Riyadh vies for influence

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Saudi Arabia is flexing its might in the M.E. in a bid to contain the tide of change and expand their influence.

The Saudi's dispensed US$4 billion in aid last week in Egypt, to shore up the ruling military council, and have also invited the rulers of Jordan and Morrocco to join a union of Persian Gulf monarchies.

These are just some of the moves aimed at averting any dramatic shift from the authoritarian model it believs in.

Analist's say these are also attempts to signal to Shi'ite Iran that the Sunni Arab monarchs will defend their interests.

The range of Riyadh's intervention has been extensive.
In Egypt, where the revolution has already toppled Mr. Murabak, a close ally, the Saudi's are dispensing aid and mending ties in part to help head off a good showing by the Muslim Brotherhood in the up-coming parliamentary elections.

Saudi Officials are also concerned that Egypt's forien policy is shifting, with its outreach to the Islamist group Hamas and plans to restore ties with Iran.

Last Defense.

With the fall of other Sunni bulwarks, includeing Saddam Hussein in Iraq and former president Hosni Mubarak in Egypt, saudi Arabia regards itself as the last defence against Iranian domination in the Region.


*Source- AFP