Saudi Arabia seeks to turn back clock on Iran
The debacle surrounding the resignation of Lebanon’s prime minister amid growing Saudi hostility toward Iran suggests a coming showdown in the region.
The abrupt resignation of Lebanon’s Prime Minister Saad Hariri during a trip to Saudi Arabia earlier this month and the events surrounding his presence in Riyadh appear to have increased Iran-Saudi tensions and brought to the fore the possibility of a new military confrontation in the region.
The recent developments come just over one year after the deal that ended a 2½-year political vacuum in Lebanon, whereby former army commander Michel Aoun became president and Hariri prime minister. Yet it seems Lebanon is once again entering a new crisis, and once again with the seeming hallmarks of foreign interference.
Hariri’s odd resignation on Nov. 4 on foreign soil— particularly that of Saudi Arabia — has dealt a major shock to Lebanon’s political system. In his resignation speech, Hariri said his decision was due to Iran and Hezbollah’s meddling in Arab affairs and creating instability in Lebanon.
Regardless of the circumstances surrounding Hariri’s mysterious trip to Saudi Arabia, or whether or not the various reports about him having been held against his will are true, there are several important issues to consider.
