Earlier this week, Saudi Arabia reopened the Arar border crossing with Iraq, for the first time in 27 years. The move marks a significant turning point in the two nations’ relationship, and points to Saudi efforts to try to set up an alliance with the Iraqis.
Iraq would be a strange ally for Saudi Arabia, as the Sunni kingdom keeps its distance from most Shi’ite-dominated states. From the Saudi perspective, the main goal appears to be to split Iraq from its main ally, Iran, who the Saudis consider their primary regional rival.
Selling Iraq on the deal is liable to be tricky as well, with the ruling State of Law Party dominated by Iranian-backed militia leaders. Still, Saudi Arabia has money, and can buy a lot of influence with offers to help Iraq with its costly reconstruction from the ISIS War.
They may also have an interested partner in Shi’ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr. A highly influential cleric, Sadr has tended toward a more nationalistic view of Iraqi politics, and an aversion to being too directly dominated by Iran’s religious leadership. This could easily open up a circumstance where he would cooperate with Iraq’s Sunni opposition in forming a coalition leaning more toward the Saudis than the Iranians.
Naive. Saudi Arabia is approaching Iraq from the position of weakness. The previous Crown Prince has been played fool — accepting an agresdive role rowards Iran and Qatar. Backlash was swift, with no Gulf country of any real strenght, supporting the agressuve, Arab NATO style block. To add insult to injury, Egypt supported initiative against MB cleric in Qatar, but following the complete breakdown of Gulf unity, Egypt’s participation has turned the relationship on its head in short few months. Egypt was punished a few months ago for withdrawing from Yemen war, and being forced to cede two islands in Red Sea as a payment of debt. But now, Egypt is calling shots in Qatar crisis — as others have bolted for cover, with the exception of UAE. Saudi Arabia wants to get out of Yemen war, and needs avface saving device. Al-Sadr is a wise man that NEVER participated in US empowerment of extreme Shia rule — guaranted to create resentment. He recently traveled to KSA. There will be no change to Iraqi’s priority relationship with Iran, but will provide a face saving services to the kingdom. Ksa is on the move. Soon, terrorists will no linger have weapons reserves to keep waging terrorists. Getting to terms with Qatar, assures thats and Secure the politika nemize da se bilo sto
The Saudis were always part of the Sunni rebellion problem in Iraq. It is quite a reach to think their move into Iraq is anything other than putting more money behind the same people. They have lost their Sunni uprising in Syria, and so now they are reverting to their Iraq efforts.