Saturday, May 19, 2012

Rising Tensions Between Saudi Arabia And Iran



Saudi Arabia And Iran: Is Trouble Brewing? -- Al Jazeera

We ask if calls for a closer union between Gulf states are part of a broader strategy to counter Iran's influence.

Bahrain has summoned Iran's charge d'affaires to protest against what it calls a "gross violation of its sovereignty", after Tehran criticised efforts by Gulf Arab states to forge a closer political and military union.

The proposed union calls for economic, political and military integration.

The latest Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) meeting ended with no decision, but this did not stop Iran from hardening its tone, calling on Iranians to protest on Friday against what it described as a US plot to annex Bahrain.

Analysts say a closer union between Gulf states is part of a much broader defence strategy to counter Iran's influence.

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My Comment: This brewing conflict stems from the religious differences between the two countries .... a conflict that has been ongoing since the establishment of Islam in the region in the 7th-8th century.

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