Ninety-six (96) local, regional, and international organizations and entities (prime actors) were identified by their peers as influential in the life of Syria. In the chart below, the left column ranks the prime actors from most influential in shaping the life in Syria (Russia) to the least influential (Relief International).

The chart also shows the classification of prime actors into five stances indicating the actor's support and contribution to inclusive nationalism for Syria, starting from the most committed (Core) to the least committed (Saboteur).

Amount of influence of Saudi Arabia in the life of Syria, and its commitment to inclusive nationalism for Syria.

25 prime actors participated in the following:

  • Determining the rank of Saudi Arabia according to the amount of its influence on life in Syria. As shown in the chart below, Saudi Arabia ranked 11th most influential prime actor.
  • Assessing and classifying Saudi Arabia according to its commitment to inclusive nationalism for Syria (also indicated in the same row by the colored rectangle). Of the 25 prime actors who participated in the assessments, more agreed that Saudi Arabia falls under the category of 'Helper'. A prime actor assessed as Helper is seen as supportive of and contributing to inclusive nationalism for Syria, but  has other priorities that it considers more important.
Syria R3 PA Saudi Arabia.jpg

In response to the question, “How is Saudi Arabia important in the life of Syria?” 


Round 3 participants stated (Nov. 2016 - Jul. 2017):

"[Saudi Arabia] is a major player in the region. They want Assad out, but are more concerned with Iran. They see Assad as Iran's puppet. They direct attention to Iran as much as possible. It is a military and economic power and member of the Arab League.” (239312)

"The Saudis finance most of the opposition armed groups in Syria.” (236592)

"They have religious ties, oil, and money supporting groups on the ground that are fighting ISIL. They are an ally to the United States. They will support financial and economic growth in reconstruction.” (235781)

"They support the opposition.” (236371)

"They find Islamist groups in the greater Sunni-Shia conflict of the region. They are less interested in Syria now that Yemen is consuming their energy.” (238631)


Round 2 participants stated (Aug. 2016 - Oct. 2017):

“They help in the humanitarian field only. 99% [of the funding] never gets to the people.” (220291)

"They support humanitarian aid and the military, and supplies arms. It is regionally important.” (223881)

“Saudis are supporters of the opposition. They have an ideological rift with Iran. They are an ideological influence in the region through their resources.” (228631)

“Saudi Arabia is one of the biggest donors to opposition armed groups. It finances, in part, the opposition.” (223911)