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The rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran, two powerhouses in the Middle East, has deep roots in history, religion, and politics. The modern conflict can be traced back to the Iranian revolution of 1979. At the time it saw a pro-Western leader toppled and Shia religious authorities taking over. This event sparked a power struggle, with both nations forming alliances based on shared theologies.
Kim Ghattas, in her book “Black Wave: Saudi Arabia, Iran, and the Forty-Year Rivalry That Unraveled Culture, Religion, and Collective Memory in the Middle East”, provides an insightful exploration of this rivalry. Ghattas portrays the last four decades as a kind of Islamic Dark Ages, a world dimmed by violence, misogyny, and religious extremism. She explores how waves of extremism and bigotry flowed out from Iran and Saudi Arabia. It has shaped a region that has been generally pluralistic and fundamentally tolerant.
However, a significant shift occurred in 2023 when Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed to restore ties. They reopen embassies after seven years of severed relations. This agreement, brokered by China, could have wide implications for the Iran nuclear deal and the civil war in Yemen, where the two sides are locked in a proxy war. It also shows the new determination of Saudi Arabia to conduct a foreign policy independent of the West.
In conclusion:
We at Studyingwizard.com belive that Ghattas’ book is an important examination of how the modern Middle East unraveled, starting with the pivotal year of 1979. This provides punctual and stimulating perspectives on the ongoing harmful impact of the competition. Despite the bleak picture, Ghattas holds out the possibility of a brighter future. The recent normalization of relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran could be a step towards that future.
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Books mentioned in the article: “Black Wave: Saudi Arabia, Iran, and the Forty-Year Rivalry That Unraveled Culture, Religion, and Collective Memory in the Middle East” by Kim Ghattas
