Saudi-Iranian Conflict Threatens to Explode Into Region-Wide Sectarian War
SputnikNews.com
03.01.2016
The conflict between Iran and Saudi Arabia over Riyadh’s execution of a prominent Shia cleric is escalating, threatening to turn the region’s ongoing conflicts into wars of religion, warns Middle East expert Vladimir Ahmedov.
On Sunday, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned that “divine vengeance will befall Saudi politicians” for “the unjustly spilled blood” of prominent Shia cleric Nimr al-Nimr, executed by the Saudis on Saturday.
Considered a terrorist by Saudi authorities for his criticism of the government, calls for free elections and respect for Saudi Shias’ rights, al-Nimr’s execution sparked outrage and an escalation of diplomatic tensions across the Middle East, but only a cautious criticism from Riyadh’s close allies –Washington and Brussels.
The cleric was killed along with 46 others in what has been said to be the country’s largest mass execution in decades, sparking anger and violent protests in Shia areas of Saudi Arabia, as well as Bahrain, Indian-controlled Kashmir, Pakistan, and Iran, where protesters stormed the Saudi Embassy in the Iranian capital and attempted to set the building on fire.
Trying to prevent the explosive situation from escalating out of control, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani vowed to bring to justice those responsible for Saturday’s attack. “The Iranian people should not allow [al-Nimr’s death] to become an excuse for rogue individuals and groups to commit illegal acts and damage Iran’s image.”
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