Will U.S. Support For The Saudi Government Lead To War Against Iran?

Emma Ashford, US News and World Report: Trump Plays With Fire in Saudi Arabia

The president's tacit support for Mohammed bin Salman's crackdown could worsen regional tension

In recent months, the White House has managed to alienate most U.S. allies. The key exception has been President Donald Trump's apparently excellent personal relationship with Saudi leaders, following up his successful trip with strong praise for Mohammed bin Salman, the country's young crown prince and putative reformer. Yet in his unstinting support for the prince, Trump is also playing with fire.

Mohammed bin Salman is indeed seeking to reform the Saudi system, but he is also shaking up Saudi social and political institutions, and interfering in the affairs of his neighbors. His rash actions could have potentially destabilizing consequences for both the country itself, and for the broader Middle East.

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WNU Editor: Saudi internal politics have been a quagmire since the founding of the Kingdom. As for the Sunni - Shiite conflict .... it goes back centuries. That is why it is a stretch to blame President Trump for the current environment .... Trump may have pushed Saudi Arabia and Iran closer to war (CNBC). And if one looks at the current conflicts .... i.e. the Syrian civil war, the Saudi - Iran Cold War, the conflict in Yemen, etc. .... need I remind anyone that all of this started under President Obama's watch, not President Trump's. Bottom line .... as much as everyone likes to believe that the U.S. can influence events in the Middle East, in the end it is the people in the Middle East who will determine their future. And right now .... unfortunately .... the old religious and sectarian conflicts are rearing their ugly heads.

More News On U.S. Reaction To Events In Saudi Arabia And Its Conflict With Saudi Arabia

Trump Praises Saudi Purge, Voices Confidence in King, Crown Prince -- U.S. News & World Report
Trump expresses 'great confidence' in Saudi regime accused of political purge -- Washington Post
US urges action after Saudi accuses Iran over missile attack -- AFP
US urges action after Saudi accuses Iran of 'direct military aggression' over missile attack -- SBS
Trump may have pushed Saudi Arabia and Iran closer to war -- CNBC
Here's how Trump undermined US foreign policy, in one tweet -- Salon
What Changes In Saudi Arabia's Political Power Mean For US-Saudi Relations -- NPR