Insightful analysis by Michael Axworthy:
Professor Axworthy correctly observes:
“We also urgently
need to re-examine our relations with the Saudis and the other Gulf Arab States
that have supported and encouraged the spread of extreme Wahhabism. The Saudis
have belatedly realised that Isis is as much a threat to them as to everyone
else (it may actually be more of a threat to Saudi Arabia because the jihadis’
dearest wish is to establish their caliphate in Mecca and Medina).
Yet that is not
enough. We need to make clear that our continued friendship towards the Saudis
cannot simply be bought with the weapons we sell them but has to be conditional
upon taking a more responsible attitude in their religious policies – not so
much for human rights reasons, as Jeremy Corbyn and others have suggested
(although those reasons have their place) but for our security and for the
stability of the Middle East region.”
Related:
America’s confused Middle East policy
Impact on Mideast Tensions on Oil Supply
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/oilprices/12081550/Saudi-showdown-with-Iran-nears-danger-point-for-world-oil-markets.html
Saudi-Iran Hostilities
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/05/opinion/saudi-arabias-dangerous-sectarian-game.html
http://www.newyorker.com/news/news-desk/iran-and-saudi-arabia-the-showdown-between-islams-rival-powershttp://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/05/opinion/saudi-arabias-dangerous-sectarian-game.html