War with Iran wildcard - will Saudi Arabia greenlight it?

Question

The Saudi's don't want a nuclear Iran or an aggressive Iran (read enemy Shiite nation) around.

The Saudi's also don't want an overly open westernized democracy in Iran.

I think this really comes down to Saudi approval. Will they greenlight a war with Iran?

Answer 1

I think the real point is not Saudi Arabia, but our Arab Allies. How will the Arab street in Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon and Kuwait act to Israel striking Iran.

Answer 2

They will remain nuetral is my guess.  Why would they want to get involved?  They will get to raise prices on gas, even more than is reasonable.  I see them benefitting.

Answer 3

before i get started im not a soccer fan but i enjoy your nickname....i dont think the Saudis will support a war against Iran if it comes about because of an attack by Israel.  If Iran does something openly aggressive or attacks anyone in the region, then thats a different story.  but for all of saudi arabia's friendliness with the US and their dedication to diplomacy in the region: if we have israel vs arabs...all the arab nations will attack israel or at best remain militarily neutral.

Answer 4

A USA backed war? or a Saudi backed war?  I don't think they would do the latter because they haven't ever stuck their necks out that way... they prefer business routes... the former... well... it all depends on who gets the power in the new Iran...

on the real the USA made a huge mess of this when they went to war in the first place... the Saudis just wanted the USA to control Saddam not over throw him and institute democracy which ultimately moved Iraq closer to Iran then to Saudi Arabia.

so I don't see how Saudi Arabia's green light would prevent the USA from doing what it wants... I don't think Bush cares and the Republicans could use a new war to win the election in 2008.

Answer 5

Oil is their lifeblood.  War with Iran (and retaliation for perceived assistance) could ruin them.  They would think twice before giving the proverbial "thumbs up" (but ultimately, I think they would).