Faṣlnāmah-i Pizhūhish/hā-yi Rāhburdī-i Siyāsat (May 2018)
Comprehensive study of foreign policy of Saudi Arabia and Qatar towards the Syrian crisis (2011-2017).
Abstract
The popular uprisings in 2011, known as the Arab Spring, led to political changes in some Middle Eastern countries that have had a profound impact on the political and security interactions in the region, leading to regional change and the transformation of regional roles and actors. Saudi Arabia, as a conservative country, has always sought a policy of maintaining the status quo in the region, with the advent of developments in the region and the fear of spreading it into its kingdom, as well as in order to maintain a balance of power with the aggressive policy in the region. Also Qatar as a GCC member, known as a mediating state in the region, assessed the developments in the region as an opportunity to increase its role. Qatar's political movements were in conflict with Saudi policies on regional developments that led to tension between Saudi Arabia and Qatar and other members of the Gulf Cooperation Council. The present study, with a comparative approach, will examine the foreign policy of Saudi Arabia and Qatar towards the Syrian crisis. The research findings indicate that the two countries, despite ideological differences aiming at promoting their regional status and eliminating rivals into regional crises, have adopted their approach to intensifying conflicts in the region. Put them at risk and put them face to face.
Keywords