Q. Why is there rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran?

• The rivalry stems back to 1979 Iranian revolution.

Earlier both countries were part of American alliance against USSR. However, the Islamic
nationalists overtook the country and spread Shia-centric theology against the narrative of
Saudi-dominated Muslim world.
• Further, Iraq war, 2003, when anti-Iran regime was brought down Iran’s influence increased
• Arab Spring increased the rivalry further by proxy wars in countries like Syria and Yemen.

Q. Why is there a rivalry between USA and Iran?

• 1979 Iranian revolution propped Iran against USA’s influence in the region. +
• nuclear plans of Iran pose a risk of Nuclearization of the region.

Q. So why is USA still in West Asia, now that it has started oil production?
• The narrative in USA is gradually changing. President Trump seeks to pull out of Syria
• Still - investments from Saudis+ challenge from Iran and Russia + fear of extremism like 9/11
SYRIA

Q. Why is the proxy war happening in Syria?

Complex situation in Syria. 6th year of civil war, more than 0.4 mn killed. Most major powers are only
thinking of self-interests in dealing with Syria

Start -
2011 – peaceful protests by rebels – Assad attacks them and converts into Civil war
- Extrmists start to join the rebels
- Iran starts to help Syria (Shias) – military and economic
- Gulf states and Turkey channel funds/arms to Rebels mainly to counter Iran’s influence
- + Hezbollah enters in turn
- Chemical weapon use -> US enters war – CIA training to rebels
- Group called ISIS (Islamic state of Iraq and Syria) breaks off from Al Quaedas local branch
o It fights other rebels and kurds –
o Carves out a mini state – called caliphate
- US starts to focus on attacking ISIS
- Turkey starts to bomb Kurds on its territory and beyond
o So unclear alliances b/w major powers!
- Russia enters on side of Assad – send military planes etc against rebels
- Trump elected – wants to stay out of Syrian conflict
o Assad regime crushes rebels and reclaims Aleppo
o Use of WMD again – US orders strikes against Assad regime
o Now Trump announces US withdrawal

Overall,
Geo-political mess- 6 years to the conflict –
4 sides – with foreign backers
1. Syrian govt - Russia and Iran and Hezbollah
2. ISIS
3. Kurds - US
4. Rebels – US, Turkey, Gulf states

A.
• important geo-strategic location –
o Iran (use it as conduit for Hezbollah support)
o Russia has a naval base in Syria
Thus, when civil war started, other nations started intervening.

Q. Is USA pulling out of Syria right?

• Good thing in long term.
• But, pulling out hastily – may start a new geo-political war.
o ISIS presence and ideology may return