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Source: https://mobile.mmedia.me/lb/en/commentary/565178-over-the-heads-of-the-saudis
U.S.-Saudi Differences over Iran Role in Yemen
(NOW-Lebanon) Tony Badran - "Iran is part of the problem in Yemen, not part of the solution," said Adel al-Jubeir, the Saudi ambassador to the U.S., on Wednesday. Whereas the Saudi goal is to shut Iran out of Yemen, Obama sees Iran as a principal stakeholder. His officials have been in constant communication with the Iranians over Yemen, and have been pushing for a Saudi ceasefire. Much like the Israelis, the Saudis can no longer operate on the assumption that they will receive American support. President Obama seems to believe that by including Iranians in negotiations, he is bringing "equilibrium" to the Middle East. Seen from the perspective of Saudi Arabia and Israel, however, Obama's doctrine of "equilibrium" emboldens Iran, which - feeling the American wind in its sails - pushes home its advantage. And it leaves America's allies with no choice but to resist Iran's expansion - and Obama's doctrine, which lends it recognition. The writer is a research fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.