What the Saudi’s fear is increased influence of Iran via Syria, Hizbullah and, possibly, even Hamas.
LONDON: This is in response to the article by Shehzad Shah, “Middle Eastern equation” (December 23) which says that the Saudi’s should use their control of oil to take a stand on Palestine.
The Saudi’s are more than happy with the status-quo as the continued occupation of Palestinian territories allows it to play the role of a regional economic power, galvanising both political and street sentiment against Israel. What the Saudi’s fear is increased influence of Iran via Syria, Hizbullah and, possibly, even Hamas. They would rather see a weak, and completely reliant on the Saudi dominated Arab league (along with Eqypt) than support Hamas which is viewed as too cozy with Iran. Not to mention Saudi Arabia’s over reliance on western weapons and skills and expertise to keep the oil pumping.
Syed Nadir El Edroos
Published in The Express Tribune, December 24th, 2010.
