Lecture on the Middle East Conflict: Iran and Saudi Arabia

Overview

• Presentation on the regional conflict in the Middle East.
• Focus on Iran and Saudi Arabia as key players.
• Discussion on the historical and ongoing sectarian conflict between Shia Iran and Sunni Saudi Arabia.

Historical Context

Iranian Revolution

• 1979 Iranian Revolution: Led by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.
  • Overthrew the U.S.-backed monarchy.
  • Khomeini opposed monarchy, especially in Gulf states, and promoted Islamic governance.

Saudi Concerns

• Post-revolution, Saudi Arabia viewed Iran as a threat to its monarchy and religious authority.
• Khomeini's rhetoric called for the overthrow of Gulf monarchies.

Key Players and Events

Saudi-Iran Relations

• Long-standing tension between Shia and Sunni Islam.
• Saudi Arabia supports Sunni Wahhabism, while Iran champions Shia Islam.

Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988)

• Initiated by Iraq under Saddam Hussein against Iran.
• Supported by Saudi Arabia and Western allies due to fear of Iranian influence.
• Ended in a stalemate with heavy casualties on both sides.

Lebanese Hezbollah

• Formed with Iranian support in response to Israeli invasion of Lebanon.
• Acted as a proxy for Iranian interests.

U.S. Involvement

• Supported Iraq during the Iran-Iraq War.
• Invaded Iraq in 2003, leading to the fall of Saddam Hussein.
• Created power vacuums and sectarian tensions.

Sectarian Conflict

Iraq Post-2003

• The fall of Saddam led to Shia empowerment in Iraq, supported by Iran.
• Sunni population felt marginalized, leading to increased tension.

Rise of Extremism

• Saudi Arabia and Iran used proxy groups to extend influence in the region.
• Saudi-funded Wahhabi doctrines spread in response to Shia influence.

Consequences

• Continuous regional destabilization.
• Rise of sectarian violence and extremism.
• Proxy wars exacerbate the conflict.

Reflections

• Acknowledgment of historical mistakes by both Saudi Arabia and the U.S.
• Recognition of the complex interplay between sectarian and geopolitical factors.

Conclusion

• Ongoing conflict framed by historical grievances and power struggles.
• Importance of understanding sectarian dynamics in Middle Eastern politics.