11. Power Imbalance: Iran’s Gains, Saudi’s Challenges
- Author:
- Al Jazeera Center for Studies
- Publication Date:
- 01-2015
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- Al Jazeera Center for Studies
- Abstract:
- There is no one, sweeping reason for declining oil prices, but Iran and Russia have publicly and explicitly placed the blame on Saudi’s shoulders. The reality is, however, is that the drop in oil prices is just one more point of contention between Iran and Saudi in a line of regional issues that have brought to light the reality of an Iran-Saudi showdown. Iran’s growing regional expansion, the conflict over a Syrian resolution, and the Houthis’ increasing control over Yemen are all more convincing factors which help explain why Saudi is adamantly refusing to reduce its oil production. This position paper analyses Saudi’s challenges as it attempts to counter Iran’s gains in the Arab region, particularly in light of a possible nuclear deal between Iran and the US.
- Topic:
- International Relations, Oil, Regional Cooperation, and Economy
- Political Geography:
- Afghanistan, Iran, Middle East, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, and Syria