Amid Arab Upheavel, Iran's Star Rising............from Dan Friedman

[Every time an Arab uprising removes a tyrant, Iran gains and the Saudis lose. Now here’s a real stumper for the democracy-loving crowd. Pick a side. df]


NYT, February 23, 2011
Arab Unrest Propels Iran as Saudi Influence Declines

MANAMA, Bahrain — The popular revolts shaking the Arab world have begun to shift the balance of power in the region, bolstering Iran’s position while weakening and unnerving its rival, Saudi Arabia, regional experts said.

While it is far too soon to write the final chapter on the uprisings’ impact, Iran has already benefited from the ouster or undermining of Arab leaders who were its strong adversaries and has begun to project its growing influence, the analysts said.