[MEMRI] In an editorial on November 8, 2007, Jamal Ahmad Khashogji, editor-in-chief of the liberal Saudi daily Al-Watan, reveals the diplomatic sparring that took place at the Istanbul Conference between Saudi Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal and Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki. Prince Saud asked, "Why does the 'Islamic Revolution in Iran' limit itself to one sect?...When it provides aid and forms alliances, it does so on a strictly sectarian basis, solely with its Shi'ite brothers." "This is an issue that has become palpable and worrying. You see it in Iraq, Yemen, Lebanon, and Pakistan. Were it not for the wisdom of Saudi Arabia, a door would have opened to sectarian polarization - which is a battle and a contest that none of us need....How can we preserve Iraq's unity if Iran supports only the Shi'ites?" "Perhaps the time has come for us to tell the Iranians that they should talk less about 'Islamic and Muslim unity' and do more for it."
2007-11-09 01:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive