Cold War in the Islamic World: Saudi Arabia, Iran and the Struggle for Supremacy

Saudi Arabia and Iran have been in a Cold War for four decades, rooted in the Sunni-Shia divide. Iran has expanded its influence in Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon, while Saudi Arabia has intervened in Yemen, isolated Qatar, and destabilized Lebanon. Dilip Hiro examines the toxic rivalry between the two countries, tracing its roots and asking whether it is likely to end any time soon.

Format: Hardback
Length: 480 pages
Publication date: 27 September 2018
Publisher: C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd

For four decades, Saudi Arabia and Iran have engaged in a fierce rivalry for influence in the Muslim world, fueled by the deep-rooted Sunni-Shia divide. This ongoing Cold War between Riyadh and Tehran has its roots in the intricate histories of both countries, where the Saudi regime sees it as a conflict between Sunni and Shia, while Iran's ruling clerics view it as a struggle between their Islamic Republic and an illegitimate monarchy. This fundamental schism has played out in a geopolitical competition for dominance in the region, with Iran expanding its influence in Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon, while Saudi Arabia's hyperactive crown prince, Muhammad bin Salman, has intervened in Yemen, isolated Qatar, and destabilized Lebanon. In his insightful analysis, Dilip Hiro delves into the toxic rivalry between these two countries, tracing its roots and exploring whether this Islamic Cold War is likely to end anytime soon.

Saudi Arabia and Iran have been engaged in a protracted rivalry for influence in the Muslim world, driven by the deep-seated Sunni-Shia divide. This ongoing Cold War between Riyadh and Tehran has its roots in the intricate histories of both countries, where the Saudi regime views it as a conflict between Sunni and Shia, while Iran's ruling clerics perceive it as a struggle between their Islamic Republic and an illegitimate monarchy. This fundamental schism has manifested in a geopolitical competition for dominance in the region, with Iran expanding its influence in Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon, while Saudi Arabia's hyperactive crown prince, Muhammad bin Salman, has intervened in Yemen, isolated Qatar, and destabilized Lebanon. In his insightful analysis, Dilip Hiro delves into the toxic rivalry between these two countries, tracing its roots and assessing whether this Islamic Cold War is likely to end anytime soon.

Weight: 742g
Dimension: 150 x 223 x 43 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781849049948