Self-Fulfilling Prophecy: The Saudi Struggle for Iraq

The geopolitical rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran has dominated the headlines, with many assuming that a predominantly Shia state like Iraq would automatically ally with Iran. However, Katherine Harvey's account suggests that Iraq's alignment with Iran was not a foregone conclusion, as Saudi efforts to undermine Iran have paradoxically empowered it. Harvey investigates why the Saudis refused to engage with Iraq's post-2003 Shia-led government, finding that deeply ingrained assumptions predisposed Saudi leaders to see a Shia-led Iraq as naturally beholden to Iran. This outlook was simplistic and inaccurate, leading to Iraq's isolation and eventual reliance on Iran.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 392 pages
\n Publication date: 07 October 2021
\n Publisher: C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd
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The geopolitical rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran has been a dominant feature in recent years, leading to assumptions about the alignment of countries with Shia and Sunni ideologies. However, Katherine Harvey's account challenges this narrative by examining Iraq's relationship with Iran. Harvey argues that Saudi efforts to undermine Iran have paradoxically empowered it, highlighting the complex dynamics at play.

In her book, Harvey investigates why the Saudis refused to engage with Iraq's post-2003 Shia-led government, despite continuous outreach by Iraq's new leaders and considerable pressure from the United States. She identifies several deeply ingrained assumptions that predisposed Saudi leaders to view a Shia-led Iraq as naturally beholden to Iran. These assumptions included the perception that Iran is inherently expansionist and the belief that Arab Shia tend to be loyal to it.

Harvey argues that this outlook was simplistic and inaccurate, and that by refusing to engage with Iraq's new government, the Saudis created a self-fulfilling prophecy. Members of Iraq's new government initially sought to establish a positive relationship with Saudi Arabia and pursue a course independent from Iran. However, they were isolated and rejected by Saudi King Abdullah, leaving Iraq with nowhere else to turn.

The book provides a valuable insight into the complex dynamics of regional politics, challenging the assumptions that underpin the rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran. It sheds light on the ways in which power dynamics, historical legacies, and cultural differences can shape relationships between countries, and the consequences of such decisions.

In conclusion, Katherine Harvey's book offers a compelling account of Iraq's relationship with Iran, challenging the assumptions that have dominated the geopolitical narrative. By examining the complex dynamics at play, Harvey provides a valuable insight into the ways in which power, ideology, and cultural differences can shape international relations, and the consequences of such decisions.

\n Weight: 622g\n
Dimension: 149 x 222 x 38 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781787385665\n \n