News & comment 15 Dec 15

Saudis form “anti-terrorism” partnership

Saudi Arabia has formed a vast alliance, of sorts, with fellow Gulf principalities, Turkey, Pakistan, Egypt, as well as aver two dozen other states. Look for sharing of intelligence and joint training exercises, but not much else. This alliance is at least as anti-Shia/Iran as it is anti-terror.

Experts judge recent Iranian missile test a violation

Iran in recent months has pulled back from any rapprochement wit the US and moved closer to Russia. Indeed, Iranian media are in lockstep with their Russian counterparts. The October test is judged to have been of a missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead – a violation of a UN resolution. There will be recommendations for sanctions but it’s dubious that many countries will meet on board.

Look for Iran to become a partner with Russia which intermittently annoys the US and pushes the limits of hosting agreements.