Stratfor on Syrian-Saudi Power Moves
Stratfor has an interesting analysis of the Syrian-Saudi Rapprochement. Apparently, it cannot be linked to because you need to have an account to read it on their website. However, al-Farabi snagged a sample article via email. The most significant passage follows:
“Saudi Arabia, which carries substantial clout among the Lebanese Sunni population, has come to terms with Syria’s bid to reclaim influence in Lebanon and wants Syria to eclipse Iran’s role in the Levant. But the Saudis also understand that Syria is reluctant to dismantle Hezbollah and incur the backlash for such a move. So, Riyadh has revised its demands, asking Damascus instead to contain Hezbollah’s actions to prevent the group from playing an injurious role in Lebanon. Saudi Arabia has primarily used its petrodollar prowess to rehabilitate the Syrian regime, pumping money into Syrian coffers every time Damascus delivers on its promises.
But Saudi patience is also wearing thin; the Syrians are treading carefully with the Iranians and are demanding more money from the Saudis for even minor concessions, according to a STRATFOR source. Until Syria and Saudi Arabia can come to an understanding over how exactly Syria will move against Iran and Hezbollah, the formation of the Lebanese Cabinet and a highly anticipated Syrian-Saudi summit (which was supposed to take place this week) will continue to stall.”
Times a ticking for that summit.
