Ebtesam Al-Ketbi & Guido Steinberg: IRAN AND SAUDI ARABIA: THE END OF CONFRONTATION?

Walter Posch in conversation with Ebtesam Al-Ketbi and Guido
Steinberg


IRAN AND SAUDI ARABIA: THE END OF CONFRONTATION?


On March 10th Iran, Saudi Arabia and China issued a statement
declaring that Riyadh and Tehran reestablish diplomatic
relations. This statement and the involvement of China came as a
surprise for many observers. Whilst no one expects peace to
„break out“ immediately some think that there is reason for
cautious optimism. After all, a positive trend towards
de-escalation can be expected. On the other hand Western
observers are concerned about  China’s increasing influence
and soft power in the region. This public lecture addresses these
questions from a regional and a transatlantic perspective.


Ebtesam Al-Ketbi is the President and Founder of
the Emirates Policy Center and a Professor of Political Science
at the United Arab Emirates University


Guido Steinberg is Senior Associate at the
Africa and Middle East Research Division at the German Institute
for International and Security Affairs (SWP)


Walter Posch is Senior Fellow at the Institute
for Peace Support and Conflict Management (IFK) at the National
Academy of Defense