Islamic State Compels the Saudis and Iranians to Finally Talk

Iran has sent a senior diplomat to Saudi Arabia for the first time since talks with the United States over the Iranian nuclear program began about a year ago. Historically rivals, Tehran and Riyadh have reached a point where they need to discuss the strategic situation in the region. In particular, the Islamic State jihadist movement has complicated the countries' regional struggle for influence. Though significant, this round of diplomatic engagement between the Iranians and Saudis will remain tactical in nature and will be limited to efforts to keep their struggle within mutually acceptable parameters.