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Abstract
This research paper shades light on the Saudi Arabian-Iranian conflict and its severity on the involved parties’ economic stature and international relations. The research paper elaborates the background of the Saudi Arabian- Iranian conflict and the factor that have resulted to the spiraling of the conflict, such as proxy conflict. Moreover, this research presents areas that are key to understanding the conflict and thus, it provides information that proves to be fundamental to the formulation of solutions to the historic rivalry between the two antagonizing parties. Furthermore crucial research questions are presented in this proposal, for steering the major areas of concern for the study. Finally, rational recommendations are presented in this research proposal, to aid in the solving of the Saudi Arabian-Iranian conflict.
Introduction
Power wrangles and conflict perpetuated by extremist and religious fanatics has been the main aggravating factor for the Saudi Arabia-Iranian conflict. The conflict between the two most powerful Islamic powers dates to the Iranian revolution in 1979, which was geared toward the establishment of the most powerful Islamic state in the Gulf. In this accord, the conflict has steady encroached and compromised the safety and economic endeavors of the entire region. Hence, the conflict has drawn enormous concerns from other democracies in the Middle East, whose economy is slowly but steadily being crumbled by the fierce conflict between the two Islamic states. Moreover, the rivalry between the two Islamic superpowers surpasses the pursuit of religious superiority. In this regard, the issue of economic influence and the difference in perception towards influence by the West and America has contributed to the widening gulf between the two countries (Fürtig, 2002). In light of the magnitude of the Saudi Arabian-Iranian conflict, this research paper seeks to present the fundamental element that resulted in the dispute and provides general insight into the rivalry presently (January, 2008).
Statement of Research Problem
The Saudi Arabian-Iranian mutually beneficial relationship was majorly jeopardized by power play which was majorly flamed by the Iranian Revolution, otherwise known as the Islamic revolution. During the early years of Islam, in the 7TH century, war broke out that resulted in the demise of the Sasanian Empire. Moreover, in the course of the same century, prophet Muhammad succumbed to his death, thus, the question of who would succeed him as the “Khalifa,” stormed the Islamic spheres of life. The power play invoked division among the Islamic community with divergence in opinion and perceptions. An Islamic group called the “Shia Ali” which constitute the majority of the Iranian population, are still harboring the denial of power. Furthermore, it is fundamental to note that, the peace initially enjoyed in the region when the Iran’s Shah was at the peak of the leadership pyramid, was compromised by the Iran’s Islamic revolution in 1979. The revolution sparked tension between the two Islamic power in pursuit of being the most powerful and worthy of leading the Islamic fraternity. Therefore, the result was two states, which are purported to belong to a synonymous religious affiliation, but perceiving and practicing the values of the religion in a distinct and antagonizing manner. Hence, the two countries are designated to have divergent versions of Islam (Terrill, & Army War College, 2011).
Furthermore, despite the fact that the history of dispute between the two states dates back to over thirty years, the conflict has been continuously aggravated by government decisions and other state decisions to the present day. For instance, the year 2016 starts with a blood pool as Saudi Arabia gave a judicial order giving consent to the execution of 47 people in its fight against terror. However, among the people executed is the Iranian’s dignified Shia Cleric Nimr al-Nimr. As a result of this occurrence, the Iranians almost concurrently stormed the Saudi Arabian embassy in Tehran and ransacked the entire premises. The flaming of this conflict emanated from the fact that the Iranian side regarded the execution as a violation of humanity because the Shia was a peaceful and prominent individual held with high regards in Iran. In light of this, the act was perceived as a provocation endeavor. Hence, the conflict between the two parties immensely escalated. The fact that the execution was targeted to up the fight on terror in Saudi Arabian’s perspective, other media houses perpetuate the idea of the war being a Shia versus Sunni (Mason, 2015).
Moreover, the rivalry between the two parties resulted in the evacuation of the Iranian diplomats from Saudi Arabia as retaliation for the shambolic activities perpetuated by Iranians in Tehran. The backlash of a verbal dispute between the two states has escalated the rivalry between the two countries. Saudi Arabia has designated Iran as a meddling party in the activities of other states and fueling the discontent and terror activities of the Shia that is jeopardizing the peace in the democracies such as Saudi, Yemen, and Bahrain. On the other hand, Iranians are accusing Saudi of perpetuating Sunni stereotypes that have resulted in the increase in the Jihadist groups (Wagner, 2010).
Having mentioned that the conflict between the two Islamic superpowers is firmly grounded, but not entirely as a result of power plays, the Saudi Arabia are threatened by the rising of Iran as a stable economy in the Middle East. Iran is on the verge of rising to economic prosperity from the nuclear deal that would see to it that the country earns over $58 billion in frozen assets. In this accord, the Iranian president was obliged to denounce the Tehran attack and apprehend the perpetrators. Therefore, it is evident that Iran has more to lose than Saudi Arabia. Hence, an open declaration of war would see to it that Iran’s sanctions will not be lifted, thus, continually suffocating its economy.
The spiraling cold war between Iran and Saudi Arabia has exceeded their individual boundaries, and it has graduated into a proxy conflict. For instance, in Yemen, a rebel group that is disrupting the harmony, causing havoc and doing significant assault on the Saudi Arabian’s supported government is fueled by Iran. In other scenarios, Iran continues to facilitate the activities of the Assad in Syria, while Saudi Arabia presently fund’s anti-Assad rebel who belong to the Sunni fraternity (Rubin, 2007).
Importance of the Research
This research is fundamental since it provided vivid insight into the drawbacks emanating from the Saudi Arabian-Iranian growing conflict, and it provide rational solutions to the conflict.
Purposes of the research
This research is based on the following objectives
Understanding the key factors in the Saudi Arabian-Iranian conflict.
Determination of factor that are resulting in the widening of the rift between the two states.
Quantification of the economic and socio-political effects resulting from the conflict.
Rationalization of the arguments and purported justification from each party.
Provision of viable solutions to the conflict between the two democracies.
Research Problem
The Saudi Arabian-Iranian conflict has aspirated as a result of other factors coming into play. In light of this, the conflict is gradually deepening and what was regarded as the cold war between the two antagonizing states could result in a hot war. The consequences of the war are feared to spearhead erosion of international cohesion with the Middle Eastern countries and stagnation of economic development in the region. Therefore, this research paper seeks to analyze the factor resulting in the widening of the rift between the two states and rationalize the perception of each party regarding the dispute.
Research Question that Focuses the Study
This research seeks to unveil the background, contributing factor, the consequences, and the possible viable solution to the Saudi Arabian- Iranian conflict.
Recommendations
As a result of the magnitude of the Saudi Arabian-Iranian dispute, it is prudent that a lasting solution in established and implemented to prevent further damage. I, therefore, recommend that a mediation body should be formulated to address the key issue of leadership between the two conflicting parties. Moreover, intensive mediation and harmonization of the perceptions and stereotypes of the two Islamic groups, Shia, and Sunni, should be conducted to eradicate the rivalry between the two parties. It is prudent to establish an understanding that designates both Islamic groups as part of a single religious affiliation, and therefore, the divergence of principles should not be experienced. Furthermore, other external organization such as the World Trade Organization should punish and play a pivotal role in the eradication of the war by setting strict trade regulation which could compromise the economic strength of the involved countries until when the peace is restored.
References
Fürtig, H. (2002). Iran's rivalry with Saudi Arabia between the Gulf wars. Reading, UK: Ithaca Press.
Mabon, S. (2013). Saudi Arabia and Iran: Soft Power Rivalry in the Middle East. London: I.B. Tauris.
Mason, R. (2015). Foreign policy in Iran and Saudi Arabia: Economics and diplomacy in the Middle East.
Poole, T. (2016). Iran and Saudi arabia’s great rivalry explained. BBC News. Retrieved from: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-35221569
Rubin, M. (2007). Iran’s rivalry with Saudi Arabia between the gulf wars. The Middle East Quarterly. Vol 14. 3.
Terrill, W. A., & Army War College (U.S.). (2011). The Saudi-Iranian rivalry and the future of Middle East security. Carlisle, Pa: Strategic Studies Institute, U.S. Army War College.
Wagner, H. L. (2010). The Iranian Revolution. New York: Chelsea House.
Wehrey, F. M., Rand Corporation., Smith Richardson Foundation., & Rand Corporation. (2009). Saudi-Iranian relations since the fall of Saddam: Rivalry, cooperation, and implications for U.S. policy. Santa Monica, CA: Rand.
