Perspective: Saudi fears Iraq chaos is strengthening Iran

RIYADH, Jan 26 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia fears the Iraq conflict has sapped America's ability to guarantee Gulf Arab security and breathed new life into the threat from Iran, according to analysts.

The war toppled Saddam Hussein, once seen by Washington and its Sunni Arab allies as a bulwark against the influence of Shi'ite Iran, and replaced his minority Sunni Muslim regime with a coalition dominated by parties from Iraq's Shi'ite majority.

The Iraqi Shi'ites, some allied to Tehran, have consolidated their power, and fighting between Sunni insurgents and Shi'ite paramilitaries has driven the country to the brink of civil war.

Saudi Arabia fears the violence spreading over its own borders. Its own Shi'ite minority is concentrated in the oil-rich eastern region near Iran and Iraq.

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