Publication

Against the backdrop of uprisings in Libya and Syria, this article discusses the role of Saudi Arabia in the security politics of the region. In contrast to the international and Arab response toward Qaddafi, the Arab states have hesitated to adopt an assertive stance against Asad. The Saudi King’s statement, unusual for its severity, declared that what is happening in Syria “is unacceptable to Saudi Arabia, which demands an end to the killing machine.” The statement illustrates the adoption of a more assertive stance by Saudi Arabia since the beginning of the Arab spring and its attempt to redraw the map of regional alliances in accordance with its interests.