Publication

This commentary argues that the current rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran reflects a much longer struggle between Sunni and Shia Islam, including within the former’s borders. The text’s author specifically looks at 1) the scale of the Shia presence in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province; 2) the emergence of Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr as a Shia voice of protest in the country; and 3) whether sectarian tensions within Saudi Arabia could ultimately trigger a war with Iran.