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In the geopolitics of the Middle East, the Hajj is one of Saudi Arabia’s key events. How has the stampede in September affected tensions in the region? Discussing the issue on the Today programme Kamal Kashoggi, a former advisor to Saudi Prince Turki Al-Faisal, says the Hajj stampede has been politicised by countries wanting to win political points. Jane Kinninmont, senior research fellow on the Middle East at Chatham House, said: “The custodian of these holy sites is a massive part of Saudi Arabia’s soft power.” “For other Muslim countries, particularly Iran, which has a big rivalry with Saudi Arabia, there is competition around this leadership role.” She added.
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