Ep 17. Bitter Rivals: Iran and Saudi Arabia (Part One)

In season 35, episode 17 of the award-winning documentary series Frontline, titled "Bitter Rivals: Iran and Saudi Arabia (Part One)," viewers are taken on a journey through the tumultuous history and current state of affairs between two powerful Middle Eastern nations. As Iran and Saudi Arabia continue to vie for dominance in the region and beyond, this episode examines the factors that have contributed to their bitter rivalry.

Through interviews with experts, analysts, and insiders, as well as archival footage and on-the-ground reporting, Frontline delves into the geopolitical and religious tensions that have fueled this decades-long conflict. From the Iranian Revolution and the rise of Ayatollah Khomeini to the Gulf War and the Arab Spring, the episode examines key moments in history that have shaped the relationship between Iran and Saudi Arabia.

The episode also explores the complex religious and cultural differences at play, including the Sunni/Shia divide and the role of Wahhabism, a fundamentalist branch of Sunni Islam that is widely practiced in Saudi Arabia. Viewers will gain insight into how these differences have been exploited by leaders on both sides to gain power and influence.

As the war in Syria rages on and tensions remain high between Iran and the United States, the episode is a timely exploration of a conflict that has far-reaching implications for the entire region. With Part Two set to air later in the season, viewers can expect an in-depth and comprehensive look at the ongoing power struggle between these two bitter rivals.

Overall, "Bitter Rivals: Iran and Saudi Arabia (Part One)" is a thought-provoking and informative episode of Frontline that sheds light on one of the most complex and consequential conflicts in the world today.