Prior to 1979, Saudi Arabia and Iran, two Muslim monarchies--one Sunni and one Shia--were allied with the US in the Cold War against Communism. The Iranian Revolution changed that, as did the Saudi response to the seizure of the Grand Mosque in Mecca. The two powers began to compete for regional primacy, especially through the export of their versions of politicized Islam. Kim Ghattas discusses her book Black Wave, which describes the consequences for the Middle East. This Saudi-Iranian conflict largely plays out in other countries--Egypt, Lebanon, Iraq, Yemen, and Pakistan--often with violent consequences. As religious extremism spread after 1979, a massive rollback in women's rights took place. While today Saudi Arabia and Iran are still locked in competition with each other, religion is losing its grip on a younger generation, that includes activists and writers trying to change repressive systems from within. The diplomacy around the JCPOA negotiations currently under way in Vienna and the policies of the US are of course important, but the future of the region ultimately depends on the agency of local forces hoping to escape the conflict of the past four decades.
-
About Hoover
About Hoover
Located on the campus of Stanford University and in Washington, DC, the Hoover Institution is the nation’s preeminent research center dedicated to generating policy ideas that promote economic prosperity, national security, and democratic governance.
Learn More -
Fellows
Fellows
Hoover scholars form the Institution’s core and create breakthrough ideas aligned with our mission and ideals. What sets Hoover apart from all other policy organizations is its status as a center of scholarly excellence, its locus as a forum of scholarly discussion of public policy, and its ability to bring the conclusions of this scholarship to a public audience.
View All Fellows -
Research
Research
Throughout our over one-hundred-year history, our work has directly led to policies that have produced greater freedom, democracy, and opportunity in the United States and the world.
Learn More -
Commentary
Commentary
Hoover scholars offer analysis of current policy challenges and provide solutions on how America can advance freedom, peace, and prosperity.
Learn More - Library & Archives
-
Support Hoover
Support Hoover
Learn more about joining the community of supporters and scholars working together to advance Hoover’s mission and values.
Learn More - Events
- Student Opportunities
-
-
What is MyHoover?
MyHoover delivers a personalized experience at Hoover.org. In a few easy steps, create an account and receive the most recent analysis from Hoover fellows tailored to your specific policy interests.
Watch this video for an overview of MyHoover.
Create AccountForgot Password
Login?
-
-
What is MyHoover?
MyHoover delivers a personalized experience at Hoover.org. In a few easy steps, create an account and receive the most recent analysis from Hoover fellows tailored to your specific policy interests.
Watch this video for an overview of MyHoover.
Create AccountHave questions? Contact us
Forgot Password
Login?
-
Support Hoover
Support Hoover
Learn more about joining the community of supporters and scholars working together to advance Hoover’s mission and values.
Learn More