''Saudi Arabia's Foreign and Security Policy''

From Qantara.de
 

''For seven decades, the USA and Saudi Arabia have been strategic partners. The Saudis control a third of global oil reserves, and they ensure supply to the USA and other countries. In return, Washington guarantees military security. In Saudi eyes, however, US engagement in Iraq was a failure, not least because the influence of the Shia population and its clerics, many of whom have studied in Iran, has increased considerably there. The Saudis were also concerned by the overthrow of US-ally Hosni Mubarak in Egypt. As a result, they are now doing what they can in cooperation with their Sunni allies to stem the influence of Iran's Shia theocracy.

''If there is one categorical imperative in Saudi Arabia's foreign and security policy it is that priority must be given to whatever serves the monarchy's domestic stability – both at home and abroad. This regime is driven by fear of its own swift collapse.''

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