To the Point
Sectarianism Renews Divisions in the Middle East
By executing a Shiite cleric last weekend, the Sunni nation of Saudi Arabia created a martyr. It also inflamed its dangerous rivalry with Shiite Iran. Hardliners in both countries are now using sectarian differences to pursue political goals.
By Warren Olney • • 34m ListenBy executing a Shiite cleric last weekend, the Sunni nation of Saudi Arabia created a martyr. It also inflamed its dangerous rivalry with Shiite Iran. Hardliners in both countries are now using sectarian differences to pursue political goals. Stability in the Middle East is at risk, along with implementing the Iran nuclear deal, finding an end to Syria's civil war and defeating the Islamic State. Both Iran and Saudi Arabia violate human rights and make war on their neighbors. Should the US choose one over the other or look for middle ground?
Warren Olney
former KCRW broadcaster
Paul von Zielbauer
Producer, 'To the Point'
Katie Cooper
Producer, 'One year Later'
Jenny Hamel
KCRW
Scott Peterson
Christian Science Monitor
Robin Wright
contributing writer at The New Yorker magazine, and a joint fellow at U.S. Institute of Peace and the Woodrow Wilson Center
Max Boot
columnist who covers national security for the Washington Post