was the target of devastating attacks by the British in 1808 and 1818.[xxx] It was by defining these attacks as piracy and plunder that Britain was able to justify their response to the raids.[xxxi] In reality, Jowasim piracy was well organised, it had a traditional depth and pattern and was not dependent upon stimulus from Wahhabi expansion from central Arabia.[xxxii] Therefore, once military dominance was achieved Britain was able to introduce the General Treaty of 1820. — Robin Alexander Plant, Discuss the Relationship Between…, 15

Categorization

• QUESTION: If Jowasim raiding was structured and reciprocal, what were its rules of truce, tribute, and reprisal — and who recorded them?