Four Mideast Conflicts to Watch
- Lebanon PM’s resignation is a reflection of Saudi-Iran rivalry
- War between Israel-Hezbollah is possible as Iran entrenches
Petrie Sees Bold Moves to Consolidate Saudi Power
This article is for subscribers only.
Islamic State is making a last stand in Iraq and Syria. But the region will not rest with the group’s defeat, and is gearing up for a war for influence among the regional and international players that were drawn into conflict with the radical militants.
A sign of the escalating tensions emerged in Lebanon on Saturday, when Prime Minister Saad Hariri abruptly announced his resignation, blaming Iran in an announcement from Saudi Arabia, its rival for regional hegemony. “Now the real war starts, after the players stop fighting their common enemy, Islamic State,” said Sami Nader, head of the Beirut-based Levant Institute for Strategic Affairs.