Editor's Note: Mohsen M. Milani is Professor of Politics and Chair of the Department of Government and International Affairs at the University of South Florida in Tampa.
By Mohsen M. Milani, Foreign Affairs
Yesterday afternoon, the U.S. government charged Mansoor Arbabsiar, a dual U.S.–Iranian citizen, and Gholam Shakuri, an alleged member of the Iranian Quds Force (a division of the Revolutionary Guards), with conspiracy to assassinate the Saudi Arabian ambassador to the United States, Adel Al-Jubeir, and to attack both the Saudi and Israeli embassies in Washington, D.C. Although the nature of Iranian government involvement remains to be seen, the indictment is just the latest story in the intricate cold war now developing between Iran and Saudi Arabia.
The two countries, at odds since the 1979 revolution in Iran and ever more so in the wake of the Arab Spring, are competing for dominance in global energy markets and nuclear technology and for political influence in the Persian Gulf and the Levant. Their conflict, with its sectarian overtones, has the potential to weaken pro-democracy forces in the Middle East and North Africa, empower Islamists, and drag the United States into military interventions. To avoid all this, the United States will need strategic imagination to devise ways to mitigate and manage the rivalry between Riyadh and Tehran.
Iran and Saudi Arabia are neither natural allies nor natural enemies but natural rivals who have long competed as major oil producers and self-proclaimed defenders of Shia and Sunni Islam, respectively. Until the Iranian revolution in 1979, their rivalry was managed and controlled by the United States, with whom they were both strategic allies. But after the Shah was overthrown, Saudi Arabia’s leadership became frightened by the Ayatollah Khomenei’s denunciation of the Saudi monarchy as antithetical to Islam and his ambition to export to the revolution to the Arab world. Saudi Arabia remained an ally of the United States; Iran became an implacable foe. Thereafter, the rivalry between Iran and Saudi Arabia became defined by the new U.S. strategy - ally with Saudi Arabia to offset Iran.
As a result, Iran sees Saudi Arabia as a wealthy, ambitious proxy of the United States and Saudi Arabia views Iran as a major source of instability in the region, believing that it seeks to establish a so-called Shia Crescent to dominate Arab Sunnis. The rivalry has shaped both countries' policies as they have attempted to contain and combat each other’s influence. They have accused each other of blatant interference in their internal affairs, including indirect support for acts of terrorism against each other.
Read: Why the Rich Are Getting Richer.
This struggle has played out most prominently in the energy sector, in which both Iran and Saudi Arabia are major forces. At first glance, Iran would seem to be on par with Saudi Arabia; the two countries’ combined oil and natural gas reserves are roughly the same, and Iran has the strategic advantage of sitting between the Caspian Sea and the Persian Gulf, as well as controlling the 34-mile wide Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly 40 percent of the oil traded worldwide is transported.
But U.S. sanctions on Iran have severely restricted its oil production and hindered foreign investments, handing Saudi Arabia the competitive edge. As a result, Saudi Arabia is winning the competition for preeminence in the global energy market. It is the leading member of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, a position held by Iran under the Shah. It controls $538 billion in foreign reserves, compared to Iran’s $105 billion. Saudi Arabia's nominal GDP totals $567 billion, far exceeding Iran’s $475 billion despite having a population only a third of the size of Iran’s. Saudi Arabia thus enjoys a level of economic clout that Iran can only envy, and, as a result, has no incentive to foster improved relations between Washington and Tehran.
Riyadh has used its influence in the energy markets to tame Tehran, lowering oil prices and attempting to limit foreign investment in Iran's oil and gas industries to cripple its already ailing economy. Saudi Arabia can easily compensate for lower oil prices by increasing its oil production and its total oil revenues, but Iran cannot; it lacks the capability to increase its oil production. With the growing demand for energy in emerging markets, the price of oil has not fallen much in the recent years and is unlikely to dip sufficiently to harm Iran. Moreover, Saudi Arabia has had little success in persuading China and India to decrease their involvement in Iran's energy sector. But a large decrease in oil revenues could have devastating economic consequences for Tehran.
Read: Why Occupy Wall Street is Not the Tea Party of the Left.
On the political front, however, Tehran has outmaneuvered Riyadh. This success has been most apparent in Iraq, whose transformation from a Sunni- to a Shia-controlled country has shifted it from Riyadh’s orbit into Tehran’s. This represented a monumental setback for Saudi Arabia and an unintended strategic gift for Iran, which saw Iraq transform from an enemy into an ally. Iran has capitalized on the new Iraq to greatly expand its influence; the two countries are developing joint oil fields, and, according to the American Enterprise Institute, trade between them now stands at nearly $8 billion per year.
Although the United States and Iran both support the nascent Iraqi government, Saudi Arabia flatly opposes it for being too close to Iran. Indeed, Iran has supported extremist Shia forces in Iraq that have attacked the country’s Sunni community and U.S. soldiers. To weaken the government, Riyadh has declined to send an ambassador to Baghdad and has refused to forgive or reduce the huge loan it gave to Saddam Hussein to wage war against Iran in the 1980s, estimated to be almost $30 billion. And, according to WikiLeaks documents, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has accused Saudi Arabia of “fomenting sectarian conflict” and “funding a Sunni army.” The competition between Iran and Saudi Arabia over Iraq is only likely to escalate after U.S. troops withdraw later this year, threatening to further destabilize an already shaky political situation.
The Iranian-Saudi rivalry has also expanded beyond Iraq and into the greater Middle East, especially in the wake of the Arab Spring. Iran initially praised the uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt as Islamic awakenings, while Saudi Arabia championed the old order and criticized the United States for supporting the revolts and pressuring former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak to step down. Indeed, Iran could not have been happier with the overthrow of Mubarak, who led the anti-Iran front among the Arab countries. Iran quickly moved to resume diplomatic relations with Egypt after years of strife, believing that an empowered Muslim Brotherhood and a new government that reflects the aspirations of the Egyptian people might turn Egypt into a potential ally due to its Islamist leanings. Having pledged $4 billion aid to Egypt’s military rulers, Saudi Arabia is determined to prevent normalization of relations between Cairo and Tehran.
Read: The Fight for 'Real Democracy' at the Heart of Occupy Wall Street.
Saudi Arabia truly panicked, however, when the Arab Spring reached its neighbor, Bahrain, which is connected by a 16-mile causeway to Saudi Arabia’s oil-rich eastern province, where 15 percent of the population is Shia. Saudi Arabia could not tolerate a revolt so close to its borders. And with its predominantly Shia population, which is ruled by Sunni overlords, Bahrain seemed ripe for dramatic change when protesters, including the suppressed Shia, gathered at Pearl Square to demand reforms. Fearing growing Iranian influence, Saudi Arabia persuaded Bahrain’s rulers to refrain from negotiating with the demonstrators and then sent troops to quash them. If the revolution in Tahrir Square in Cairo is the icon of a new Middle East, the demolition of Pearl Square is the symbol of the old order reasserting itself.
To justify the intervention, the Saudi government and its Bahraini allies accused the Shia community of acting on behalf of Iran and attempting to establish an Iranian satellite in Bahrain. Iran did, in fact, support the uprising and accused Saudi Arabia of committing “genocide” in its incursion. But it is unlikely that Iran will stage a military intervention in Bahrain, due to the presence of the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet and because a protracted struggle by the Shia community in Bahrain serves the Islamic Republic’s interests more than a military confrontation with Saudi Arabia, giving Iran the opportunity to win influence with the Shia, among whom it had not previously enjoyed much sway.
For now, with its allies in control of Bahrain, Saudi Arabia seems to have the upper hand. But meaningful reform that will empower the Shia majority is essential for long-term stability. In navigating the Iranian-Saudi rivalry, the United States must pressure the Bahraini government to open up to the Shia, or risk the Shia population falling into the arms of the Iranians.
In the Levant, meanwhile, Saudi Arabia is truly pressing the advantage by exploiting the weakness of Syria, Iran’s staunch ally. Tehran’s hope of deterring an Israeli attack on its nuclear facilities and preserving a foothold in the Middle East revolves around supporting Damascus, which has long been the conduit for weapons and cash to Hezbollah and home to the Palestinian Islamic Jihad and Hamas. Although the alliance between Iran, Hezbollah, and Syria seemed stronger than ever at the beginning of the year - a Hezbollah-led coalition took power in Lebanon at the expense of the Saudi-backed Sunni government - the Arab Spring soon hit Syria and threw Iran’s support for the revolts across the region into doubt. Indeed, rather than express sympathy with Syria’s protesters, Iran became the single greatest defender of the repressive regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Although it will do everything possible to keep Assad in power, Iran is hoping to preserve Syria’s governing elite and security forces should he fall.
In an attempt to undermine the Iranian-Syrian alliance, Saudi Arabia declared its support for the pro-democracy movement in Syria and was the first Arab county to recall its ambassador from Damascus. If Saudi Arabia wins this particular battle, Iran will likely pursue much more aggressive policies against Saudi Arabia across the region, particularly in Bahrain and Iraq.
Read: The Grooming of Rahul Gandhi.
Perhaps most significant, Iran and Saudi Arabia will continue their struggle over Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. The Saudis recognize that, once armed with nuclear technology, Iran will have a clear and fundamental strategic advantage. As a result, Saudi officials have threatened to pursue a bomb should Iran successfully develop one. Riyadh has already begun to develop a civilian nuclear energy program, negotiating with the United States and other countries to build 16 nuclear reactors in the next two decades. Saudi Arabia insists that, as a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty, its nuclear program is for energy generation and peaceful purposes. Iran, which continues to insist that its nuclear program is also for peaceful purposes, has publicly supported Saudi Arabia’s nuclear energy program. But Iran is likely concerned that, as the international community focuses on its nuclear activities, Saudi Arabia, with Pakistan’s assistance, could quietly become a nuclear power.
In energy, geopolitics, and nuclear power, the rivalry between Iran and Saudi Arabia will likely deepen in the coming years. With plenty of petrodollars at their disposal, two powerful clerical establishments that push their own unique versions of Islam, and proxies and allies spread out across the Islamic world, Iran and Saudi Arabia will aggressively seek to reshape the new Middle East to preserve and expand their power.
To mitigate the potential for conflict, the United States should encourage Iran and Saudi Arabia to cooperate and reduce tension. U.S. interests are not always aligned with Saudi Arabia’s or inevitably antithetical to Iran’s. Unless the United States finds a way to navigate between the two countries and avoid automatically taking sides, the cold war between Iran and Saudi Arabia will push the region away from democracy, ultimately chilling the Arab Spring.
The views expressed in this article are solely those of Mohsen M. Milani.
© 2012 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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I think the author meant to say 15% of Bahraini's are Sunni not Shia...
Yeah, also: "But it is unlikely that Iran will stage a military intervention in Iran..."
I didn't even know Iran was even threatening to invade Iran!!
Au contrare monsieur,
Iran is more likely to intervene with Iran than anyone.
Although you are right. I still cant believe that stupid line made it past the copy boys, copy editors, editors, and head editor ALL missed such a boneheaded mistake.
The "15% of the population is Shia" remark refers to the "oil rich eastern province" of Saudi Arabia itself, not Bahrain.
he saying Saudi Arabia has 15% Shia not Bahrain..........Bahrain has about 25% Sunni and 75% Shia.
indeed your right but this article is indeed very unbiased one and presents facts as they are.
Yes, aside from the spelling and word errors, this article is a very concise and informative description of one of the messes in the Middle East that threaten the rest of the world and a reason that we should try to eventually achieve at least a degree of energy independence.
Sunnis and Shias will NEVER have peace. Theirs is a fundamental religious difference that no amount of politicking can ever erase or subdue. Their enmity goes back over 1,000 years, is traced by blood and strict religious differences, and without 3rd party intervention, will always lead to war.
This is a cultural situation Americans just don't get. The closest correlation to it would be the Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland. But, even that isn't very close.
There is an inherent hatred between these two sects that goes deep into the marrow of everything they do, believe, and see. This difference will NEVER go away. Iraq will eventually fall into war because of this difference. It is an inevitability. They are supremely patient people; America is not a patient country. We will leave, and the second we do, they will kill each other.
This will also happen in Bahrain, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, and any other country where Shia's numbers are anywhere near the Sunni. Throughout the world, Sunni is approximately 4 times more populace, but the Shiites are unslakeable in their hatred towards Sunnis. They will never rest until they, and their allies (to be read the U.S.) are eliminated.
Any questions?
One question: Did you speak from personal experience?
I respectfully disagree with the Professor’s stance that the U.S. should encourage cooperation between the Saudis and Iranians. If these two countries where allies U.S. influence would be greatly diminished since they have the oil trump card to play if Washington cries foul on their policies. From a practical stand point the U.S. needs to play these two against each other, completely back one over the other, or stay out of the rivalry altogether(highly doubtful given our economic dependence on oil). Cooperation would be good for them bad for U.S.
ya .I agree that strategy.
I totally agree with your analysis. US must play the two against each other. The moment these two becomes allies, US and the rest of developed world, Christians and Israelis will bear the brunt of their cooperation. They will try to dominate the rest of the world and force every human being to practice Satanic and archaic Islamic religion.
War does not bring you anything good. Neither does tension. The world needs other energy sources. Invest in them and get rid of the dependency on oil. Then there is no tension and there will be no war. Don't forget that wars are expensive and the US defecit is Huge.
I like the author gives a background to what's going with the two countries but not sure that I believe this allegation. it may be true that there is some kind of animosity between Iran and Saudi Arabia but sometimes I think the U.S thinks Americans are stupid if we are to just hear something on the news and accept it at face value. I know that Iran has been a trickster country in many ways but it's alittle far fetched. I know that not all truth you hear on the news will be all the information Americans are supposed to know so, with only partial bits of information, who knows what's really going on.
Just one question: have you reached the conclusion that for the good of the rest of the world, Islam must be told to reform or be destroyed? I have.
All Sunni and Shia authorities (till 1300H/1900CE) are united that the core doctrines of the Shia sect were founded by Abd Allaah bin al-Saba, the Yemeni Jew, who stirred up a revolution against Uthman bin Affan (radiallaahu anhu), claiming Ali (radiallaahu anhu) was the more worthy and legitimate ruler. He eventually claimed Ali is Allaah himself. Within this historical background, the foundations of the doctrines of the Shia were laid down such as ascribing Lordship (Rububiyyah) to their Imaams, making the concept of Imaamah a central pillar of the religion, making takfir of the Companions, making claims of an incomplete and tampered with Qur'an amongst others. Today the Shia are present in many Muslim lands and the Raafidee state of Iran sponsors much of the propaganda against the people of Tawhid and Sunnah as part of a wider agenda to eliminate Ahl al-Sunnah and to replace it with themselves. This involves the use of proxies in other lands such as Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Yemen
Had middle eastern science prevailed over religion since the death of Mohammed we would live a much different world, one where the Arab would not need western science to feed their children.
You are an ignorant Sunni as most of the Sunnis are. This Jewish BS propaganda that you refer to is so absurd that majority of Sunnis do not even believe in it. The Jewish angle had to be introduced to embed hatred of Shias without any chance of cross checking the story. If you bother to read ( if you can read ), please read books written by people you claim to follow and then make such claims about Shias or even Sunnis.
What " not a chance" wrote is quite accurate.
That is extreme Wahabi propaganda.
You moron! Go and blow yourself up.
Stupid and to core, learn from Islamic books, and not printed, publish, and directed by Saudi Royal family to justify Movia Islam.
True, the Shia and Sunni groups will never be friends, yet they can respect each other and co-exist.
Their schismatic tensions have been around for ages and are occasionally triggered by their rulers.
The Shia/Sunni divide was not an issue before the theologies took over Iran after the 1979 Revolution and capitalised on it to win influence over the Shia believers in the region.
It is better to be like that for the benefit of people who follow other faiths or atheists.
IRAN AND SUNNIS CANNOT EXIST TOGETHER
j. von hettlingen said: "True, the Shia and Sunni groups will never be friends, yet they can respect each other and co-exist."
sanjosemike responds: If (and when) Iran obtains nuclear weapons, they will drive their New Shia Caliphate all over the ME. They cannot co-exist and respect each other.
That is exactly why the Saudis have granted Israel rights to fly over their land to attack Iranian nuclear facilities.
The Saudis fear Iran far more than Israel and always have.
Primitive tribal mentality. All that oil money can't wipe it away
Let's not forget the Hebrews.....That want both to go away.
You are assuming that all muslims are devout muslims. I knew plenty of Iraqis when I was there who did not care one way or the other. Lots of people are non-practicing muslims who lead secular lifestyles; they're not all crazy.
Can we just nuc em and be done with it all?
THE SHI'A VS. SUNNI HATRED AND WARS HAVE BEEN GOING ON SINCE AD 632
The West does not have a clear understanding of this schism. You do. Iran seeks nuclear weapons of course to get rid of Israel, but even more important to Iran is who will control the NEW Caliphate? Iran is doing everything it can to make sure that is a Shia dominated leadership.
This is why it becomes doubtful that humans will survive as a species on earth if more unstable Islamic countries obtain nuclear weapons. It marks the end of us all.
sanjosemike
Again, please see: Thirty Years' War. Many of us in the west (not you) have a clear understanding of this sort of schism, as it killed or displaced millions of our ancestors, and shaped the development of the entire planet for centuries (including the Arab World). Perhaps instead of arguing over who's religion is better, we should spend more time learning from each others mistakes?
They do have to creat a secular democratic society being governed by law of the land, not the Islamic law. There are enough secular arabs there already. They need to get political power and get rid of their Islamic Inquisitions. That is the only way. You never can get rid of religious theocatic deferences.
And the people from or decent of the middle east here in the US can help. They have to voice out against the Islamic Inquisitions.
See: Thirty Years' War
Not a Chance I agree with everything you say. The fundamental difference between sunnis and shia only takes a rest whle they both fight the U.S. occupation. However if you believe in human beings capacity to change you have to ask yourself what will it take to modernize Islam to the point where sunni and shia are not killing other humans beings including themselfs. I will be totally honest I don't fully understand the hatred between sunni and shia. I only understand that it is rooted in their relegious difference and thousands of years of hate over that difference. I'm not even sure what that difference is. So I sure am one of those Americans who does not understand it very well. I only know that if the middle east does not emerge from the dark ages war will wage in that region forever. America will inevitably become caught up in some of those conflicts and a third world war is no unconceivable over the middle east and the terrorist organizations they inspire and sometimes outright support. If it were another time, when planes could not make the jump over the oceans so quickly, I would say leave the middle east to it's on devices. Bring out troops home, secure our borders, build our own stuff, and let the world go to hell. But America is not protected by the vast ocean anymore. Planes can make it to our shores in a mere 6 hours from some countries. In short I have no real answers but only more questions. Good Day, Joe.
However if you believe in human beings capacity to change you have to ask yourself what will it take to modernize Islam to the point where sunni and shia are not killing other humans beings including themselves.
For me its lots of other sects until the religion is watered down to our level. if there a few 100 sects you get what we have here. but as long as they will kill anyone for trying to leave or change that is not going to happen, its a death cult and that is one cult that is hard to leave.
Islam is a violent and hateful religion that encompasses a barbaric and primitive tribal system. They promote an authoritarian point of view and worship the cult of death with and will destroy any voices of dissent.
What would there prophet say about this hatred among his followers?
and those two religions killing each other is a bad thing, why? I think that should have been our policy all alone and not that of a police man for muslim.
the united states will NEVER get these people to quit fighting..they were doing it long before we were a country...if the usa expects there to be peace the only simpe response is to NUKE em all and be done with it...we got all these old nukes to get rid of .. what a better place
i know .. how ubsurd... but think about it... it gets rid of the old stuff and does away with all the fighting 
and in time we can move in and get all the oil ...
It is people like you that almost engulfed the world in flames during the US/USSR Cold War, hateful and narrow minded.
Couldn't the same have been said about Catholics and Protestants a few hundred years ago? Now we get along pretty good; even Belfast is fairly civilized these days.
In the richer muslim countries, religion will slowly secularize and bring stability between these two groups.
This is a very harsh way to describe the relationship between Sunni and Shia!! At the end of the day, both believe on God and Mohamed as their prophet!!
you said "They will never rest until they, and their allies (to be read the U.S.) are eliminated."
Well 100% of the terror attacks in afghanistan, pakistan, iraq and anywhere in the world is done by sunni...all the 9/11 terrorists where sunni....smile...and also al-qaida is a sunni terror org....smile again... people like you...were there at the begining of islam and they still exists...that is why God sent us sura munafiqeen...
You can not be more wrong. There is No difference at all not even a hair or difference between Shiite and Sunnis. One Book, One God , one prophet, all the same. The dif. is political nothing else at all. Only bigots and ill informed morons think or say there is a difference. Unlike Christianity and even Jewdaism, Islam is the same all over the world. As for the allegations, they can not be more false. This is Obama's WMD he is looking at an excuse to attack Iran so he is looking for a way to do it. However, he is gonna find that the world is aware of America's tricks and that he will not succeed.
You are paranoid!
No questions. I completely agree and all the more reason that the United States needs to exit these affairs. We must find other energy resources and leave these people to do what they want to do, what they will always do, kill each other.
To your point, Americans dont understand and cannot even conceive of how deep seated their hate is towards each other. We have no business medling in their affairs, no business setting foot in any of the Middle Eastern nations including Israel, and the sooner we understand that the better.
Easier said than done of course, but at this point, cant we see where our past behavior has gotten us and walk away from that method? Lets cultivate alternative energy and sources. Henry Ford would be proud of us.
Enough!
Thats exactly like saying Protestant Christians, Catholic Christians, Coptic Christians,Eastern Orthodox Christians could NEVER possibly live in peace and need to be completely segregated from eachother since theyre all so very bloodthirsty and can NEVER agree on a few religious precepts. Might I suggest a vacation to Northern Ireland(Ulster)?
Or if you live in America(which I do) you could just walk around outside and talk to different people of different faiths and youll notice there are MANY people of MANY different faiths, and we all manage to get alone. Hell, out of the 190+countries on earth almost all are comprised of more than just one religion.
Logic- 1; You- 0
Its not just in the U.S my friend, most people in the world are tolerant of others' religion. Its just that the people screaming the loudest are the bigots and warmongers.
That is absolutely Rubbish. History tells us that the Final Settlement is always peacfull and NEGOTIATED!
You can be smart and negotiate and reconcile your differences up front or after a LONG war which no one wins!
Examples include the Two World Wars....Germans hated almost everyone, there were regional rivalries between France, UK, Russia.....But after having lost Millions of People to the two World Wars...They are all working on how they get get closer rather than tear each other apart!
Look at Northern Ireland!....their religious rivalry dates back pre-Islamic...BUT they have learnt to sit around a table and negotiate!
It's worthwhile to note that we wouldn't know or care what the various religious sects did to each other if we didn't depend on their oil. The sooner we develop real renewable energy sources the sooner we'll be able to ignore the mindless religious wars in the Mid East – assuming we don't have the same foolish conflicts here in the US. Our evangelicals are no less crazy than the radical Muslims – they just dress a little better and all of them don't smell camels (strangely... some do...)..
Why is this "alleged" ? This is not a US court case. CNN uses "alleged" even when reporting on crimes for which the accused have already been tried and convicted. In trying to be politically correct CNN often is not being correct.
Which country has assassinated most world leaders and citizens of other countries they dislike? USA for sure. So why is USA all up in arms? This is bogus entrapment. Is USA going to war with Iran simply 'cos someone in Iran wants a Saudi dead?
I say england
nope, England has been using assassinations for 500+ years longer than the U.S.
Alleged can be used in this way. You can allege something without it being an official statement in a court of law you terrible pedant!
Also, all but 2 of the 9/11 hijackers were Saudi Arabian. None were Iranian.
That is really eye opening. A lot of what the author writes does make sense. However i do have to comment on
1- Tthe Bahraini population make-up. Like Jewel said," There are no official figures for the proportion of Shia and Sunni among the Muslims of Bahrain. Most academic analysts give the native Bahraini population a Shia majority of approximately 70 percent" (Wikipedia).
2- Another issue the author neglected to mention/ or go into more detail about, is the fierce "fight" for power between Iran and Saudis in Lebanon...Iran supporting an armed Hizbolla in Lebanon, aided them into taking power of the whole country, and as the Saudi backed Sunnis are unarmed, the entire population was forced into bowing its head to Hizbolla. Needless to say the majority of Lebanese are anti-Hizbolla, but fearing that Hizbolla's weapons are going to be pointed at them AGAIN, what can they do other than shut up? Lebanon has seen its fair share of civil war, and everybody is trying to keep that just a memory...
Another point the author does not mention is that Saudi Arabia and Iran are fighting to get control of Islam in that region. In the last 20 years, Pakistan and Afganistan has moved towards staunch Wahabi Sunni ways. This includes the black aabayai that women have to wear in public, not letting women work, breaking the buddah statutes in Afghanistan. This wahabi school of thought is only present is Saudi Arabia and they are funding all the religious schools in these countries to breed brain washed kids who will spread their word. This funding of crazies is being done to dominate the region and surround Iran with the hostile neighbours. Also by the way Iran is equally guilty but just not as successful as Saudi Arabia due to the large amount of money backing them. Lastly, the irony is that Saudi Arabia who is an ally of US is funding most of the terrrorism through these groups, and the US will never bring their name up. Keep blaming Iran and Pakistan's poor governments. Pakistan takes billions in aid from Saudi Arabia and will never be able to call out this saudi conversion of its people to Wahbism... As a muslim who was born in Saudi Arabia, I feel they are the biggest problem for Islam.
Great observation!
I dont think Obama is the type of person to make up something like this. Bush maybe, but not obama...
How can you possibly say that Obama would never lie – he has done nothing but lie and make excuses since he took office.
Trust no politician, your ignorance must be comforting.
Friends:
The politically correct German media cannot bring themselves to use the word Islam or Muslim but point out the issues of Islamic supremacy and barbaric tribal behavior that is common to the descendants of Ishmael the "wild donkey of man" as the bible describes.
Watch two very disturbing reports from the German media
http://www.shoebat.com/videos/ger.htm
LOL shoebat = failure. A guy who makes up stuff as he goes? ROFL!!! What next, Ronald McDonald was your academic advisor?
This is a pretty good job of disguising with fair words what it's all about, but this Muslim apologist can't ignore the fact: one is Sunni and one is Shiite, and they have been killing each other for 1300 years over that. Nice try, though. It's a sick a horrible truth that Muslims don't want you to know: their entire religion has been at war with itself over who was to succeed Mohammed ever since Mohammed died.
Dunno about you all but everything else being equal I rather side with the Persians than the Arabs.
Saudi is our 'friend' ONLY because of our petrodollar$. Americans would be in for a rude awakening if they think Saudi is their allies. Have we not forgotten Bin Laden himself is Saudi? so were most if not all the 911 hijackers. The Wahabism sect is also a product of Saudis. Google Wahabism if you don't kow what it is. It is basically the culprit for ALL Islamic fanatism we see today. You can also bet that the average Saudi Arabian person hates Israel and the US more than the avg Iranian.
Is it just me, or does the photo illustrating this story on the front page come off as a plethora of nuns?
One can gain a further perspective on Middle Eastern views in book – king of Bat'ha
Aside from the fact the the Saudis are for the most part Sunnis while the Iranians are Shiites, the motivation between them is an even greater cause for this rivalry. The Saudis as Muslim Elitists are motivated by their lavish lifestyles and big bucks while the Iranians as Shiites are motivated by their religion so this rivalry will only continue! So it's no surprise just which side the U.S. and NATO will support in case of war!!!
Saddam was doing the US a favor by keeping Iraq under Sunni Muslim dominance (rule by fear).
The US transformed Iraq to a Shia Muslim dominated country, and now must remain to keep peace in the region.
The results of the Bush foolish blunder into Iraq has empowered Iran more than anyone. What absolute incompetent fools they were.
US is involved in two proxie wars. Iraq is a proxy war between Saudi backed Sunni and Iran backed Shia factions. Afghanistan is a proxy war between Pakistan backed Taliban and India backed Secular regime. As much as they hate the US, they hate each other more. Neighbors always fight over land, power, etc. The victims in all of this are the Afghans and Iraqis that do not want to be involved and the US forces in the region. US needs to pull out of these religious wars or at the very least take a side. (Saudi and India seem to be favorable sides for us in both conflicts).
makes sense on the surface.. dig a little deeper... India, China and Russia are long time supports of Iran. they help it sell oil and fund killing americans or anyone else... The taliban are the Wahabi Sunni muslims, don't believe in women working, voting, etc. etc... They are funded by the only other country in the world that follows Wahabi Sunni Islam.. Saudi Arabia... Supporting Saudi Arabia and India almost funding people who fund US killers..
Where the heck did you get this idea from? "The two countries, at odds since the 1979 revolution in Iran and ever more so in the wake of the Arab Spring, are competing for dominance in global energy markets and nuclear technology"
Since when is EITHER of these countries competing for "dominance" in nuclear technology? And realistically neither Iran nor Saudi Arabia are in a position of dominance in the global "energy" market (just oil).
they were "competing for dominance in global energy markets and nuclear technology" once CNN started saying they were. CNN can make as many lies as it want. People will just eat it up
Plain and simple. Shias and Sunnies.(Period)
Good grief. Has CNN lost the ability to edit its articles? The poor grammar and misspellings in recent articles is beyond belief. Reading this is akin to reading an elementary school story. Come on CNN get your act together. I had to quit reading this interesting but so poorly written article after “unlikely that Iran will stage a military intervention in Iran”. Really?
One of the best articles I've read in a long time – pure information by a knowledgeable writer ... not just some know-nothing fool trying to push his opinion.
Who cares about Iran/Iraq/etc... any more. We need to FIX AMERICA!!!
the US cared apparently.....we're spending our treasure to fund this pit. I'm glad obama kept his promise to bring the boys home and stop the war. Wait he didn't? Oh bother, obama is just another bush
Not only that but he reinforced a war, and started a new one in Libya, illegally. Three wars in all.
What you fail to understand is this is not something you can just walk away from. Now if we had just when in there and kill the enemy and left, we could have claimed victory. But not sense we decided to HELP rebuild the countries we OWN the situation in iraq and afganistan. If we leave and all hell breaks loose we lost. No president want to be the one who loses the war.
Looking at them all with their hoods on is like going back some 5,000 years and watching the most insane / inane of slavery. Pure ignoramuses. [islam is a disease].
Indeed a disease that should be eradicated immediately
At this point I think that the U.S. should just leave and let them work it out, It really wouldent matter if they all killed each other. The United States should learn to but out and start worring about the American People.
What difference does it make if that whole part of the world keeps killing eachother I still have to eat, work, and do every day tasks, weather they live or die makes no difference to the American population.
Let's stop our oil dependence so we won't have to care about this.
I agree. We need to tap every oil & gas reserve in this country and all the alternative forms as well. Stop meddling in this hornets nest of fanaticisim. The Middle East will ALWAYS ALWAYS be a region of violence and strife. From religious intolerance, civil war, and genocide that has been their legacy going back 1,000 + years to the times of Mohammed. Enough is Enough. Let these fools destroy each other.
The trouble is we simply don't have enough conventional energy resources nor the immediate ability to make use of them to just leave. I agree that we need to focus on alternative energy, but it will take decades to ween ourselves off of foreign oil and we will be fighting corporations deeply entrenched in the political fabric of this country. Still, it is something that must be done and started soon. These countries fight like this and produce extremists and terrorists when the resources and wealth is there..........can you imagine what it will be like when the wells run dry and the crazies are left with nothing but sand, their religion, and their nukes? We don't want to be a part of that!!!
Let's find clean, reliable and affordable energy such as wind, solar, waves, biogas and not exploit our natural resources and pollute our environment, which is causing our planet to overheat. Globalwarming is a huge problem, and so many people have no idea how fast it's happening.. think lots of our land will under water, there will droughts, food shortages and who knows what could follow. To fight over a product that is destroying our ecosystem is simply baffeling to me. We are so behind in developing clean technology, and there is little time left, I am talking years. I certainly do not advocate oil production in our country or in any other. The only reason we really need oil now it to fuel planes since the other energy sources are not transportable. Of course that is destroying our ozone.
Sure. AMericans unfortunately care more about their 400 horsepower hemis than they do about America;s future. That is a fact that the Saudi king enjoys hearing daily. Iran too.
Sure. Americans unfortunately care more about their 400 horsepower hemis than they do about America's future. That is a fact that the Saudi king enjoys hearing daily. Iran too.
The blog bickering distracts from the quality of this article. It's nice to see an intelligent point of view on the US's geopolitical future. Our myopic view of world politics is a threat to 'our' interests. The future of the US's political policies & vast international energy business should be of great concern to American voters. Our political climate is toxic and has been on display in the recent GOP debates. America should embrace R&D in future energy development/green tech & infrastructure improvements. Reducing reliance on foreign energy sources would reduce Saudi & Iranian bank accounts, along with tempering their influence in the Central Asian region. The rivalry will continue, but the stakes will be limited. Nuclear Proliferation is another topic our country should be debating, The US can no longer be a hypocrite when it comes to nuclear energy & development.
Same 'ol story of majority vs. minority.. blah blah.. when will Mankind learn a new game to play...
so true
I thought that a US citizen can't be part of another's country army, or any position of another country's government. Wouldn't that make the person lose US Citizenship?
" But it is unlikely that Iran will stage a military intervention in Iran," Does anybody proof read this stuff?
Very insightful and informative article. While we should remember that Iran and Saudi Arabia are rivals, we should also be aware that they are ONLY rivals. On a larger plane, both countries are dedicated to spreading the doctrines of Islam to the rest of the world, just as the Koran and their prophet Muhammad requires them to do. As leading exponents of the jihadist ideology of Islam, both Iran and Saudi Arabia are, in fact, our enemies. Both of them support Sharia law. Both of them support the Cairo Declaration of Human Rights in Islam which is in irreconcilable conflict with our Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Mr. Ameer I see your point and fully understand it. But as an American I am sorely afraid that, through no fault of it's own, America has been caught up in a war that will last a very long time. My hope is the good decent muslims in the world will somehow fight to modernize Islam, bring it out of the dark ages, for our childrens sake. As long as Islam lets the past rule it their can not be a future. No nation will allow Islam to subjugate it. So it is better that the moderate Muslims take a stand against their radical backward elements. This will ultimately be very dangerous and painful for Muslims as a whole but I still beleive moderate, decent Muslims outnumber the few vocal but dangerous radicals. So the only hope to avoid more bloodshed is if Islam can be brought out of the dark ages. Good Day, Joe.
1. Iran does not hate "Saudi Arab" but hates "Saudi Royals"
2. Iran does not envy Saudi economy , Iran told Saudi Arab many times to increase the price of oil so that Saudi and Muslim money can be increased too, but the puppet royals do not do that . It would have been better for Saudi economy .
3. Saudi Royals do not care about the country's economics but do care about their economics only , so they keep the oil price down and the US helps them to continue their dictatorship and living in billion dollar palaces .
4. Iran's do not give a damn if it can't sell oil to the US or other Zionist controlled countries . China is a huge customer , who needs the US market now anyway ?
5. Most of the Saudi Arabians (at least 90%) are anti-American . It is a terrorizing matter to them to see their leaders being so close to the US Zionists .
6. "Sunni and Shia problem" is not the main problem between Saudi Royals and Iran , the problem is about "Pro-Zionist Royals and Anti-Zionist theocracy" .
7. Iran not only help Hezbollah but recently it told that it will modernize the Lebanese army and arm them with any weapon that the Lebanese Army want . But even after the brutal bombing by Israel on Lebanon because of "Sunni PLA" the Sunni Muslims in Lebanon side with Israel rather than Iran . Why is Iran the enemy when it is trying to liberate Sunni Palestine while "Sunni royals" are proven traitors in this regard ? So the case is those Sunnis who are anti-Iran are not pro-Muslim but pro-Zions .
8. Muslims can't be united and powerful by paying heed to the Zionists' advices.
9. Muslims are fools till now .
10. Sectarian discord is the best tool to fool them . So enjoy .
Dear Controlled News Network or Cartoon New Network,
Please refrain from inventing stories, pushing war, yellow journalism.
Ask the three hikers how great Iran is. They used to be bleeding heart liberals just like you who thought it was great, too.
Persian empire and Arabs has been at odds even before the advent of Islam . This whole rivalry cannot be explained by Shai Sunni issue only . There are interests of power and dominance at the very core of this conflict. I personally know many Iranian who are more proud of their Persian ancestry and history than being Muslim or Shia for few centuries. But at the end of the day , you can always justify use religion to massacre thousands .
Another professor who missed history class. Shia-Sunni rivalry has gone on since their beginning and still remember the land being controlled by Persia and Sunni's treated as second class. Long before 1776. It is also natural for Iraq to fall under the Shia as they are the majority of the populace who have waited decades for this opportunity (and will wait as long as it takes to get even). To try to place the whole onus on us while ignoring a long simmering hatred is just ignorant.
Truly a part of the world that should be turned into a giant parking lot.
I don't buy it for one second
Yes, let's start a war with Iran. It'll be quick, easy, and cheap, just like our war with the 1/3rd size Iraq was...
If we just nuked them, rather than played "nation builder", we would have been out of there 10 years ago.
They attacked up - we shouldn't be responsible for rebuilding their country, just for neutralizing the threat by any means necessary
When did Iraq attack the US?
Why do you bother about it. You are the enemy of Islam and Muslims. Let them solve their own issue if any such.
It is an evil consipiracy of US to trouble between two muslim countries and attack Iran. The evil has nothing in his own country as its economy in deep trouble so it has only option to attack again on one more muslim nation and invade it.
The US can't wait and is trying to provoke a war between the two countries just like it did in Iraq/Iran in the 80s of course for its own interest.
Really and how does a war between these two oil rich countries help us again?!? Explain this to me please.
You don't gt it? Take the history class and learn how USA profited from the Iran/Iraq war. USA foments major war around the world roughly every 10 years and profits from it.
Note to my warmongering fellow citizens who make believe they can read. This is long standing between the Saudis and Iran. This is religeous based hate. Beware evangelicals. You have shown you like wars and want laws to force your morality thoughts (not actions) onto every American.
If Bush were still president, the entire political Left would be alleging that this plot was faked as an excuse to go to war with Iran. Instead, I've yet to here one of CNN's many conspiracy theorists even explore that line of thinking. Ah, the veil of partisanship!
Your statement says you are pleased with CNN's treatment of this event and it is an improvement on their previous reporting.
I am in the political left, and this stinks. When you get your head out of your right armpit, we'll have something to talk about. By the way, you find the WMD's yet?
Washington will do *anything* to shift the public focus from it's own failure as a democracy and economy. This is no basis to the allegation this man was working on behalf of the Iranian government. This is just another indication of how desperate our own regime has become.
Just sell the Saudi's weapons and arm the enemies of Iran. In light of the last Iranian adventure, a blockage of Iranian ports and a little disruption of oil flow out of Iran might also be helpful.
1 thing 4 sure: President Obama does not control everything ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,e.g.,,congress,,,,,,,,maybe others
prima facia evidence that Islam is something that the world would be better if it were to just go away
it boils down to two countries who follow variations of the same cult
Ugly hateful religion, will never be at peace with its neigbors...can't even find peace within its own religion factions. World would be a better place without Islam.
world would be a better place without religion. PERIOD.
By the way GOP T party-evengelical coalition of the wealthy. If you do convince your politicians to war...Learn to read a map.
because one is a real arab nation and the other is a tool of the west...
YaThink, Irainians are not arabs Saudis are arabs Iranians are persian
Religion is a good reason. Also its human nature to want to kill others outside your group.
Why are they doing this? Distraction. Remember, the good old dictator creating a new common enemy taking attention away from the dictator himself. HATE THE RICH.
What's the different? They are both crazy and a bunch of hypocrite. Should I call them Crisp, Pop and Crack.
Don't buy this BS. THe US is lying – AGAIN in order to drum up support for another unncessary war in the middle east.
From my experience living in Arabia the friction between Saudi Arabia and Iran is more racial. Any time the question arose it was quickly pointed out that the Iranians were "NOT ARABS" and that they did not have the Arab nations good interest at heart. This from not just Saudis but other Arab nationals.
It would be better if you all go and visit MIDDLE EAST before make any statement or give any comments.
The problem is we, in America, are absolutely manipulated by our closed ignorant media.
visit Iran, Iraq, Saudi – then come and talk!
I couldn't agree more. Folks, Please pick objective sites with quality content. BBC for instance. This trash is republican driven nonsense.
More knowledgeable people like you are needed to understand the lies of the Government. Government is an establishment that does not change with the change of Presidency. It is deep rooted than that. So, the lie and propaganda continues.
Why is the U.S. still, after what we learned yesterday on top of what the world have seen come out of IRAN since the snake became president (second term stolen from the people of IRAN) hesitant to follow through of going after states harboring and sponsoring terrorism?
They're (IRAN) killing our American soldiers in IRAQ and AFGHANISTAN and now this. Why allow the snake to set foot on our soil and insult us and ISRAEL? Uh.. let us not ignore RUSSIA and CHINA our friends when they meet us face to face and our enemies when our backs are turned. Neither care about world peace so long as long they continue to make money by trading with IRAN. THE LONGER IT TAKES TO TAKE CARE OF IRAN, THE WORSE IS GOING TO BE WHEN THE COMING WAR IN THE MIDDLE EAST BREAKOUT BECAUSE WE NEGLECTED TO CUT THE HEAD OF THE SNAKE......IS A SAD TIME FOR MANKIND.
Why you always have to have ISRAEL after US? Why can't you think of our issues only? If we had done that then world would have been better place for us and fewer issues around the world. I hate to see that our innocent kids are dying for Israel's cause. Wake up people!!
Sunni vs Shia, religions do kill. Human beings are stupid in fighting over something invisible in the sky.
Much of the world has been able to overcome prejudicial thinking. This is now the Arab decision, whether to live or die by their own hands.
Oooooonce again, blame corporate greed.
Take away their bargaining chip (oil) and these pests can bicker over who's got the biggest sandcastle.
The sooner we're off oil the better.
Why would they want to kill Saudis? Because they are crazy people ruled by a mentally ill man, who like to kill people.
it's FAKE Event BRO....
Yea, but still doesn't explain why they would take such a chance to blow up the Saudi Ambassador in the U.S. Blow him, or someone else, up some other place. Assissination in the U.S. is taking a big chance. A big chance.....and of course it was exposed and failed. I can see Quds force/hand in this up to a point of some rogue officer..but the Iranian leaders would not be so stupid to try this on American property. That would be crazy. They could get caught. They DID! get caught.
Mattie13, Do you really think the Iranian government is that smart. Think about it. They would of loved to embarrassed the U.S. by proving the U.S. is too weak to protect Saudis in their own country. The U.S. is in Saudia Arabia protecting the oil there. The Government of Iran is so smart they figured out the Holocost never happened and Bush caused 911.
Why would we be involved in this. We talk about autonomous rule and self dependence yet we meddle in foreign affair because of our obvious dependence on their resources. SOMEONE HAS TO CALL OUT THESE PIGS ON CAPITAL HILL AND TELL THEM TO GO BACK TO THE "LES AFFAIRE" IDEA!
72 virgins for all ... alaakbar
Really...i don't believe this event...america wanna make a war between saudi arabia and IRAN......really fake event.... -__- who believe this??!!...in this world...you never can't find the peace
A very well written article thanks Mr Milani!
since the "bs" excuses for afghanistan and iraq are wearing thin..... the "military industrial complex"....and the pentagon (the people who actually run the U.S. government (not the president or senate and congress) have got to find another excuse to keep bleeding the treasury dry..... these souless ...godless .a$$e$....just like the wall st. predators... are killing the U.S... the people be damned
united states wanna make new WAR...i'm wondering...why United states forbade Palestine from the accession of the United Nations??!!.....i think the answer it ....ISRAIL....
Trying not to state the obvious, the U.S. made a severe strategic error in dealing with Iraq. While Saddam Hussein was a brutal dictator that needed to go, he was also a natural impediment to Iran. US policy makers seemed to miss the demographic reality of Iraq (significant Shia population) and the opportunity vacuum that was created with Hussein's deposal. It couldn't have played out better for Iran, and the U.S. didn't see it coming – I predicted this the first minute of Shock & Awe (now more like Awe shucks!). The U.S. should have neutered Hussein, but kept him as an semi-active player in the never ending mid-east drama. Fundamental differences in religious dogma between Shia and Sunni have kept them at each other's throats for a millennia, and will continue into the distant future. Having said that, the people of Iran are exceptionally warm, friendly and much more modern in their thinking than most of the mid-east....it's the religious zealots and their greedy posse that keep the people in chains. The best hope we all have is to maintain a constant low-grade tension in the region...they must not be allowed to ally in any significant form. A full-on Machiavellian approach must be used here, supported by all the possible capabilities of western (and other) intelligence agencies. Benign dictatorships seem to work best for those cultures. If a nuke race starts in the mid-east, it'll turn into an end-game for all of us....
i heard that the freed hikers are now planning their next hiking trip, at the Korean DMZ trail.
People of the United States of America President Obama and AG Holder,
Mr.President,do you think we are all morons in this country?
This Terror Plot went down last May & June from what I heard.
What purpose was there to make this annoucement 5 months after it was exposed ?I know why and so do you!And what is the United States going to do in retaliation for this Plot?More useless santions that Iran can bypass by getting what they need from Russia and China and Pakistan.This is another Wake Up call America,when that eventual Suit Case Nuke goes off somewhere in this country all the Politicans will be crying "We should have known" and point fingers at each other because they did not have the guts to do what needs to be done today with Iran to make an example out of them.
Mr.President the time is now to do what needs to be done in order to avert a greater disaster in the near future.
Waiting for the Americans to be released from Iran
Frank all this even after both Israel and the US admit that Iran does not have the dreaded bomb. Should the US do what you recommend, what next, will you recommend they start eating your young and slughtering the rest of humanity and using us as a food source? No wonder god has taken your wealth away and have brought you to your fiscal knees. And,still no humility, mercy or grace. God must be relishing giving you what you have given to others.
Hmmm . . . ., maybe if they would embrace legalizing alcohol over there.
Do a little more drinking together and less hating on each other; just sayin' – might be worth a try.
It quiet unfortunate that america does not know her extent,now that america is so fulliesh that shes faking her capacity then we should leave them to their plan.Iran is not any other country but in particularly Iran that she is.wherther shai or sunni ISLAM is one.Nothing can seprate sunni,shia and ISLAM.so US should go and soak for all the shia and sunni care.
speculation on an alleged story. welcome to CNN
trust onmercifulgreat inthe world if you not do you youdo good to our muselim comunety trust do more relgous nimaz 5 time this our relegous muselm
I've been thinking about and have initially developed a general plan to establish an International Entertainment Complex in Erbil, Iraq. My plan would feature a High-End Thoroughbred Race Track (much like the one in UAE Dubai), a High End Nightclub (w/Featured Entertainers & Hookah "Shishaa" Area), 5-Star Hotel (w/Restaurants & Shopping Mall), and of course a Theme Park for Children. Would this bring people together from all over the World and help them to communicate, reduce the hate, and encourage acceptance of one another's beliefs and geography? I believe it's worth the effort and investment...What do you think?
Well, I have to be honest with you. While I applaud your plan from the standpoint of it's simplicity and ground-level communication possibilities I fear that all you would accomplish is to give the extreme factions 4 more prime bombing targets. Nothing says "We own you!" better than a vest bomb going off in a large crowd of innocent people. It's been all the rage now for some time.
Now, if you set this up where the vast majority of the revenues these places generated were distributed to the common man and woman on the street (say in the form of good paying jobs for example) then when the inevitable happened (I'm talking about that bombing thing we spoke of earlier) these extremists will cost themselves even more support from the masses making recruiting more and more difficult. In the long-term they'd end up cutting their own throats with every bomb that goes off.
Sad commentary and brutal truth...disgusting but real....
My 2 cents....
Absolutely – The Safety and Security of Employees and Customers would be paramount – The #1 priority of the Complex! The economy of many, many countries would be positively affected, due to the required influx of expertise, materials, and supplies needed for initial construction, continued maintenance, and potential growth. Employment locally and internationally, would be plentiful; however, would be the most significant to the citizens of Erbil, its surrounding communities/areas, and Iraq as a whole. If the residents want it to succeed and sustain and grow for the common good of so many, they will help to keep it a Safe and Secure place to live and work and enjoy!
I think that that is a great idea! Just one question though: Would'nt we (U.S Military) have to go and invade, occupy, rebuild, then give that country to its people through democratic process? Just asking because I don't think that Ahmadinejad and his cronies would allow that now.
Oops! Thought you were talking about Iran. sorry
No Apology Necessary! Many Iranian Citizens and Companies would benefit due to the export of expertise, materials, and supplies needed for the Complex. As mentioned above, many Countries (their Citizens and Companies) would be positively affected by the flurry of business activity this effort will create.
Typical way of western hindus criminals, exploit differences between Muslims and reap benefits. Not much of article is fact but hindu soul filthy desire in hinduism absurdity.
if Iran's involvement is true in this case then it might be one step to test nuclear weapon.
Who would benefit the most from causing a Shia-Sunni war? Obviously US can't attack Iran, and If the impose a new sanction Iranians won't care. so what is the purpose of this other than causing a shia- sunni war?
What i think this plot theory, is made up, to get saudi dictaters on board, for past 2 years saudis were pulling away, because of dr. obama,s actions. GOP presidents do much better to keep a balance, between israeal and arabs.
On one side they talking to haqanis, and other side they blame pakistan is playing duble role . all politic
I think Iranians need to beware of Americans. They showed them pictures of Iraqi border in 1990 with the columns of Iraqi soldiers and tanks behind the Iraq-Saudi border and later these pictures turned out to be fake. US has a history of faking evidence and in some cases inventing it as means to an end.
correction the first sentence should read "Saudis"
These 2 guys have had there brains removed and replaced with Mossad artificial intelligence units. They are remote control terrorists.
There is no other explanation.
Huw, I think you really believe this sh_t. Find anything going on in the world and blame Israel. The only thing keeping Islam from taking over the world is Islam.
Arabs, sunite and shiite muslims are laughing at these accusation. We all know that Iran has nothing to do with this. It's only an excuse to begin a war against Iran. USA becomes now the most hated country in all arabian countries. Arabs and muslims are fed up with the american lies, wars and propaganda. Stop involving yourself in everything.
Yacine This happened in the Summer and the reason why it is coming out now is that the USA is ready to get as many countries as it can on its side and wipe Iran off the map. Iran will now be called Saudi Arabia II. Bye Bye Bye, Bye Bye Iran.
Jack Ass?
Jack, You do not know the Iranian people,The Iranian people are very powerful, they are unified.
they are not afraid of death, martyrdom and death are in God's way.
Holy Quran (AL-E-IMRAN (THE FAMILY OF 'IMRAN) – Juz' 4) :
"you must not think that those who were killed in the way of allah are dead. but rather, they are alive with their lord and have been provided for, (169)"
right on
i meant right on for the following comment:
edog355
Don't buy this BS. THe US is lying – AGAIN in order to drum up support for another unncessary war in the middle east.
CNN be quiet, there is nothing going on and you know it. stop instigating.
Shalom, sohlomolevy. CNN is however the mouth piece of their corrupt , greedy and sometimes merciless govt. This is how vipers feed.
Do you really think the Iranian government is that smart. Think about it. They would of loved to embarrassed the U.S. by proving the U.S. is too weak to protect Saudis in their own country. The U.S. is in Saudia Arabia protecting the oil there. The Government of Iran is so smart they figured out the Holocost never happened and Bush caused 911.
USA will attack Iran and pakistan just before nov 2012. election is coming stay on power strat the war.
These wahabis make me sick. They are beyond the scope of Shia and Sunni relations; so all of you who keep talking about that, regurgitating what you learned in a class you took, save it for a time when your information is relative. Wahabis are a completely different dimension of Islam and they just need to go away forever. Saudi Arabia is the most hypocritical alliance we have. They have a track record of human rights violations that soars far beyond Glenn Beck's wettest dream about Iran. Saudi Arabia has housed and bred more terrorists than any other country.
We have to lie this country into another war, people. Those trillions of tax dollars aren't going to just march themselves from the Treasury over to the Military Industrial Complex, you know!
Gotta love the huge propaganda build up for the coming war with Iran. oh CNN <3
Excellent article. I am always interested in the diplomatic relationships between other countries and the historic development that has led to modern era relationships. As an American, I know our relationships between other countries and the U.S.A.
I like how the author equates the Iran/Saudia Arabia tension to the U.S.A./U.S.S.R. relationship. Would recommend this article for others to read.
This is the start of game theory
I believe that America's government wants the public opinion of America's away from movement Wall Street,also they want ready mind of people America's and other on the world to attack to Iran.
To prove this I have told,I proposal you can see Battlefield 3 (October 2011) game and Transformers 3 (2011) movie.
This charge is a lie.
Ahmad my Persian ex-husband shares your position. I appreciate your positions. I however see this issue differently. So far Arabia has fallen like a set of dominos either through wars with the USA or via the Arab spring. The US and her NATO allies do not want to directly attack Saudi Arabia -they would not want to kill the goose that lays the golden egg. If they could however stir up the kind of trouble between Muslim brothers:Iran and the Saudis and a war ensues, then they could just waltz in with "help" for the Saudis, wipe out most of Iran in the process, while all the while doing so under the guise of friendship for the Saudis, when all along their underlying battle plan is to use the Saudis to create the domino effect that would cause the complete fall of Arabia and Islam right along with it. They become the victor and as you know "to the victor goes the spoils". And lets face it, the US could use all the spoils it could get.
The hole story was like 9 11 story – a action base on conservative Jewish organization which some create Jewish lobbies in USA . Such action has one single goal. Have USA go to war with Islamic countries and have those countries fight each other. Yes this true 911 happen in day, when all the Jewish employee of world trade center were at home and celebrating their holyday. 9 11 was planned a way which should led to destroying Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia by USA tax payer and life and have USA trade be in hand of more Jewish traders.
In 9-11 brightest non-Jewish American who work in world trade center got killed and which let the World Trade Center employee survivor of 9-11(mostly with Jewish background) becomes unique power of US market. By Jewish organization control most of the money in USA, they are easily able to fund their lobbies and get whatever they like including a USA senator if need it . With their money they can control everything . This is why Netanyahu, will travel to NY to meet with Jewish lobbyist group before visiting Obama…, before vote on state of Palestine in UN
Because of problems USA army faced in Iraq and Afghanistan; they never did go to Iran, Saudi Arabia and Syria. Therefore, If Saudi prince would be assented, and Joe Lieberman and Hilary Clinton could mange bring more fair and support to Saudi family, it could let to Saudi Arabia to fund war against Iran and get involve in war. Therefore the to strongest Muslim power would destroy each other. At the end of the those action or war would be pay by American, Iranian and Saudi Arabia; as result conservative Jewish would be able to get there dream which is in Israeli flag, could be more realistic, a dream which is include all the lands between Nile to Euphrates for Israel .
I hate Iranian government
I think Jewish people are very hard working people
But this what I see is happening
Thank you for reading
United States should take care of its own issues and look after its people. There is no point for America's nose in middle east ....there was Iran and Iraq war for no reason, where the west made tons of money selling weapons to the idiot Iran/Iraq governments.....and now Iran & Saudi...Are u kidding me???...i wish United states would stop and think about human of these countries...Iraq is in mess, afghanistan is in mess...it's like the west is not going to settle down until it kills all innocent people....these countries and the people of United states all have hopes for a normal life to have jobs and to be able to support their families....i believe the editor of this article is a paid writer just to justify the United States plan to screw middle east further...i mean the middle east governments are idiots that do not care for their people and they do not need push from Western to screw the poor people up more......i wish you would stop and for once take the people's views into consideration before trying to make it Iranian's or Soudi's wish to fight each other....believe me when i say Iranian and Iraqi did not want war back then and Iranian and Saudis most definitly do not want war now......
To all you Conspiracy theorist, Have you watched the CNN inteviews?
The map above shows where most of the problems for centuries occur. if we could just wipe them off the map most of the worlds problems would be solved. Backward, stoneage people who will never change and want to force their twisted ideology on everyone else.they only believe in death not life, hate instead of love, war instead of peace. When was the last time any of those dictators ever said "we want love and peace for all the people of the world". I agree that we should stay out of those hell on earth countries, yes send them weapons they will kill themselves off because they worship death!!
Down with the Iranian government and its fear based primitive religious views. Those thugs who called themselves government officials and religious leaders have bestowed too much injustice and pain upon the poor Iranians and others around the world in the name of their religion without remorse or guilt. Putting a Christian Pastor on death row, killing plots all over the world, treating women as if they are less than zero, stoning, terrorism, hanging, cutting limbs...all under the name of their God. Let the tower of power come down hard and burn to ashes. A new order must be established or we all will pay the consequences. My Iranian brothers and sisters: How long will you allow injustice to occur before you throw your fist up in the air without a care for your life and fight for a free world for your children's sake??? When will you see that that is the only right thing to do??? I hope soon...Signed: An Angry American-Persian Phoenix
There are no easy answers to the worlds problems, solutions start with individuals. Don't subscribe to group think it's too easy. The world leaders all of them promise a chicken in every pot and the boogie man in every closet. None suffer more than the people they eat every night, their children are safe and their next check is coming from your pocket or at your expense. Every inch of this globe can be made prosperous, one nations gain does not have to come at the expense of another. Develop markets at home and export the excess, keep working wages, to keep the Corporations from exploiting developing countries. Do not use your religion as a WMD. policy issued in backrooms of government buildings can't speak for everyone.
The article clearly laid out the fundamental differences and rivalry between Iran and Saudi Arabia but it failed to talk about USA and its role as well as a more comprehensive solution.
The writer talks about Iran if it is governed by a stable state that tries to only strategically compete but their plans are much far fetched and radical as the writer describes.
The Islamic Fascist Apartheid state of Iran has been the menace in the region and has killed more Iranians than its enemies. It is a dangerous government and clearly has evil intentions.
Saudi Arabia is nothing but ruled by thugs and criminals a western puppet that bends over both ways to satisfy it western partners. It oppresses its people and its not better than Iran when it comes to Terrorism and Human Rights.
The writer failed to mention that both countries sponsor terrorism and terrorist activities. Let us not forget the tragic 9/11 and most of its culprits were Saudis.
What should USA do? USA should stop pretending that they are not benefiting from Islamic Fascist of Iran. Iran has been the cash cow for west. By creating that Evil Empire US has been able to sell their military junks to both UAE and Saudi Arabia not to mention getting oil at lower market value. The West has benefited tremendously on the expense of Iranian people and human rights.
USA also has turned away from Saudi Arabia's terrorist sponsorship and activities which clearly harms American men and women i uniform.
The USA government has no intentions for peace in Middle East. Actually a chaotic and unstable Middle East is very much profitable for the Western countries.
amazing, a hindu Jew spewing his hinduism absurdity about Islamic states, only fascist today a hindus criminal Jews, cousins of hindu criminal Nazis. Nazism = Zionism, difference of only on vowel, hindusim Judaism is fascism today none other, read some history before spewing your hinduism absurdity.
Blame it on Ali.
No country has killed more civilians than the USA. That is a fact. You can call that war, terrorism or kinetic military action. You can blame the poltical parties. You can believe the lies. You can look for solutions. If the recent polls are to be believed many Americans are not looking in the right place. I believe there is only one candidate that can give the Americans a chance regardless of political affiliation. Mentioning his name would be too easy. Do some reading, research, and discuss what you have found with friends. I hope you find the right person. Here is a hint go look at the record of all possible presidential candidates, choose the right one and if the traditional parties get in the way, take it to the streets. Good luck.
The Iranians chose Shia because they did not want to become Wahabbi Muslims. The Arab invaders have killed millions of Iranian "infidels" with the Islamic sword, which is still displayed on the Saudi flag. After 1400 years the Saudi aggression is still high, 19 of the 9/11 hijackers were Saudis. What should the US do? Read the book "Reset" by Steven Kinzer (misspell ?)
First: Shia people are less than 5% in Saudi Arabia.
Second: I don't know why CNN makes full coverage about Saudi Arabia and overlooked What is happening in the US.
U.S. military and corporations want a war with Iran. Bow down and sacrifice your children to the Mayan god of war.
If Mansoor Arbabsiar is dual citizen and one is US. Does that make the US behind this plot also, just as the US has accused Iran. Iran may be behind it, but you need some proof not just citizenship stats.
Saudization, this is a term which I learnt while I was in Saudi Arabia,it means because no Saudi Arab Men likes to work,( the work is done by the foregone workers,) this plan is introduced to force Saudis to actually wakeup and go to work. At the end of the day they have to rely on Foregone Powers and theIr politics. Comparing them to country like Iran is a big joke
Forgone, like gone before. Perhaps foreign is the word you'd prefer.
Just would like to clarify some issues mentioned about Bahrain,
First of all Bahrain’s population is estimated to be approximately 550,000 of which there is no official census statistics of the sectarian divide. Furthermore the only scholars that mention Shia’s comprise 75% of the population are that of the Bahraini Opposition who only seeks to justify their agenda therefore those figures are null and void. Hypothetically even if we do hold those figures as fact that does not necessarily mean that the majority are opposition, the shia sect in Bahrain can be further divided into many tribes and races (e.g. nationalized ex shah Iranians) of which a sizable portion is loyal to Bahrain’s leadership.
Next the author is giving Bahrain too much political leverage apart from housing the US Navy fifth fleet, the island is of a very small geographical mass, its population is minuscule and in terms of natural resources it is barren, therefore Bahrain is of no tangible consequence to Iran or Saudi Arabia. However, symbolically Bahrain serves as an ideal battle ground for power play to the determent of the majority of its intelligent, moderate and peace loving citizens. Iran has openly and clearly meddled and aided in three prominent coup attempts that have occurred since the 1979 Iranian revolution but to no avail, they keep insisting on meddling and their proxies in Bahrain keep complying regardless of the growth and development in the country.
Another false fact in this report is Saudi quashed the protests in Bahrain, that is not true, while Saudi Arabia did send in the Peninsula shield force they were basically meant to send the USA a veiled message that was indicative of worsening relations between the two countries. Obama’s inconsistent and hypocritical foreign policy was threatening the whole region; therefore these recent event regarding the new assassination ploy has really left me dumbfounded as to his again apparent shift of policy direction.
So far the Saudis are mighty calm about this.
Oh, this is Mossad all day.
you have a small penis
Simple psy op's and diversionary tactics meant to divert attention from Operation Fast & Furious and Eric Holder. Americans will believe anything these days.
Washington (CNN) - Congressional investigators issued a subpoena Wednesday for communications from several top Justice Department officials - including Attorney General Eric Holder - relating to the discredited
Rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran is created by United States of America. Iran was just fine until their democratic government by thrown out by US funded dictator and terrorist: the Shah of Iran. Then US instigated Iraq to attack Iran to start a 10 year old war. Huh....
Plain Simple, America wants Saudi to fight its war with Iran. Saudi is good old friend and will never refuse to do so. Its only a matter of time. Wait and Watch...
Wrote by Mohsen M Milani "but the Shiites are unslakeable in their hatred towards Sunnis." With due regads, I would say that this is not true.
I read almost all of the comments/replies on this page, but sorry to say that none of them gestured towards "Historical Facts" and divisions among these two major parts of Islam.
Let my briefly to explain:-
Muslims are divided in to two major parts, i.e Shia and Sunni
Sunnis are further divided in to four parts called "Hanafi", Shafai", "Maliki" and "Haunbali".
There is no hatred between Shias and Sunnis sects except Hanbalis...(Saudis). they are also called "Wahhabis"
confilicts being observed, are between Shias (Iran) and Hanbalis sunnis (Saudi Arabia).
again I would say that Shia has not hatred towards sunni Muslims.
The root of hatred between these two parts of Muslims has historical backgound, whic starts from almost early Isam era, when fights between Muaawiya and ALi occured.
Apparently Muaawiya succeeded.
Now in present world Hanbali/Wahhabis (Saudi Arab) trying to capture more areas (like pakistan, Afghanistan, Chechania etc etc) to impose thier ideology/sect. For this purpose they formed Al-Qaida and many other fully armed organization, active in Pakistan Afghanistan etc..
Ameracan and the western world, definitly knows that Al-Qaida, Sepah-e-Shaba, Lashkar Jhangvi etc belongs to sunni (Wahhabi), whom are financed by Saudi arab and other (like Kuwait, Behrain etc)
It is very amazing on the part of US and western world, who do not recognizing their actual enimy.
A big question arise in this regard????????????
Take a look, if you need any of legal forms.
Romance of ancient medianite-iranian rivalry and intrigues repeats itself and lives on.
Medianites were an ancient western persian tribe that had spread westwards where present day Arabs live. Medes was in constant rivalry with their Iranian persian brothers. Why do these two persian brothers hate each other so much. So much that when their brothers chose Sunni Islam, the Iranian brothers chose Shia Islam. Don't you see those aryan arabs are actually ancient western persians?
The prince of persia needs to redeem himself for the utter defeat and humiliation by the prince of greece that occurred more than 2000 years ago. And his brother deliberately stands in the way to annoy him. It took Alexander only a small contingent to totally disintegrate the vast and well-equiped persian empire. Yet now, the western powers, the prince of greece is in control of the world, and the eastern magi stand by observing silently but not passively, like a tiger waiting for its prey.
China has always waited and always exploited the spoils that come its way. The spoils of war without fighting the war.
Sounds like fairy tale? Or biblical mythology coming to life. A mythology is an epic so large and so complicatedly romantic (or romantically complicated) that it is almost always impossible to be true – but not necessarily impossible.
As someone who was born in Ireland who is aware of the pointlessness of sectarianism. Its funny how "sacred" this practice is. Its doesn't matter on the geography. Its the same story, The angry and dis-effected youth gets screwed, the youth who is unable to discern that they are the architects of there own life, so they look to their elders for answers and guidance. They get deceived by warmongers and charlatans ... the "1 percent " who make their money. All endorsed by the governments of the world.......
The best business in the world....
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