Saudi Arabia's Worst Fear About Iran

Saudi Arabia has many fears about Iran. But there is one fear that is the worst of them all: an open Iran that mends relations with Saudi Arabia’s closest western ally, the US. And that scenario seems very likely, following the lifting of UN sanctions against the Islamic Republic. For Iran, an open and prosperous society could pave the way for a moderate regime that would fulfill the causes and promises of the 1979 revolution against the tyranny of monarchy. So why should Saudi Arabia be fearful of this prospect? Because the Iranian revolution could serve as a model for its own young population. “Iran and Saudi Arabia are regional rivals, economically, politically, ideologically and culturally,” wrote a commentator in one of our previous pieces. “Both countries have a young population with an average age of 27. Both countries want to keep their system and elite safe, in other words keep their population and hence their youth under control. Elections are imminent in Iran. The worst case scenario for Saudi Arabia would be a more moderate, world-friendly and especially West-friendly Iran. Iran has despite all its human rights abuses, more democratic institutions than the Saudi Kingdom. If only it cleaned up its act, the promises of the 1979 revolution against tyranny would be served and it would go a long way in allowing Iranians to fulfill their potential. A scenario like that would be detrimental to the Saudi elite, as it wouldn’t want to see its own youth follow that lead.” Key Economic Metrics