Abadi is caught between two fires: the Sunni hardliners and the S... by Mustafa Alani

Abadi is caught between two fires: the Sunni hardliners and the Shi'ite hardliners.

Mustafa Alani

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Technically these people are poor. Psychologically they are very poor. Training-wise they are poor, out of five suicide bombers, four killed themselves for nothing.

We're talking about highly organized attacks under a central command (outside Saudi Arabia) and with a chain of supply.

This new coalition is basically to get the worldwide Islamic support for Saudi Arabia to lead the fight against terrorism and take the flag from Iran.

It's not a visa, but it's not a free walk-in either. There might... by Mustafa Alani

It's not a visa, but it's not a free walk-in either. There might be a geographical restriction.

The Saudis are very keen not to allow Egypt to collapse, but at the same time the Saudis cannot pay forever. I think King Salman will try to explain these issues.

The grant (to Lebanon's army) was based on the assumption that it would strengthen state institutions and allow them to challenge non-state institutions. This was not happening, they were convinced Hezbollah hijacked the Lebanese state.

His father was a prominent doctor. (Abadi) is used to living with... by Mustafa Alani

His father was a prominent doctor. (Abadi) is used to living with other communities.

The security forces are very confident. The Shi'ite population is confined in certain places. They are a small minority compared to a big majority. They think they have the capability to control them.

Actually, I think this is partly about Shi'ite terrorism, because nobody is putting any effort into fighting that.

They understand the complexity of their task. How difficult it will be to come up with something tangible, so they will not aim to create a centralised leadership that reflects who controls the ground because this will be impossible. They will aim to produce a centralised leadership that has reasonable, rational thinking and can sit at the table.

They understand the complexity of their task. How difficult it will be to come up with something tangible, so they will not aim to create a centralized leadership that reflects who controls the ground because this will be impossible. They will aim to produce a centralized leadership that has reasonable, rational thinking and can sit at the table.

The Russians are basically trying to wiggle out of Geneva, so it is the question of he can stay: it's a red line for all the Gulf Cooperation Council. Absolutely a red line. This is something that won't be a negotiable issue.

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Their experience of six years from Obama is assurances, promises, nice words. But at the end of the day they got nothing in their hands.

I think we're going to see a more confrontational policy, faster decision-making and more long-term thinking. A leadership that won't hesitate from any confrontation.

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I think it has a lot to do with the new Saudi relationship with Turkey, you're talking about strategic understanding between them.

I think the Qatari-Turkish alliance was working on the issue long before the Saudis became part of it, the Saudis came in immediately after King Salman took power.

The understanding is we will face a more aggressive Iran if they sign an agreement. All the restrictions on it will be lifted and it will be much stronger. This is an issue that needs some sort of unity.

There is a rethinking in the military strategy in the region for the next five to 10 years from now due to such threats.

Look at the map, you can see the situation surrounding the country. ... For this sort of environment, you need a new team.