Hello all--
This video provides a very succinct and interesting view into the proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran and, in my opinion, really helps contextualize many of the conflicts in the Middle East today.
https://www.vox.com/videos/2017/7/17/15983638/iran-middle-east-saudi-war-explained
I'd also love to hear your thoughts on some of the ideas brought up in the video!
Thanks for the great video -- it was very informative and a great summary on a lot of the key events unfolding in the middle east! The growing rivalry is certainly concerning, especially regarding the stability in the region. I wonder if Saudi Arabia's recent reforms are an attempt to appeal to Western countries in order to secure aid. It's certainly done it before with the US, and could its recent opening of relations with Israel (http://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/New-Allies-Israel-and-Saudi-Arabia-513467) indicate a shift in Saudi policy that will allow it to secure military aid to gain control over the middle east once and for all?
It's also interesting to see what role the United States will play in this conflict, as President Trump has already begun to mend previously damaged ties with Saudi Arabia (http://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/New-Allies-Israel-and-Saudi-Arabia-513467), while Russia has been supporting Iran in its geopolitical play for power in the middle east (https://www.spectator.co.uk/2017/10/how-putin-came-to-rule-the-middle-east/).