More tit-for-tat in the Middle East following Shia cleric’s execution



PARIS: -- The regional row is deepening in the Middle East over the execution of a prominent Shia Muslim cleric.

The escalating feud was sparked by the reaction of predominantly Shia Iran to news of the death of Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia’s embassy in Tehran was set alight on Saturday in retaliation.

Saudi Arabia broke off diplomatic ties with Iran in response, followed on Monday by its allies Bahrain and Sudan.

The developments

- Kuwait has recalled its ambassador to Iran on Tuesday.
- Bahrain has also recalled its ambassador and is stopping all flights to and from Iran.
- Saudi Arabian Prince Al Waleed Bin Talal says he is no longer considering any projects or investments in Iran.
- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said the execution violates “human rights and Islamic values”
- Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard has stated “Without a doubt, the hated Saudi regime will pay a price for this shameful act.”


-- (c) Copyright Euronews 2016-01-06

Interesting as Bahrain is predominately Shi'a, and this 'tit-for-tat' is going to be a Sunni-Shi'a conflict.

Attached graphic shows the religious demographics for the region.