| ID | 166128 |
| Title Proper | Turmoil in West Asia |
| Other Title Information | Challenges and Opportunities for India |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Ahmad, Talmiz |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | While the present-day divide between Saudi Arabia and Iran has been framed in doctrinal and sectarian terms, it is the result of deep strategic vulnerabilities being felt in Riyadh in response to what is seen as the burgeoning role of Iran in areas that the kingdom views as its domain of exclusive influence – Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Yemen. For the kingdom, this expanding influence is a “Shia Crescent” that is strangling it across West Asia and is an “existential” threat. Saudi Arabia has responded to the Iranian challenge by confronting Iran in the theatres of its influence – Syria and Yemen.
Given the deep hostility of the Trump administration for Iran, the robust United States (US) support to an Israeli-Saudi alliance against Iran in Syria and the interest of the US and its allies to effect regime change in Iran, there is a real prospect of a direct military conflict between the two major Islamic neighbours.
This article proposes that India, that enjoys extraordinary goodwill and standing with all the principal countries of the region, shape a peace process that would lead to dialogue between the kingdom and Iran and, over time, would lead to negotiations to realise a regional security cooperation arrangement in West Asia. |
| `In' analytical Note | USI Journal Vol. 149, No. 615; Jan-Mar 2019: p.44-51 |
| Journal Source | USI Journal 2019-03 149, 615 |
| Key Words | India ; West Asia |