RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Feb. 6 (UPI) -- Saudi Arabia has moved to play a larger diplomatic role in the Middle East, increasing its involvement in regional conflicts.
The country has taken steps to help resolve conflicts in the Palestinian territories, Lebanon and Iraq, The New York Times reported Tuesday,
Saudi Arabia is hosting talks Tuesday between warring Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah, and leaders from both parties say the talks could lead to a national unity government. High ranking Saudi officials also met with Israeli leaders last fall to discuss the possibility of establishing a Palestinian state.
The country has also recently begun increasing its public role in Iraq and its support of the Sunni-led government in Lebanon.
Experts say the kingdom's new public role is an attempt to counteract attempts by Iran to become a regional superpower.
"We realized that we have to wake up," said a high-ranking Saudi diplomat speaking on condition of anonymity. "Someone rang the bell, 'Be careful, something is moving.'"
