Publication

This paper argues that after a quarter-century of estrangement, Saudi Arabia has re-opened diplomatic relations with Iraq in an attempt to counter strong Iran’s regional influence. In response, the text’s authors review Saudi Arabia’s vision for its future engagement with Iraq as well as the view from Baghdad with regard to this development in relations with Riyadh. They also argue that if Riyadh avoids antagonizing Tehran, invests wisely and quiets anti-Shiite rhetoric, Iraq could even act as a bridge between Saudi Arabia and Iran.