Saudi Arabia Turns Toward Iran

Tehran, Aug 27, IRNA - ˈIran Dailyˈ on Wednesday wrote that the Deputy FM for Arab and African Affairs, Hossein Amir-Abdollahianˈs visit to Saudi Arabia can be seen as a change in the kingdom’s policies toward Iran. Amir-Abdollahian is in Saudi Arabia to see if real changes exist or not. If Saudi Arabia ends its policies that drive a wedge between Muslims and foment strife, then the Islamic Republic will try to open a new chapter in ties with the kingdom, stressed the English-language paper in its Opinion column, adding that rapprochement between both states will benefit the whole region. In recent years, Saudi Arabia has played a destructive role in the developments in Syria, Iraq and Yemen as well as the dispute over Iran’s nuclear energy program. Such regional policies, devised by former intelligence chief Bandar bin Sultan and Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal, not only failed to improve Riyadh’s position in the Middle East, but led to the political isolation of the Arab kingdom, it noted. Now Saudi Arabia is set to make a U-turn and change its policies toward Iran but so far it has not taken a practical step. Faisal, on several occasions, expressed his willingness to hold talks with his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif and invited him to the oil-rich kingdom while talking to the press and even sent a formal letter of invitation. The isolation which Saudi Arabia is experiencing has made the Arab country realize that its time to break the ice between Tehran-Riyadh if it wants to burnish its image in the region. Pressure groups led by Sultan, Faisal and the ruling Wahhabi cults are opposed to any rapprochement. However, King Abdullah seems to be determined to change the antagonistic policies since he knows such a situation cannot prevail and is not in the interest of the kingdom, noted the daily. Some in the US believe that Saudi Arabia’s policies have destabilized the Middle East and are eager to approach Iran with the aim of seeking help from the Islamic Republic to calm the situation. This could be another reason to push Saudi Arabia to improve ties with Iran before the US. But, Riyadh first needs to review its regional policies before turning to Tehran. Sending signals are insufficient and Saudi Arabia should take practical steps, to prove its goodwill, suggested the paper in conclusion. /end