| Summary/Abstract |
Regional tension following the Saudi hanging of dissident Shia cleric Nimr Baqir al-Nimr on charges of sedition and incitement comes at a time when Riyadh's regional influence is waning. Through a series of ambitious but ill-advised policy choices and external interventions, the ruling al-Saud family has over-stretched its capabilities and resources and in the process squandered its regional position and influence. While the Saudi concerns vis-à-vis Iran and its hegemonic ambitions both before and after the nuclear deal are understandable, the manner in which Riyadh sought to mitigate these challenges indicates a lack of foresight and strategic thinking.
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