Part 7/13:
Meanwhile, China’s diplomatic moves, particularly its recent restoration of Iran-Saudi relations, have further diminished American influence. The U.S. had historically exploited sectarian differences between Sunni Saudi Arabia and Shiite Iran to contain regional conflicts—even as it supported Israel’s security. Now, with China and Russia intervening more actively, America’s role as regional arbitrator is waning, and Moscow, in particular, appears to be benefiting from these strategic shifts.