Author Description
For four decades Saudi Arabia and Iran have vied for influence in the Muslim world. At the heart of this ongoing cold war between Riyadh and Tehran lie the Sunni-Shia divide, and the two countries' intertwined histories. Saudis see this as a conflict between Sunni and Shia; Iran's ruling clerics view it as one between their own Islamic Republic and an illegitimate monarchy. This foundational schism has played out in a geopolitical competition for dominance in the region: Iran has expanded its influence in Syria, Iraq and Lebanon, while Saudi Arabia's hyperactive Crown Prince, Muhammad bin Salman, has intervened in Yemen, isolated Qatar and destabilized Lebanon. Dilip Hiro examines the toxic rivalry between the two countries, tracing its roots and asking whether this Islamic cold war is likely to end any time soon.
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
What are the historical, religious, and geopolitical drivers behind the enduring rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran? Dilip Hiro, a veteran journalist and expert on Middle Eastern affairs, utilizes decades of regional reporting and historical analysis to dissect the power struggle between Riyadh and Tehran. He argues that the conflict is not merely a sectarian dispute but a complex interplay of ideological legitimacy, regional hegemony, and shifting alliances that has reshaped the Middle East since the late 20th century.
THE SCOPE MAP
What You Will Find
- Historical analysis of the Sunni-Shia divide and its modern political weaponization
- Examination of proxy conflicts in Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, and Yemen
- Assessment of the impact of Saudi leadership changes under Muhammad bin Salman
- Evaluation of the diplomatic and military strategies employed by both nations
Scope Limits
- The text does not provide a comprehensive history of all Islamic nations, focusing strictly on the Saudi-Iranian axis
- It does not offer speculative predictions regarding the long-term resolution of the conflict
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
Experts recognize this work as a detailed and accessible primer on the structural tensions defining contemporary Middle Eastern politics. Readers frequently note the clarity of Hiro's prose, which successfully distills complex sectarian and geopolitical history into a coherent narrative for both students and general observers.
Page Count:
460
Publication Date:
2019-01-01
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
ISBN-10:
0190050225
ISBN-13:
9780190050221
History
Middle East
International relations
Religion and Politics
Geopolitics