West needs a balanced approach in Saudi-Iran escalation

Relations between Riyadh and Tehran have gone from terrible to non-existent. It is clear to the West that both sides have provoked further escalation in an already fragile region. It will be critical to avoid aligning too closely with either side, even if this complicates relations with traditional regional allies when they behave in problematic ways that damage Western interests. Exercising this balance will be crucial.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: HR/VP Federica Mogherini on the executions in Saudi Arabia / Saudi executions exacerbate ‘sectarian tensions’, EU warns http://www.europeansources.info/record/hr-vp-federica-mogherini-on-the-executions-in-saudi-arabia-saudi-executions-exacerbate-sectarian-tensions-eu-warns/

EUISS: Brief, No.2, February 2016: War of words: Saudi Arabia v Iran http://www.iss.europa.eu/uploads/media/Brief_2_Saudi_Arabia___Iran_01.pdf

---