Saudi Arabia seeks low key influence in Afghanistan
Riyadh is looking to expand its relationship with the Taliban, to expand and protect its interests in the region, and counter Iranian influence.
In 1998, Riyadh closed its embassy when Kabul refused to hand over Osama bin Laden, the leader of Al Qaeda, who was sheltering in Afghanistan. After the attack on the World Trade Center in New York in 2001, Riyadh completely broke off ties.
However, Saudi Arabia cannot afford to remain out of the picture much longer.
“Riyadh is, indeed, seeking a new role in post-US Afghanistan," Mohammed Soliman, a scholar at the Middle East Institute, told Al-Monitor. "In the 1990s, it was among the few capitals that recognized Afghanistan. Currently, however, there are minimal relations between Saudi Arabia and the Taliban.”
After a long gap, what challenges will Riyadh face?
