The U.S. and Saudi Arabia in the Middle East: An Alliance of Competing Powers, Too Risky to Break?

"Daesh has a mother: the invasion of Iraq. But it also has a father: Saudi Arabia and its religious-industrial complex. Until that point is understood, battles may be won, but the war will be lost.... ... conflicts. But the Americans are holding their ground, with the State Department laconically responding “the Saudi refusal is their own business.” However, analysts believe that Riyadh gave up its UNSC position over fears of failure in its ...