Saudi keeps eye on rivals

A deal on Iran’s nuclear programme would legitimise its regional influence in a way that’s not occurred in decades, says Mai Yamani.

DURING the three years of political upheaval in the Middle East since the “Arab Spring” began, Saudi Arabia has attempted to maintain its dominant status in the region by any means necessary.

In 2013, the Saudi royal family searched for regional allies, and sought — as in Egypt — to restore old allies to power. The kingdom also used its vast oil wealth to bring about the type of regional stability with which it had been familiar for decades.