By Micah Halpern
I've Been Thinking:
World powers and regional powers are meeting in Vienna to discuss Syria.
Included in this group is Iran. Iran is, undoubtedly, one of the most important factors influencing the Syrian conflict. They have major numbers of boots on the ground and they supply aPnd support Assad and his forces.
The talks began on Friday.
Iran is, so far, very displeased with the process. They feel that Saudi Arabia is being negative. So on Monday Iran announced that they would pull out of the talks if the parties, especially Saudi Arabia, were not more positive.
"In the first round of talks, some countries, especially Saudi Arabia, played a negative and unconstructive role. Iran will not participate if the talks are not fruitful," announced Deputy Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian.
This announcement was carried in the Islamic State News Agency (ISNA) which is an official outlet of the Islamic Republic.
Tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia are centuries old. They play out most dramatically in Syria and in Vienna but they also play out almost everywhere in the Middle East.
Saudi Arabia represents the Sunnis. Iran represents the Shiites.
This is how lines are drawn across the Middle East.
Micah@MicahHalpern.com
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