Simon Henderson

The UAE has a phobia of the Muslim Brotherhood and makes very little distinction of whether people are doing things which most in the United States would view as normal political activity as opposed to support for terrorism.

Simon Henderson

I think the Saudis are habitually paranoid about Iran and particularly at this stage, because they think the Iranians are playing games.

Simon Henderson

Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states have been very concerned that this deal involved too much American compromise because the administration was so desperate for it.

Simon Henderson

I think it goes without question that Israel did it, if you are Israel, you want to set the program back months if not years.

Simon Henderson

The immediate danger, perhaps, is that regional players may try to influence the outcome of succession or the chosen new leader, the UAE has an interest, as does Saudi Arabia. Iran will likely be opportunistic in how it plays its cards.

Simon Henderson