Analyzing the Geostrategic Dynamics in Iraq: Saudi-Iranian Rivalry and Pakistan’s Response, 2003-2018

Abstract

This research is about explaining Pakistan's proclaimed neutral policy towards the Saudi-Iran rivalry in Iraq. Regarding the Middle East, Pakistan's policy of neutrality has been adopted and claimed by Pakistan after the Iranian Revolution of 1979, which created an environment in the Middle East where Saudi Arabia and Iran emerged as rival forces in the region. While discussing the roots of neutrality, we found that Pakistan's policy of neutrality was the direct response to power politics between Saudi Arabia and Iran to safeguard its political and economic interests in the Middle East. This study uses qualitative methods. More specifically, John Scott's model of Documentary Analysis is used to explore the nature of the rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran in Iraq and Pakistan's response to it. A historical analysis of different factors demonstrates the extent to which Pakistan can plan, coordinate and execute a clear foreign policy to demonstrate its claim of neutral position.