”Iran is a rising power bolstered by the removal by the US of its two great enemies - the Taleban in Afghanistan and Saddam Hussein's regime in Iraq. Iran's Shia allies are now the dominant force in Iraq, while Tehran's influence is spreading more widely into Lebanon and the Palestinian territories. Sunni-ruled states like Jordan and Saudi Arabia are watching Iran's rise with a degree of anxiety.” - Jonathan Marcus, BBC’s Diplomatic Correspondent
The president of Iran, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, has left Saudi Arabia after a brief visit for rare talks between the two Middle Eastern powers.
His discussions with King Abdullah in Riyadh focused on regional issues including Iraq, Lebanon and the Palestinians, correspondents say.
Mr Ahmadinejad said the two nations wanted to "expand our stable ties".
The meeting comes at a time of tension over regional conflicts and a growing divide between Sunni and Shia Muslims.
Correspondents say the fact that the meeting is taking place at all is an indicator of Iran's growing influence. Saudi king meets Iranian leader
Watch BBC video: Iranian leader makes Saudi visit
Mark Alexander
4 comments:
I've got a different take on this.
Iran is afraid.
Persistent reports that Iran has been after nukes has gotten Saudi Arabia to work a deal to actually get them. It is unclear if the Saudis have operational control over weapons located in Pakistan, or if some weapons may have been moved to the Kingdom.
Either way, that's bad for Iran, since Iran is one of the reasons that Riyadh feels the need for nukes.
On top of that, Bin Aladdin has had nukes for a decade now. He's working on a fireworks show in America. When that happens, Iran knows they might get the blame.
Despite the warnings of what Al Qaeda was up to, when 9/11 happened, for some reason it was a surprise, and, on top of that, Iraq was an immediate suspect, and look what ultimately happened to them.
Consequently, when Al Qaeda pulls off its plan for an American Hiroshima, Tehran knows it might be in the cross-hairs, even if not involved.
Tehran knows we're stretched too thin and can't invade. But, a response to nuke strikes in the US may not be a conventional invasion.
I think Tehran is scared.
War makes for strange alliances: USA, Britain, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Persian Gulf States,etc. lined up against Iran and Syria for the control of the Middle East.
Whether or not the USA wants it, war with Iran is almost inevitable.
Cheers, Ronbo
For accurate reports from our man in Iran and intelligence analysis on what happens if Iran goes nuclear and much more just visit the following blog. Live from Tehran
http://livefromtehran.blogspot.com
Good luck with your blog, Insider. Thanks for the tip off. The Insider
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