The Saudi Message To Syria

In case you’re wondering why the monarch of one of the world’s least free countries, who is leading a war against the Arab spring on all fronts and is sending troops to Bahrain to quell protesters, is berating the Syrian regime. Brian Whitaker explains:

Saudi Arabia has no interest in promoting democracy or human rights in Syria; it does have an interest in promoting Sunni Muslim influence and combating Shia influence (as embodied at the international level by Iran). Considering the Assad regime’s ties with Iran, this suggests a motive for Saudi Arabia to become involved now — in the hope of driving a wedge between Iran and a post-Assad Syria.

Another detail that Brian didn’t mention is the fact the Saudi media (and GCC partners) have been heavily drumming up and encouraging the Syrian protests since day 1.