Saudi Arabia's Renewed Political Influence Counters Tehran

Saudi Arabia's clout in Middle East politics may be on the rebound.
At right, King Abdullah. Associated Press

From The Wall Street Journal:

Saudi Arabia's traditional clout over Middle East politics appears to be on the rebound with the weekend election victory of its political allies in Lebanon, after years of frustration in Riyadh over Iran's regional ascendancy.

Invigorated Saudi influence could be important to the Obama administration's emerging strategy on Middle East peace.

The staunch U.S. ally is seen in Washington as perhaps the only regional powerhouse that can bring unruly Arab neighbors, in particular Syria, into line with the U.S. goal of a comprehensive Arab-Israeli peace deal.

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My Comment: Saudi Arabia is also perceiving U.S. weakness and withdrawal from the region. Fearful of Iranian influence, they are trying their best to enter this vacuum. From my point of view, Saudi Arabia is looking more at the U.S., not Iran, and are acting accordingly.