Saudi Showdown With Iran Puts Strain on Decades-Old U.S. Ties
- U.S. officials urged against execution of Shiite cleric
- `This is a power play' by Saudis, former official Nasr says
How Souring Saudi-Iran Relations Impact the U.S.
This article is for subscribers only.
The alliance between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia -- an almost century-old friendship at the heart of American policy in the region -- is coming under growing strain as the Sunni-led kingdom engages in an escalating Cold War with Shiite Iran.
With President Barack Obama entering his final year in office, tensions between the regional powers put at risk Obama’s initiatives in the Mideast, from ending the war in Syria to combating Islamic State terrorists and improving relations with Iran. In each, the U.S. counts on Saudi support, or at least acquiescence.