Millhouse

So... KSA is throwing the toys out of the pram and getting all of its friends to do the same.

Last time this happened it took a larger common enemy to bring them together. ISIS isn't exactly that common enemy.

Wonder where it will end up. It'll probably further destabilize Pakistan is my first guess - probably allowing an ISIS foothold.

BritInParis

Iran and KSA squaring up for a fight that's been on the cards since the Islamic Revolution and the subsequent stoking of the Sunni vs. Shia split. Many of the troubles in the Middle East in that time that be viewed as proxy conflicts - ISIS and Yemen being the most prominent current ones.

norsk

There is a huge shift of power gradually happening in the Middle East and KSA obviously aren't too happy about it. The latest tantrum is just an excuse to call Iran the bad guy (again) in my opinion.

I saw someone the other day (an article perhaps) requesting the US to get behind the Saudis and tell Iran that they will defend them in case of aggression. I'm actually not so sure if they would anymore...

scrubbedexpat141

It almost seems a well time distraction for the Saudi's to get people to think about something other than ISIS and how they've grown etc.

BritInParis

I think that's the problem. With the US/Iran nuclear détente the Saudis are fearful that Iran might once again become the West's primary ally in the Middle East.

DXBtoDOH

I'd be more worried about N Korea at the moment

BritInParis

Only if I was living in Seoul or possibly Tokyo.

shiva

the usual spitting of dummies and throwing of shoes, not sure where itll go but without US backing Saudi is farked. They might have literally shed loads of equipment but in a straight up war i dont like the odds

BritInParis

Iran now accusing KSA jets of bombing their embassy in Sana'a.

Saudi coalition denies air strike on Iran's Yemen embassy - BBC News