122. Iran & Saudi Arabia: The Rivalry that Split the Islamic World
Feb 13, 2024
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Kim Ghattas, author of "Black Wave" and a Middle East expert, delves into the complex rivalry between Iran and Saudi Arabia that reshaped the Islamic world post-1979. She discusses her experiences growing up in Beirut during the civil war, illustrating the personal impact of these geopolitical tensions. The conversation highlights the birth of anti-American sentiment in Iran, the power shifts from the Iranian Revolution, and the ideological clash between Shi'ism and wahhabism, particularly in the context of Pakistan.
The events of 1979, including the Iranian Revolution and the rise of Zia ul Haq in Pakistan, set the stage for the rise of political Islam and the export of extremist ideologies.
The rivalry between Iran and Saudi Arabia, ignited by the Iranian Revolution, fueled a competition for religious leadership and influence, reshaping the Middle East's geopolitical landscape.
Deep dives
1979: A Seismic Year in Geopolitics
1979 was a pivotal year in geopolitics, marked by significant events that shaped the Middle East. The Iranian Revolution, the siege of the holy mosque in Mecca, the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, and the rise of Zia ul Haq in Pakistan all occurred in this year, creating a complex and interconnected web of political and religious dynamics. These events had far-reaching consequences, not only in the region but also in global relations. They gave rise to the rise of political Islam, the export of extremist ideologies, and a deepening divide between Sunni and Shia communities. The year 1979 became a turning point that shaped the modern Middle East and laid the foundation for subsequent conflicts and tensions.
Iran's Islamic Revolution and Saudi Arabia's Response
The Iranian Revolution led by Ayatollah Khomeini in 1979 profoundly affected Iran and had a significant impact on Saudi Arabia. Khomeini's revolution aimed to establish an Islamic republic and challenge the regional power dynamics. Saudi Arabia, the custodian of the two holy mosques in Islam, initially saw an opportunity in the new Iranian leadership before realizing the deep hostility Khomeini harbored toward the House of Saud. This rivalry ignited a competition for religious leadership and influence, with Iran and Saudi Arabia vying to outdo each other in promoting conservative religious values. The clash between these two major Islamic powers became a defining feature of the Middle East's geopolitical landscape.
Pakistan: Islamization and Sectarian Tensions
Pakistan, with its significant Sunni and Shia population, became a geopolitical battleground for the export of extremist ideologies and the growing sectarian tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia. Under Zia ul Haq's military dictatorship, Pakistan witnessed a wave of Islamization, fueled by financial support from the Saudis. Wahhabi madrasas were established, promoting a more conservative interpretation of Islam and challenging traditional practices in the country. The imposition of strict Islamic laws, targeting religious minorities such as Shias, sparked violence and sectarian massacres. Pakistan became a fertile ground for the convergence of political Islam and militant Islam, leading to the growth of radicalism and the emergence of figures like Osama bin Laden.
Consequences and Long-Term Impact
The events of 1979 had enduring consequences for the Middle East and the wider world. The rise of political Islam, the export of extremist ideologies, and the deepening Sunni-Shia divide reshaped regional dynamics and influenced conflicts across the globe. The export of militant Islam from Pakistan, the Iran-Iraq War, the rise of Al-Qaeda, and subsequent conflicts in Afghanistan and the Middle East can be traced back to the transformative events of 1979. This critical year marked a turning point in the history of the region, setting the stage for ongoing tensions, conflicts, and challenges.
1979 was the year that set the Islamic world on the path to today. In Iran, the revolution established the nation as a theocracy that sought to defend Shi'ism across the world. In Saudi Arabia, the siege of the Holy Mosque led to the nation embracing a more radical Sunni Islam that it began to export around the world. Almost immediately they began to clash, with great impact across the globe. Listen to William and Anita as they speak with Kim Ghattas about the birth of this rivalry.
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