Posted on 01/03/2016 12:58:31 PM PST by TroutStalker
BAGHDAD — Saudi Arabia cut diplomatic ties with Iran on Sunday and gave all Iranian diplomats 48 hours to leave the kingdom, as escalating tensions over the execution of an outspoken Shiite cleric in Saudi Arabia marked a new low in relations between the two Middle Eastern powers.
The surprise move, announced in a televised news conference by Adel al-Jubeir, the Saudi foreign minister, followed harsh criticism by Iranian leaders of the Saudi execution of Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr and the storming of the Saudi Embassy in Tehran by protestors in response.
Mr. Jubeir said that the kingdom would not allow Iran to undermine the kingdom’s security.
The supreme leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warned Saturday that Saudi Arabia would face divine vengeance for the execution of Sheikh Nimr, a day after Iranian protesters ransacked the Saudi Embassy in Tehran. Saudi Arabia, which put the cleric to death in a mass execution of 47 men accused of terrorism-related offenses, fired back, saying Iran had “revealed its true face represented in support for terrorism.†Photo Credit Saudi Press Agency, via Agence France-Presse — Getty Images
The heated rhetoric underscored the mounting tensions between the two powers that each consider themselves leaders of the Islamic world and support opposing sides in conflicts across the region.
Setting off this round of recriminations was the Saudis’ execution on Saturday of Sheikh Nimr, a Shiite cleric from eastern Saudi Arabia who often criticized the Saudi royal family and called for Shiite empowerment. Skeikh Nimr had become a leader in Shiite protests, and the government accused him of inciting violence.
(Excerpt) Read more at nytimes.com ...
Please let them kill each other...
What’s the latest in Yemen?
Is Iran still there and able to supply weapons?
If so, Iran could strike the Saudis where they live.
Potential game changer.
My theory is that Iran has the bomb already but hasn’t tested it because it has no delivery device yet. I think this incident may make them change their strategy.
The ultimate irony would be if Iran got so POd at Saudi, that they destroyed Mecca and Medina-—Ahhhhhhhhhhh wouldn’t it be loverly!!!!!!!!
Iran has Russia for an ally - this situation is not going to end well.
Ah to dream...
Let the games begin!
Bush Family Ragheads squabbling with Obama BFF Ragheads.
All Saudi Arabia has to do is open up their air space and refueling tankers and it will be a new ballgame. Tehran will no longer be a one way trip.
Like Hitler vs Stalin, too bad both can’t lose.
Iyacombmany Imawhackjob said they have alot of missiles
Looks like I’d better go gas up the car before filling the tank requires a 2nd mortgage...
Isn’t the Kenyan warming up Air Force One for his global foreign policy victory tour? Where can he land? The Azores?
I gotta say, these clowns have a flair for the dramatic in their statements. If you did not realize that these guys were really pansy boy reapers, you might think they were tough.
“My theory is that Iran has the bomb already but hasn’t tested it because it has no delivery device yet.”
I think you are mostly right. What they don’t have is their preferred delivery vehicle. I believe they can deliver the goods, but it will be a one way ticket for the deliveryman.
Understand the possibility - however remote; but, again, my concern is the Russians. Now, in the context you have stated, what would come to pass if Israel were facing the Russians? That would likely turn into WW III very quickly.
2016 is not starting out very well.
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