Publicly criticizing Saudi Arabia, even in minor ways, is risky business. The Saudis invariably fly off the handle over perceived slights, and this weekend they and their Gulf allies are all cutting ties with Lebanon in such a manner.
On Friday, Lebanon’s Information Minister George Kordahi said that the Houthis are engaged in self defense in the Yemen War, and described the Saudi invasion as “aggression.”
Even though Lebanese PM Najib Mikati disavowed the statement “for the sake of national interests,” it had still wound the Saudis up. Within hours they and Bahrain both expelled Lebanon’s ambassadors.
As the weekend continued, Kuwait ousted an ambassador, and the UAE called on all its citizens to leave Lebanon immediately. Lebanon can do very little about it, as their economy is already a mess.
The whole point, from the Saudi perspective, seems to be making an example of Lebanon, saying it’s pointless to talk to them at all. This is likely meant to inform anyone else considering criticizing them.
Saudis, Allies Cut Ties With Lebanon After Yemen War Comment
Saudi FM: Pointless to talk with Lebanon
Jason Ditz is Senior Editor for Antiwar.com. He has 20 years of experience in foreign policy research and his work has appeared in The American Conservative, Responsible Statecraft, Forbes, Toronto Star, Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Providence Journal, Washington Times, and the Detroit Free Press.
Join the Discussion!
We welcome thoughtful and respectful comments. Hateful language, illegal content, or attacks against Antiwar.com will be removed.
For more details, please see our Comment Policy.
