{"id":454,"title":"The Middle East's cold war, explained","description":"This video from Vox explains the ongoing Cold War in the Middle East between Saudi Arabia and Iran. It details how both nations, despite never directly declaring war on each other, engage in proxy warfare by supporting opposing sides in various regional conflicts like those in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen. The video traces the historical origins of this rivalry, highlighting the differing paths of Saudi Arabia's oil-fueled monarchy and Iran's tumultuous history of foreign intervention leading to the Islamic Revolution. It also touches on the religious divide between Sunni-majority Saudi Arabia and Shia-majority Iran, and how this has fueled the proxy conflicts, creating a highly unstable and unpredictable geopolitical landscape in the region.","slug":"the-middle-east-s-cold-war-explained","creator":"Vox","duration":619.020771,"tags":["Middle East","Cold War","Saudi Arabia","Iran","Proxy Warfare","Geopolitics","Sunni-Shia Divide","Islamic Revolution","Oil Politics","Regional Conflict","Vox"],"transcription":"There is a cold war in the Middle East. The Middle East is one of the most complex regions in the world. Currently, there are four failing states and three wars, with major powers increasingly taking opposite sides. Countless armed militias and terrorist groups are spreading violence across borders. The region has seen conflict after conflict going back well into the 20th century. But among all the uprisings, civil wars and insurgencies, two countries always seem to be involved: Saudi Arabia and Iran. They're bitter rivals, and their feud is the key to understanding conflicts in the Middle East. The Saudis and Iranians have never actually declared war on each other. Instead, they fight indirectly by supporting opposing sides in other countries and inciting conflicts. This is known as proxy warfare, and it's had a devastating effect on the region. Countries, especially poor ones, can't function if there are larger countries pulling strings within their borders. Both the Saudis and the Iranians see these civil wars as both tremendous threats and also potentially enormous opportunities. The Saudi-Iranian rivalry has become a fight over influence, and the whole region is a battlefield. It's why the rivalry is being called a Cold War. The most famous Cold War was fought for 40 years between the United States and Soviet Union. Looking forward to the day when their flag would fly over the entire world. They never declared war on each other, but clashed in proxy wars around the world. Each side supported dictators, rebel groups, and intervened in civil wars to contain the other. Like the US and Soviet Union, Saudi Arabia and Iran are two powerful rivals. But instead of fighting for world dominance, they're fighting over control of the Middle East. In order to understand the Saudi-Iranian rivalry, let's go back to the origins of each country. In the early 1900s, the Arabian Peninsula was a patchwork of tribes under the control of the Ottoman Empire. After World War I, the empire collapsed, leaving these tribes to fight each other over power. One tribe from the interior, the al Saud, eventually conquered most of the peninsula. In 1932, they were recognized as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Six years later, massive oil reserves were discovered in Saudi Arabia, and in an instant, the Saudi monarchy was rich. That oil money built roads and cities all around the desert country, and it helped forge an alliance with the US. On the eastern side of the Persian Gulf, another country was emerging, but having a much harder time. Iran also had massive oil reserves and an even bigger Muslim population. But constant foreign intervention was creating chaos. Since the 18th century, Iran had been invaded by the Russians and the British twice. In 1953, the US secretly staged a coup, removing the popular Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh. In his place, they propped up a monarch, Reza Shah, who was aggressively reforming Iran into a secular, Westernized country. But he harbored corruption and terrorized the population with his secret police, the SAVAK. By the 1970s, both Saudi Arabia and Iran had oil-based economies and had governments heavily backed by the US. But the feelings among each population were very different. Ultimately, at the end of the day, the Shah of Iran, powerful as he was, simply didn't have the same control over his people, or ultimately the same legitimacy and affection that the Saudi people felt toward their monarchy at that point in time. That's because Iran's Muslims felt stifled by the Shah's reformations, and by the end of the decade, they finally fought back. Iran's Islamic Revolution overthrew a powerful regime that boasted military might. It's really in 1979 when Ayatollah Khomeini and the Islamic Revolution overthrow the Shah, that the real tension between Iran and Saudi Arabia began. Ayatollah Khomeini was a Muslim clergyman who preached against Western-backed secular monarchies. He advocated for a government that was popular, Islamic, and led by the clergy. And in 1979, he led a revolution to establish just that. It was a massive international event that prompted reactions around the world, especially in Saudi Arabia. The Iranian Revolution terrified the government of Saudi Arabia. They were fearful that Ayatollah Khomeini would inspire their populations to rise up against them, exactly the way that he had caused the Iranian population to rise up against the Shah. And there is a religious threat, too. Up until now, the Saudis had claimed to be the leaders of the Muslim world, largely because Islam's two holiest sites, Mecca and Medina, are in Saudi Arabia. But Khomeini claimed his popular revolution made Iran the legitimate Muslim state. And there is another divide. Saudi Arabia's population is mostly Sunni, the majority sect of Islam, while Khomeini and Iran are mostly Shia. Westerners always make a mistake in drawing an analogy between the Sunni-Shia split and the Protestant-Catholic split within Christianity. The Sunni-Shia split was never as violent. That in much of the Islamic world, when Sunnis and Shia were living in close proximity, they got along famously well. So, while the Sunni-Shia split was not a reason for the rivalry, it was an important division. After the revolution, the Saudis' fears came to life when Iran began exporting its revolution. This CIA report from 1980 details how the Iranians started helping groups, mostly Shia, trying to overthrow governments in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Saudi Arabia. And they prompted the Saudis to redouble their efforts to fight against Iran. They bolstered their alliance with the US and formed the GCC, an alliance with other Gulf monarchies. The stage was set for conflict. On September the 22nd, Iraqi planes attacked Merabad Airport outside Tehran. Iraq was gambling on a short, sharp campaign. The rise of Iran as a regional power threatened other neighboring countries as well. In September 1980, Iraq, under the rule of dictator Saddam Hussein, invaded Iran. He was hoping to stop the Iranian Revolution, gain power, and annex some of Iran's oil reserves. But they didn't get far. The war bogged down into a stalemate, complete with trench warfare, chemical weapons, and heavy civilian casualties. When Iran started winning, the Saudis panicked and came to Iraq's rescue. They provided money, weapons, and logistical help. And so it becomes critical to the Saudis that they build up Iraq and build it up into a wall that can hold back the Iranian torrent that they have unleashed. The Saudi help allowed Iraq to fight until 1988. By then, nearly a million people had died. The Iranians largely blamed the Saudis for the war, and the feud escalated. Fast forward 15 years, and Iraq again became the scene of a proxy war. In 2003, the US invaded Iraq and overthrew Saddam Hussein. Neither Saudi Arabia nor Iran wanted this to happen, since Iraq had been acting as a buffer between them. But problems arose when the US struggled to replace Saddam. The United States has no idea what it's doing in Iraq after 2003, and it makes one mistake after another that creates a security vacuum and a failed state and drives Iraq into all-out civil war. Without a government, armed militias took control of Iraq, splintering the population. Sunni and Shia militias suddenly sprang up all over the country. Many were radical Islamist groups who saw an opportunity to gain power amidst the chaos. These militias were ready-made proxies for Saudi Arabia and Iran, and they both seized the opportunity to try and gain power. The Saudis started sending money and weapons to the Sunni militias, and Iran to the Shia. Iraq was suddenly a proxy war with Saudi Arabia and Iran supporting opposing sides. That trend continued into the Arab Spring, a series of anti-monarchy, pro-democracy protests that swept through the Middle East in 2011. And this had very different consequences for Saudi Arabia and Iran. That is terrifying to the Saudis, who are the ultimate status quo power. They want the region stable, and they don't want anybody rising up and overthrowing a sclerotic autocratic government for fear that it might inspire their own people to do the same. The Iranians are the ultimate anti-status quo power. They have been trying for decades to overturn the regional order. Each country threw their weight behind different groups all over the Middle East. Just like in Iraq, the Saudis began supporting Sunni groups and governments, while Iran helped Shia groups rise up against them. For example, in Tunisia, the Saudis backed a dictator, while the Iranians stoked protests. In Bahrain, Iran supported Shia leaders seeking to overthrow the government. Saudi Arabia, in turn, sent troops to help quash the unrest. Both got involved in Libya, Lebanon, and Morocco as well. As Saudi Arabia and Iran put more and more pressure on these countries, they began to collapse. Now the feud has gone a step further, with both countries deploying their own militaries. In Yemen, the Saudi military is on the ground helping the central government. They are fighting the rebels called the Houthis, who are an Iranian proxy group. And the reverse is happening in Syria. The Iranian military is fighting side-by-side with militias, some of them extremist groups like Hezbollah, in support of dictator Bashar al-Assad. They are fighting rebel Sunni groups who are Saudi proxies. The more civil wars that broke out in the Middle East, the more Saudi Arabia and Iran became involved. Neither the government of Saudi Arabia nor the government of Iran are looking for a fight. But the problem is that these civil wars create circumstances that no one could have predicted. Both the Iranians and the Saudis feel their vital national interests are threatened, are in jeopardy, because of different things going on in these civil wars, things that they blame each other for. Now the Cold War is drawing in other countries. The Saudi government is threatening Qatar, a tiny Gulf state that was developing ties with Iran. Meanwhile, in Syria and Iraq, the terrorist group ISIS is nearing defeat, and both the Saudis and Iranians are angling to take control of that territory. It's a Cold War that's becoming incredibly unpredictable. As the Middle East continues to destabilize, it's hard to say how far these countries will go.","timeline":[{"t":0,"speech":"There is a cold war in the Middle East.","visual":{"action":"A satellite map of the Middle East is shown. Text appears on screen, slowly revealing the phrase 'There is a Cold War in the Middle East'. The map is dark blue for water and light gray for land, with country borders faintly outlined.","colors":{"dominant":"#2D353F","palette":["#2D353F","#A0A0A0","#FFFFFF","#000000","#5A5A5A"]},"composition":{"angle":"overhead","focus":"sharp","framing":"wide shot"},"mood":"informative","objects":[],"people":[],"setting":{"architecture":"none","background":"dark blue ocean, light gray landmasses","lighting":"even, soft","location":"Middle East map"},"text_on_screen":[{"content":"Vox","location":"top right","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"There is a","location":"center","style":"large, bold, dark gray sans-serif font"}]}},{"t":3,"speech":"The Middle East is one of the most complex regions in the world. Currently, there are four failing states and three wars, with major powers increasingly taking opposite sides.","visual":{"action":"The map animates, highlighting Libya, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen in light orange. Red lines connect these countries to the text '4 failing states' and '3 wars'. Flags of various countries (Saudi Arabia, UK, USA, Turkey, Russia, Iran) appear near the highlighted regions, indicating their involvement.","colors":{"dominant":"#A0A0A0","palette":["#A0A0A0","#F0C8A4","#B00000","#FFFFFF","#2D353F"]},"composition":{"angle":"overhead","focus":"sharp","framing":"wide shot"},"mood":"serious","objects":[],"people":[],"setting":{"architecture":"none","background":"dark blue ocean, light gray landmasses","lighting":"even, soft","location":"Middle East map"},"text_on_screen":[{"content":"Vox","location":"top right","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"Libya","location":"left","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"Syria","location":"top center","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"Iraq","location":"top center","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"Yemen","location":"bottom center","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"4 failing states","location":"top right","style":"red sans-serif font"},{"content":"3 wars","location":"bottom right","style":"red sans-serif font"},{"content":"Mapbox","location":"bottom left","style":"small white sans-serif font"}]}},{"t":12,"speech":"Countless armed militias and terrorist groups are spreading violence across borders.","visual":{"action":"The map shows glowing orange and red circles indicating the locations of ISIS, Hezbollah, and al-Qaeda, with lines connecting them to their respective names. These circles pulse and expand slightly.","colors":{"dominant":"#A0A0A0","palette":["#A0A0A0","#F0C8A4","#FF8C00","#B00000","#2D353F"]},"composition":{"angle":"overhead","focus":"sharp","framing":"wide shot"},"mood":"alarming","objects":[],"people":[],"setting":{"architecture":"none","background":"dark blue ocean, light gray landmasses","lighting":"even, soft","location":"Middle East map"},"text_on_screen":[{"content":"Vox","location":"top right","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"ISIS","location":"top left","style":"yellow sans-serif font"},{"content":"Hezbollah","location":"top right","style":"red sans-serif font"},{"content":"al-Qaeda","location":"bottom right","style":"orange sans-serif font"},{"content":"Mapbox","location":"bottom left","style":"small white sans-serif font"}]}},{"t":16,"speech":"The region has seen conflict after conflict going back well into the 20th century.","visual":{"action":"A rapid montage of historical conflict footage plays. This includes soldiers in gas masks, a blindfolded man with chained hands, soldiers firing rifles, a tank moving, people cheering around a statue, and armed men in traditional Middle Eastern attire.","colors":{"dominant":"#808080","palette":["#808080","#C0C0C0","#404040","#A0A0A0","#606060"]},"composition":{"angle":"various","focus":"sharp","framing":"various"},"mood":"chaotic","objects":[{"color":"green","name":"gas masks","position":"center","state":"worn by soldiers"},{"color":"silver","name":"chains","position":"center","state":"binding a man's wrists"},{"color":"tan","name":"tank","position":"center","state":"moving"},{"color":"black","name":"rifles","position":"center","state":"held by soldiers"}],"people":[{"age_range":"adult","clothing":{"accessories":"helmets, gas masks","bottom":"military fatigues","footwear":"boots","top":"military fatigues"},"face":"obscured by gas masks","hair":"not visible","hands":"holding rifles","pose":"standing, marching","position":"center"},{"age_range":"adult","clothing":{"accessories":"blindfold","bottom":"light-colored pants","footwear":"not visible","top":"light-colored shirt"},"face":"blindfolded","hair":"dark, short","hands":"raised, chained","pose":"standing, arms raised","position":"center"},{"age_range":"adult","clothing":{"accessories":"headscarves","bottom":"traditional robes","footwear":"not visible","top":"traditional robes"},"face":"various expressions","hair":"various","hands":"holding rifles, raised in protest","pose":"standing, marching, protesting","position":"center"}],"setting":{"architecture":"urban buildings, desert landscape","background":"various","lighting":"harsh, natural","location":"various Middle Eastern locations"},"text_on_screen":[{"content":"Vox","location":"top right","style":"white sans-serif font"}]}},{"t":23,"speech":"But among all the uprisings, civil wars and insurgencies, two countries always seem to be involved: Saudi Arabia and Iran.","visual":{"action":"The screen splits into two, showing a Saudi Arabian flag waving on the left and an Iranian flag being carried by a crowd on the right. Both flags are green, white, and red, with distinct national emblems.","colors":{"dominant":"#FFFFFF","palette":["#FFFFFF","#008000","#B00000","#000000","#D0D0D0"]},"composition":{"angle":"eye-level","focus":"sharp","framing":"split screen"},"mood":"informative","objects":[{"color":"green, white","name":"Saudi Arabian flag","position":"left","state":"waving"},{"color":"green, white, red","name":"Iranian flag","position":"right","state":"being carried"}],"people":[{"age_range":"adult","clothing":{"accessories":"none","bottom":"not visible","footwear":"not visible","top":"not visible"},"face":"not visible","hair":"not visible","hands":"not visible","pose":"not visible","position":"right (crowd)"}],"setting":{"architecture":"none","background":"white sky (left), urban street (right)","lighting":"bright, natural","location":"outdoor"},"text_on_screen":[{"content":"Vox","location":"top right","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"Saudi Arabia","location":"bottom left","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"Iran","location":"bottom right","style":"white serif font"}]}},{"t":28,"speech":"They're bitter rivals, and their feud is the key to understanding conflicts in the Middle East.","visual":{"action":"The screen transitions to a gray background with outlines of Saudi Arabia (black) and Iran (white). Text overlays emphasize the 'Conflict in the Middle East'.","colors":{"dominant":"#808080","palette":["#808080","#000000","#FFFFFF","#404040","#C0C0C0"]},"composition":{"angle":"overhead","focus":"sharp","framing":"medium shot"},"mood":"serious","objects":[],"people":[],"setting":{"architecture":"none","background":"solid gray","lighting":"even, soft","location":"stylized map"},"text_on_screen":[{"content":"Vox","location":"top right","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"CONFLICT","location":"center","style":"large, bold, black sans-serif font"},{"content":"in the","location":"center","style":"medium, black sans-serif font"},{"content":"Middle East","location":"bottom center","style":"large, bold, black serif font"}]}},{"t":33,"speech":"The Saudis and Iranians have never actually declared war on each other.","visual":{"action":"The outlines of Saudi Arabia (black) and Iran (white) are shown on a gray background, with their full names appearing as text overlays.","colors":{"dominant":"#808080","palette":["#808080","#000000","#FFFFFF","#404040","#C0C0C0"]},"composition":{"angle":"overhead","focus":"sharp","framing":"medium shot"},"mood":"informative","objects":[],"people":[],"setting":{"architecture":"none","background":"solid gray","lighting":"even, soft","location":"stylized map"},"text_on_screen":[{"content":"Vox","location":"top right","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"Islamic Republic of Iran","location":"top right of Iran outline","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"Kingdom of Saudi Arabia","location":"bottom left of Saudi Arabia outline","style":"white serif font"}]}},{"t":36,"speech":"Instead, they fight indirectly by supporting opposing sides in other countries and inciting conflicts. This is known as proxy warfare.","visual":{"action":"The map expands to include Iraq, Syria, and Yemen, highlighted in different colors (dark red, orange, yellow). Lines connect Saudi Arabia and Iran to these countries, forming a triangular relationship. The text 'war in Iraq', 'Syrian civil war', and 'Yemeni Civil War' appear next to the respective countries.","colors":{"dominant":"#808080","palette":["#808080","#000000","#FFFFFF","#B00000","#FFA500"]},"composition":{"angle":"overhead","focus":"sharp","framing":"wide shot"},"mood":"serious","objects":[],"people":[],"setting":{"architecture":"none","background":"solid gray","lighting":"even, soft","location":"stylized Middle East map"},"text_on_screen":[{"content":"Vox","location":"top right","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"Kingdom of Saudi Arabia","location":"bottom left of Saudi Arabia outline","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"Islamic Republic of Iran","location":"top right of Iran outline","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"war in Iraq","location":"center, above Iraq","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"Syrian civil war","location":"center, above Syria","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"Yemeni Civil War","location":"center, above Yemen","style":"white sans-serif font"}]}},{"t":41,"speech":"This is known as proxy warfare.","visual":{"action":"The word 'PROXY' appears in large white letters across the screen, partially obscuring the map. The word 'warfare' appears below it in smaller white letters.","colors":{"dominant":"#808080","palette":["#808080","#FFFFFF","#000000","#B00000","#FFA500"]},"composition":{"angle":"overhead","focus":"sharp","framing":"medium shot"},"mood":"informative","objects":[],"people":[],"setting":{"architecture":"none","background":"stylized Middle East map (blurred)","lighting":"even, soft","location":"stylized Middle East map"},"text_on_screen":[{"content":"Vox","location":"top right","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"PROXY","location":"center","style":"large, bold, white sans-serif font"},{"content":"warfare","location":"bottom center","style":"medium, white sans-serif font"}]}},{"t":44,"speech":"And it's had a devastating effect on the region. Countries, especially poor ones, can't function if there are larger countries pulling strings within their borders.","visual":{"action":"The map reappears clearly, showing Saudi Arabia (black), Iran (white), Iraq (dark red), Syria (orange), and Yemen (yellow) connected by lines. The names of the countries are clearly visible.","colors":{"dominant":"#808080","palette":["#808080","#000000","#FFFFFF","#B00000","#FFA500"]},"composition":{"angle":"overhead","focus":"sharp","framing":"wide shot"},"mood":"serious","objects":[],"people":[],"setting":{"architecture":"none","background":"solid gray","lighting":"even, soft","location":"stylized Middle East map"},"text_on_screen":[{"content":"Vox","location":"top right","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"Kingdom of Saudi Arabia","location":"bottom left of Saudi Arabia outline","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"Islamic Republic of Iran","location":"top right of Iran outline","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"Iraq","location":"center, above Iraq","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"Syria","location":"center, above Syria","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"Yemen","location":"center, above Yemen","style":"white sans-serif font"}]}},{"t":49,"speech":"Countries, especially poor ones, can't function if there are larger countries pulling strings within their borders.","visual":{"action":"Small video clips of military action (missile launch, tank firing, artillery) appear over the outlines of Iraq, Syria, and Yemen respectively, illustrating the proxy conflicts.","colors":{"dominant":"#808080","palette":["#808080","#000000","#FFFFFF","#B00000","#FFA500"]},"composition":{"angle":"overhead","focus":"sharp","framing":"wide shot"},"mood":"tense","objects":[{"color":"gray","name":"missile","position":"top center","state":"launching"},{"color":"green","name":"tank","position":"middle center","state":"firing"},{"color":"green","name":"artillery gun","position":"bottom center","state":"firing"}],"people":[],"setting":{"architecture":"none","background":"stylized Middle East map with video inserts","lighting":"even, soft","location":"stylized Middle East map with video inserts"},"text_on_screen":[{"content":"Vox","location":"top right","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"Kingdom of Saudi Arabia","location":"bottom left of Saudi Arabia outline","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"Islamic Republic of Iran","location":"top right of Iran outline","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"Iraq","location":"center, above Iraq","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"Syria","location":"center, above Syria","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"Yemen","location":"center, above Yemen","style":"white sans-serif font"}]}},{"t":52,"speech":"Both the Saudis and the Iranians see these civil wars as both tremendous threats and also potentially enormous opportunities.","visual":{"action":"A man with short, curly brown hair and glasses, wearing a green polo shirt, speaks directly to the camera. His expression is serious and thoughtful, with occasional hand gestures to emphasize points.","colors":{"dominant":"#404040","palette":["#404040","#808080","#A0A0A0","#606060","#008000"]},"composition":{"angle":"eye-level","focus":"sharp","framing":"medium close-up"},"mood":"serious","objects":[],"people":[{"age_range":"50s","clothing":{"accessories":"clear framed glasses","bottom":"not visible","footwear":"not visible","top":"olive green polo shirt"},"face":"serious, thoughtful","hair":"short, curly, brown","hands":"gesturing to emphasize points","pose":"standing, facing camera","position":"center"}],"setting":{"architecture":"none","background":"dark gray studio wall","lighting":"soft, front-lit","location":"studio"},"text_on_screen":[{"content":"Vox","location":"top right","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"Kenneth Pollack","location":"bottom left","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"Former Persian Gulf military analyst, CIA","location":"bottom left","style":"small white sans-serif font"}]}},{"t":101,"speech":"The Saudi-Iranian rivalry has become a fight over influence, and the whole region is a battlefield. It's why the rivalry is being called a Cold War.","visual":{"action":"The map of the Middle East is shown with Saudi Arabia highlighted in green and Iran in red. Lines extend from these two countries to other nations like Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Tunisia, Morocco, and Libya, which are highlighted in yellow or orange, illustrating the spread of influence. The text 'COLD WAR' appears in large, bold letters across the screen, with each letter colored differently, reflecting the various countries involved.","colors":{"dominant":"#404040","palette":["#404040","#008000","#B00000","#FFA500","#FFFFFF"]},"composition":{"angle":"overhead","focus":"sharp","framing":"wide shot"},"mood":"tense","objects":[],"people":[],"setting":{"architecture":"none","background":"satellite map of Middle East","lighting":"even, soft","location":"Middle East map"},"text_on_screen":[{"content":"Vox","location":"top right","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"Kingdom of Saudi Arabia","location":"center left","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"Islamic Republic of Iran","location":"center right","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"Syria","location":"top center","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"Iraq","location":"top center","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"Yemen","location":"bottom center","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"Bahrain","location":"center right","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"Tunisia","location":"center left","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"Morocco","location":"far left","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"Libya","location":"center left","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"COLD WAR","location":"center","style":"large, bold, multi-colored sans-serif font"},{"content":"Mapbox","location":"bottom left","style":"small white sans-serif font"}]}},{"t":110,"speech":"","visual":{"action":"A series of animated maps and historical footage quickly transition. The maps show different regions of the world, with areas highlighted in various colors, then fading to a sepia tone, then to black and white, before finally revealing the 'Vox Atlas' logo.","colors":{"dominant":"#C0C0C0","palette":["#C0C0C0","#808080","#404040","#FFA500","#008000"]},"composition":{"angle":"overhead","focus":"sharp","framing":"wide shot"},"mood":"informative","objects":[],"people":[],"setting":{"architecture":"none","background":"animated maps","lighting":"even, soft","location":"world maps"},"text_on_screen":[{"content":"Vox","location":"top right","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"Vox","location":"center","style":"large, black serif font"},{"content":"Atlas","location":"center","style":"large, green sans-serif font"}]}},{"t":116,"speech":"The most famous Cold War was fought for 40 years between the United States and Soviet Union.","visual":{"action":"A black and white montage of Cold War imagery plays. This includes military planes flying in formation, tanks parading, a man looking up in a military uniform, and the Soviet and American flags waving side-by-side.","colors":{"dominant":"#808080","palette":["#808080","#C0C0C0","#404040","#000000","#A0A0A0"]},"composition":{"angle":"various","focus":"sharp","framing":"various"},"mood":"historical","objects":[{"color":"black","name":"military planes","position":"sky","state":"flying"},{"color":"black","name":"tanks","position":"ground","state":"parading"},{"color":"red, yellow","name":"Soviet flag","position":"left","state":"waving"},{"color":"red, white, blue","name":"American flag","position":"right","state":"waving"}],"people":[{"age_range":"adult","clothing":{"accessories":"fur hat","bottom":"military uniform","footwear":"not visible","top":"military uniform"},"face":"looking up, mouth open","hair":"curly, light-colored","hands":"not visible","pose":"standing","position":"center"}],"setting":{"architecture":"none","background":"sky, parade ground","lighting":"natural","location":"various"},"text_on_screen":[{"content":"Vox","location":"top right","style":"white sans-serif font"}]}},{"t":124,"speech":"Looking forward to the day when their flag would fly over the entire world.","visual":{"action":"A black and white shot of a globe is shown, with a large, dark, cloud-like shadow spreading across it, symbolizing global dominance.","colors":{"dominant":"#404040","palette":["#404040","#808080","#C0C0C0","#000000","#A0A0A0"]},"composition":{"angle":"eye-level","focus":"sharp","framing":"medium shot"},"mood":"ominous","objects":[{"color":"gray","name":"globe","position":"center","state":"spinning"},{"color":"black","name":"shadow","position":"top of globe","state":"spreading"}],"people":[],"setting":{"architecture":"none","background":"dark","lighting":"soft","location":"indoor"},"text_on_screen":[]}},{"t":126,"speech":"They never declared war on each other, but clashed in proxy wars around the world.","visual":{"action":"A world map appears, with the United States highlighted in blue and the Soviet Union in red. Yellow areas then spread across Africa, South America, and parts of Asia, indicating regions of proxy conflict.","colors":{"dominant":"#404040","palette":["#404040","#0000FF","#FF0000","#FFA500","#FFFFFF"]},"composition":{"angle":"overhead","focus":"sharp","framing":"wide shot"},"mood":"informative","objects":[],"people":[],"setting":{"architecture":"none","background":"dark gray world map","lighting":"even, soft","location":"world map"},"text_on_screen":[{"content":"Vox","location":"top right","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"United States","location":"left","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"Soviet Union","location":"right","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"Mapbox","location":"bottom left","style":"small white sans-serif font"}]}},{"t":130,"speech":"Each side supported dictators, rebel groups, and intervened in civil wars to contain the other.","visual":{"action":"The map shows portraits of leaders and images of rebel groups appearing over the yellow-highlighted proxy conflict zones. Augusto Pinochet (Chile) and Hafez al-Assad (Syria) are shown, along with images of Contra rebels (Nicaragua), Viet Cong (Vietnam), and Mujahedeen (Afghanistan).","colors":{"dominant":"#404040","palette":["#404040","#0000FF","#FF0000","#FFA500","#FFFFFF"]},"composition":{"angle":"overhead","focus":"sharp","framing":"wide shot"},"mood":"historical","objects":[{"color":"green","name":"military uniforms","position":"bottom left","state":"worn by Contra rebels"},{"color":"brown","name":"hats","position":"bottom right","state":"worn by Viet Cong"},{"color":"brown","name":"turbans","position":"center","state":"worn by Mujahedeen"}],"people":[{"age_range":"adult","clothing":{"accessories":"military medals","bottom":"military uniform","footwear":"not visible","top":"military uniform"},"face":"serious","hair":"dark, short","hands":"not visible","pose":"standing","position":"bottom left (Pinochet)"},{"age_range":"adult","clothing":{"accessories":"tie","bottom":"suit jacket","footwear":"not visible","top":"suit and tie"},"face":"serious","hair":"dark, short","hands":"not visible","pose":"standing","position":"center (al-Assad)"},{"age_range":"adult","clothing":{"accessories":"headscarves, military gear","bottom":"military pants","footwear":"boots","top":"military shirts"},"face":"determined","hair":"various","hands":"holding weapons","pose":"standing, marching","position":"various (rebel groups)"}],"setting":{"architecture":"none","background":"dark gray world map","lighting":"even, soft","location":"world map"},"text_on_screen":[{"content":"Vox","location":"top right","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"United States","location":"left","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"Soviet Union","location":"right","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"Augusto Pinochet Chile","location":"bottom left","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"Hafez al-Assad Syria","location":"center","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"Contra rebels Nicaragua","location":"middle left","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"Viet Cong Vietnam","location":"bottom right","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"Mujahedeen Afghanistan","location":"center","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan","location":"center right","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"Mapbox","location":"bottom left","style":"small white sans-serif font"}]}},{"t":137,"speech":"Like the US and Soviet Union, Saudi Arabia and Iran are two powerful rivals. But instead of fighting for world dominance, they're fighting over control of the Middle East.","visual":{"action":"The world map transitions back to a focus on the Middle East. Portraits of King Salman of Saudi Arabia (green circle) and Ali Khamenei of Iran (red circle) appear over their respective countries, symbolizing the two rival leaders.","colors":{"dominant":"#404040","palette":["#404040","#008000","#B00000","#FFFFFF","#A0A0A0"]},"composition":{"angle":"overhead","focus":"sharp","framing":"wide shot"},"mood":"informative","objects":[],"people":[{"age_range":"elderly","clothing":{"accessories":"headscarf, traditional robes","bottom":"not visible","footwear":"not visible","top":"traditional robes"},"face":"serious","hair":"white beard, dark headscarf","hands":"not visible","pose":"sitting","position":"left (King Salman)"},{"age_range":"elderly","clothing":{"accessories":"turban, traditional robes","bottom":"not visible","footwear":"not visible","top":"traditional robes"},"face":"serious","hair":"white beard, black turban","hands":"not visible","pose":"sitting","position":"right (Ali Khamenei)"}],"setting":{"architecture":"none","background":"satellite map of Middle East","lighting":"even, soft","location":"Middle East map"},"text_on_screen":[{"content":"Vox","location":"top right","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"Kingdom of Saudi Arabia","location":"bottom left of King Salman's portrait","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"Islamic Republic of Iran","location":"top right of Ali Khamenei's portrait","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"Mapbox","location":"bottom left","style":"small white sans-serif font"}]}},{"t":149,"speech":"In the early 1900s, the Arabian Peninsula was a patchwork of tribes under the control of the Ottoman Empire.","visual":{"action":"The map displays the Arabian Peninsula and surrounding regions. A large yellow overlay appears over much of the Middle East, labeled 'Ottoman Empire'. A timeline at the bottom indicates the year '1900'.","colors":{"dominant":"#404040","palette":["#404040","#FFA500","#FFFFFF","#000000","#A0A0A0"]},"composition":{"angle":"overhead","focus":"sharp","framing":"wide shot"},"mood":"historical","objects":[],"people":[],"setting":{"architecture":"none","background":"satellite map of Middle East","lighting":"even, soft","location":"Middle East map"},"text_on_screen":[{"content":"Vox","location":"top right","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"Ottoman Empire","location":"center","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"1900","location":"bottom left","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"2017","location":"bottom right","style":"white sans-serif font"}]}},{"t":156,"speech":"After World War I, the empire collapsed, leaving these tribes to fight each other over power. One tribe from the interior, the al Saud, eventually conquered most of the peninsula.","visual":{"action":"The 'Ottoman Empire' overlay shrinks and disappears. A green circle appears over the central Arabian Peninsula, showing a historical black and white photo of men in traditional attire, labeled 'al Saud'. The green area expands to cover most of the peninsula.","colors":{"dominant":"#404040","palette":["#404040","#008000","#FFFFFF","#000000","#A0A0A0"]},"composition":{"angle":"overhead","focus":"sharp","framing":"wide shot"},"mood":"historical","objects":[],"people":[{"age_range":"adult","clothing":{"accessories":"headscarves, traditional robes","bottom":"not visible","footwear":"not visible","top":"traditional robes"},"face":"serious","hair":"dark","hands":"not visible","pose":"standing","position":"center (historical photo)"}],"setting":{"architecture":"none","background":"satellite map of Middle East","lighting":"even, soft","location":"Middle East map"},"text_on_screen":[{"content":"Vox","location":"top right","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"Ottoman Empire Collapses","location":"bottom left","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"1900","location":"bottom left","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"1920","location":"bottom left","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"2017","location":"bottom right","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"al Saud","location":"center","style":"white serif font"}]}},{"t":205,"speech":"In 1932, they were recognized as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.","visual":{"action":"The green area on the map is now fully labeled 'Kingdom of Saudi Arabia', with the Saudi flag appearing over it. The timeline updates to '1932'.","colors":{"dominant":"#404040","palette":["#404040","#008000","#FFFFFF","#000000","#A0A0A0"]},"composition":{"angle":"overhead","focus":"sharp","framing":"wide shot"},"mood":"historical","objects":[{"color":"green, white","name":"Saudi Arabian flag","position":"center","state":"static"}],"people":[],"setting":{"architecture":"none","background":"satellite map of Middle East","lighting":"even, soft","location":"Middle East map"},"text_on_screen":[{"content":"Vox","location":"top right","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"Kingdom of Saudi Arabia","location":"center","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"1900","location":"bottom left","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"1932","location":"bottom left","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"2017","location":"bottom right","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"Saudi Arabia Created","location":"bottom left","style":"white sans-serif font"}]}},{"t":209,"speech":"Six years later, massive oil reserves were discovered in Saudi Arabia, and in an instant, the Saudi monarchy was rich. That oil money built roads and cities all around the desert country, and it helped forge an alliance with the US.","visual":{"action":"The map zooms in slightly on Saudi Arabia. The word 'OIL' appears in large, green, block letters over the country. Two black and white photos of oil derricks in a desert landscape appear on the right side of the screen. A small green dot appears, labeled 'Riyadh'. Roads are shown being built across the map. A red, white, and blue American flag appears, connecting to Saudi Arabia with a text overlay 'US-Saudi alliance'.","colors":{"dominant":"#404040","palette":["#404040","#008000","#FFFFFF","#000000","#A0A0A0"]},"composition":{"angle":"overhead","focus":"sharp","framing":"medium shot"},"mood":"informative","objects":[{"color":"green","name":"oil derricks","position":"right","state":"operating"},{"color":"red, white, blue","name":"American flag","position":"left","state":"static"},{"color":"brown","name":"camel","position":"bottom right","state":"standing"}],"people":[],"setting":{"architecture":"none","background":"satellite map of Middle East","lighting":"even, soft","location":"Middle East map"},"text_on_screen":[{"content":"Vox","location":"top right","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"OIL","location":"center","style":"large, bold, green sans-serif font"},{"content":"1938","location":"bottom left","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"Oil Discovered","location":"bottom left","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"Riyadh","location":"center","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"US-Saudi alliance","location":"center","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"1900","location":"bottom left","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"2017","location":"bottom right","style":"white sans-serif font"}]}},{"t":221,"speech":"On the eastern side of the Persian Gulf, another country was emerging, but having a much harder time.","visual":{"action":"The map shifts focus to Iran, which is highlighted in red. The previous 'US-Saudi alliance' text disappears. The timeline at the bottom remains.","colors":{"dominant":"#404040","palette":["#404040","#B00000","#008000","#FFFFFF","#A0A0A0"]},"composition":{"angle":"overhead","focus":"sharp","framing":"wide shot"},"mood":"informative","objects":[],"people":[],"setting":{"architecture":"none","background":"satellite map of Middle East","lighting":"even, soft","location":"Middle East map"},"text_on_screen":[{"content":"Vox","location":"top right","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"Iran","location":"center","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"1900","location":"bottom left","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"2017","location":"bottom right","style":"white sans-serif font"}]}},{"t":226,"speech":"Iran also had massive oil reserves and an even bigger Muslim population. But constant foreign intervention was creating chaos.","visual":{"action":"Historical overlays appear on the map of Iran, showing areas controlled by Russia (blue, 1800s) and Britain (yellow, 1907). These overlays expand to cover more of Iran, with updated dates (1941) and the text 'Anglo-Soviet occupation'.","colors":{"dominant":"#404040","palette":["#404040","#B00000","#008000","#0000FF","#FFA500"]},"composition":{"angle":"overhead","focus":"sharp","framing":"wide shot"},"mood":"historical","objects":[],"people":[],"setting":{"architecture":"none","background":"satellite map of Middle East","lighting":"even, soft","location":"Middle East map"},"text_on_screen":[{"content":"Vox","location":"top right","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"Iran","location":"center","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"Russia 1800s","location":"top of Iran","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"British 1907","location":"bottom of Iran","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"1941","location":"bottom left","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"Anglo-Soviet occupation","location":"bottom left","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"1900","location":"bottom left","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"2017","location":"bottom right","style":"white sans-serif font"}]}},{"t":237,"speech":"In 1953, the US secretly staged a coup, removing the popular Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh. In his place, they propped up a monarch, Reza Shah, who was aggressively reforming Iran into a secular, Westernized country.","visual":{"action":"A portrait of Mohammad Mosaddegh appears over Iran, then is replaced by a symbol of a coup (a red circle with a crossed-out image). This is then replaced by a portrait of Reza Shah, monarch of Iran. A montage of historical footage shows military tanks, construction of modern buildings, a woman waterskiing, a woman applying sunscreen, and soldiers in military vehicles firing weapons.","colors":{"dominant":"#404040","palette":["#404040","#B00000","#008000","#FFFFFF","#A0A0A0"]},"composition":{"angle":"various","focus":"sharp","framing":"various"},"mood":"historical","objects":[{"color":"red, white, blue","name":"CIA logo","position":"center","state":"overlaid on Mosaddegh's face"},{"color":"green","name":"military tanks","position":"center","state":"firing"},{"color":"gray","name":"construction cranes","position":"center","state":"active"},{"color":"red","name":"bikini","position":"center","state":"worn by woman waterskiing"}],"people":[{"age_range":"elderly","clothing":{"accessories":"suit and tie","bottom":"not visible","footwear":"not visible","top":"suit and tie"},"face":"serious","hair":"bald","hands":"not visible","pose":"standing","position":"center (Mosaddegh)"},{"age_range":"adult","clothing":{"accessories":"military medals","bottom":"military uniform","footwear":"not visible","top":"military uniform"},"face":"serious","hair":"dark, short","hands":"not visible","pose":"standing","position":"center (Reza Shah)"},{"age_range":"adult","clothing":{"accessories":"sunglasses","bottom":"bikini bottom","footwear":"not visible","top":"bikini top"},"face":"smiling","hair":"long, dark","hands":"holding sunscreen","pose":"sitting, waterskiing","position":"center"},{"age_range":"adult","clothing":{"accessories":"helmets","bottom":"military fatigues","footwear":"boots","top":"military fatigues"},"face":"obscured by helmets","hair":"not visible","hands":"holding weapons","pose":"standing, sitting","position":"center"}],"setting":{"architecture":"modern buildings, desert landscape","background":"various","lighting":"natural","location":"various Iranian locations"},"text_on_screen":[{"content":"Vox","location":"top right","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"Mohammad Mosaddegh Iranian Premier","location":"center","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"1953","location":"bottom left","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"Mosaddegh Removed","location":"bottom left","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"Reza Shah Monarch of Iran","location":"center","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"1900","location":"bottom left","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"2017","location":"bottom right","style":"white sans-serif font"}]}},{"t":255,"speech":"By the 1970s, both Saudi Arabia and Iran had oil-based economies and had governments heavily backed by the US. But the feelings among each population were very different.","visual":{"action":"The map of the Middle East reappears, with Saudi Arabia (green) and Iran (red) highlighted. Portraits of Reza Shah and King Khalid of Saudi Arabia appear over their respective countries, representing the US-backed leaders. The timeline at the bottom updates to '1970s'.","colors":{"dominant":"#404040","palette":["#404040","#008000","#B00000","#FFFFFF","#A0A0A0"]},"composition":{"angle":"overhead","focus":"sharp","framing":"wide shot"},"mood":"informative","objects":[],"people":[{"age_range":"adult","clothing":{"accessories":"headscarf, traditional robes","bottom":"not visible","footwear":"not visible","top":"traditional robes"},"face":"smiling","hair":"dark, short","hands":"not visible","pose":"sitting","position":"bottom left (King Khalid)"},{"age_range":"adult","clothing":{"accessories":"military medals","bottom":"military uniform","footwear":"not visible","top":"military uniform"},"face":"serious","hair":"dark, short","hands":"not visible","pose":"standing","position":"top right (Reza Shah)"}],"setting":{"architecture":"none","background":"satellite map of Middle East","lighting":"even, soft","location":"Middle East map"},"text_on_screen":[{"content":"Vox","location":"top right","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"Reza Shah Monarch of Iran","location":"top right","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"King Khalid of Saudi Arabia","location":"bottom left","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"1900","location":"bottom left","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"2017","location":"bottom right","style":"white sans-serif font"}]}},{"t":304,"speech":"Ultimately, at the end of the day, the Shah of Iran, powerful as he was, simply didn't have the same control over his people, or ultimately the same legitimacy and affection that the Saudi people felt toward their monarchy at that point in time.","visual":{"action":"Kenneth Pollack speaks directly to the camera, his expression serious and his hands gesturing subtly to emphasize his points. He maintains eye contact with the viewer.","colors":{"dominant":"#404040","palette":["#404040","#808080","#A0A0A0","#606060","#008000"]},"composition":{"angle":"eye-level","focus":"sharp","framing":"medium close-up"},"mood":"serious","objects":[],"people":[{"age_range":"50s","clothing":{"accessories":"clear framed glasses","bottom":"not visible","footwear":"not visible","top":"olive green polo shirt"},"face":"serious, thoughtful","hair":"short, curly, brown","hands":"gesturing subtly","pose":"standing, facing camera","position":"center"}],"setting":{"architecture":"none","background":"dark gray studio wall","lighting":"soft, front-lit","location":"studio"},"text_on_screen":[{"content":"Vox","location":"top right","style":"white sans-serif font"}]}},{"t":319,"speech":"That's because Iran's Muslims felt stifled by the Shah's reformations, and by the end of the decade, they finally fought back.","visual":{"action":"A black and white montage of the Iranian Revolution unfolds. This includes large crowds of people, some sitting on motorbikes, soldiers in a truck, people running in the streets, and a large crowd carrying a portrait of Ayatollah Khomeini. A fire burns in the street, destroying a portrait of the Shah.","colors":{"dominant":"#808080","palette":["#808080","#C0C0C0","#404040","#000000","#B00000"]},"composition":{"angle":"various","focus":"sharp","framing":"various"},"mood":"rebellious","objects":[{"color":"black","name":"motorbikes","position":"center","state":"parked"},{"color":"green","name":"military truck","position":"center","state":"moving"},{"color":"black","name":"portrait of Ayatollah Khomeini","position":"center","state":"being carried"},{"color":"red, orange","name":"fire","position":"center","state":"burning"}],"people":[{"age_range":"various","clothing":{"accessories":"headscarves, chadors","bottom":"various","footwear":"various","top":"various"},"face":"determined, angry","hair":"various","hands":"raised in protest, carrying signs","pose":"standing, running","position":"crowd"},{"age_range":"adult","clothing":{"accessories":"helmets","bottom":"military fatigues","footwear":"boots","top":"military fatigues"},"face":"obscured by helmets","hair":"not visible","hands":"holding weapons","pose":"sitting, standing","position":"truck"}],"setting":{"architecture":"urban streets, buildings","background":"crowds, buildings","lighting":"natural","location":"Iranian cities"},"text_on_screen":[{"content":"Vox","location":"top right","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"1979","location":"bottom right","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"Iranian Revolution","location":"bottom right","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"1900","location":"bottom left","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"2017","location":"bottom right","style":"white sans-serif font"}]}},{"t":339,"speech":"It's really in 1979 when Ayatollah Khomeini and the Islamic Revolution overthrow the Shah, that the real tension between Iran and Saudi Arabia began.","visual":{"action":"Kenneth Pollack speaks directly to the camera, his expression serious and his hands gesturing subtly to emphasize his points. He maintains eye contact with the viewer.","colors":{"dominant":"#404040","palette":["#404040","#808080","#A0A0A0","#606060","#008000"]},"composition":{"angle":"eye-level","focus":"sharp","framing":"medium close-up"},"mood":"serious","objects":[],"people":[{"age_range":"50s","clothing":{"accessories":"clear framed glasses","bottom":"not visible","footwear":"not visible","top":"olive green polo shirt"},"face":"serious, thoughtful","hair":"short, curly, brown","hands":"gesturing subtly","pose":"standing, facing camera","position":"center"}],"setting":{"architecture":"none","background":"dark gray studio wall","lighting":"soft, front-lit","location":"studio"},"text_on_screen":[{"content":"Vox","location":"top right","style":"white sans-serif font"}]}},{"t":343,"speech":"Ayatollah Khomeini was a Muslim clergyman who preached against Western-backed secular monarchies. He advocated for a government that was popular, Islamic, and led by the clergy.","visual":{"action":"A black and white montage shows Ayatollah Khomeini. He is seen exiting an airplane, speaking to a crowd from a balcony, and his portrait is carried by a crowd. His stern face and traditional attire are prominent.","colors":{"dominant":"#808080","palette":["#808080","#C0C0C0","#404040","#000000","#B00000"]},"composition":{"angle":"various","focus":"sharp","framing":"various"},"mood":"reverent","objects":[{"color":"black","name":"airplane","position":"top left","state":"parked"},{"color":"black","name":"portrait of Ayatollah Khomeini","position":"center","state":"being carried"}],"people":[{"age_range":"elderly","clothing":{"accessories":"turban, traditional robes","bottom":"not visible","footwear":"not visible","top":"traditional robes"},"face":"stern","hair":"white beard, black turban","hands":"not visible","pose":"walking, speaking","position":"center"},{"age_range":"adult","clothing":{"accessories":"pilot hat","bottom":"military uniform","footwear":"not visible","top":"military uniform"},"face":"serious","hair":"dark, short","hands":"holding Khomeini's arm","pose":"walking","position":"left"}],"setting":{"architecture":"airplane, balcony, urban streets","background":"crowds, buildings","lighting":"natural","location":"Iranian cities"},"text_on_screen":[{"content":"Vox","location":"top right","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"1979","location":"bottom right","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"Iranian Revolution","location":"bottom right","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"1900","location":"bottom left","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"2017","location":"bottom right","style":"white sans-serif font"}]}},{"t":353,"speech":"And in 1979, he led a revolution to establish just that.","visual":{"action":"A wide shot of a massive crowd in an Iranian city is shown, with a large yellow banner being carried. The crowd is moving, demonstrating the scale of the revolution.","colors":{"dominant":"#B00000","palette":["#B00000","#FFA500","#808080","#404040","#FFFFFF"]},"composition":{"angle":"high angle","focus":"sharp","framing":"wide shot"},"mood":"triumphant","objects":[{"color":"yellow","name":"banner","position":"center","state":"being carried by crowd"}],"people":[{"age_range":"various","clothing":{"accessories":"various","bottom":"various","footwear":"various","top":"various"},"face":"not clearly visible","hair":"not clearly visible","hands":"raised in protest","pose":"marching","position":"crowd"}],"setting":{"architecture":"urban buildings","background":"city street, buildings","lighting":"natural","location":"Iranian city"},"text_on_screen":[{"content":"Vox","location":"top right","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"1979","location":"bottom right","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"Iranian Revolution","location":"bottom right","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"1900","location":"bottom left","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"2017","location":"bottom right","style":"white sans-serif font"}]}},{"t":358,"speech":"It was a massive international event that prompted reactions around the world, especially in Saudi Arabia.","visual":{"action":"A black and white montage of the Iranian Revolution continues, showing a crowd carrying a large portrait of Ayatollah Khomeini, and another crowd pulling down a statue. The timeline remains at the bottom.","colors":{"dominant":"#808080","palette":["#808080","#C0C0C0","#404040","#000000","#B00000"]},"composition":{"angle":"various","focus":"sharp","framing":"various"},"mood":"rebellious","objects":[{"color":"black","name":"portrait of Ayatollah Khomeini","position":"center","state":"being carried"},{"color":"white","name":"statue","position":"center","state":"being pulled down"}],"people":[{"age_range":"various","clothing":{"accessories":"various","bottom":"various","footwear":"various","top":"various"},"face":"determined","hair":"various","hands":"raised in protest, pulling ropes","pose":"marching, pulling","position":"crowd"}],"setting":{"architecture":"urban streets, park","background":"crowds, trees, buildings","lighting":"natural","location":"Iranian cities"},"text_on_screen":[{"content":"Vox","location":"top right","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"1979","location":"bottom right","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"Iranian Revolution","location":"bottom right","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"1900","location":"bottom left","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"2017","location":"bottom right","style":"white sans-serif font"}]}},{"t":403,"speech":"The Iranian Revolution terrified the government of Saudi Arabia.","visual":{"action":"The map of the Middle East is shown with Saudi Arabia (green) and Iran (red) highlighted. The portrait of Reza Shah is replaced by Ayatollah Khomeini, symbolizing the change in leadership in Iran. King Khalid's portrait remains over Saudi Arabia. The timeline at the bottom updates to '1979'.","colors":{"dominant":"#404040","palette":["#404040","#008000","#B00000","#FFFFFF","#A0A0A0"]},"composition":{"angle":"overhead","focus":"sharp","framing":"wide shot"},"mood":"tense","objects":[],"people":[{"age_range":"adult","clothing":{"accessories":"headscarf, traditional robes","bottom":"not visible","footwear":"not visible","top":"traditional robes"},"face":"smiling","hair":"dark, short","hands":"not visible","pose":"sitting","position":"bottom left (King Khalid)"},{"age_range":"elderly","clothing":{"accessories":"turban, traditional robes","bottom":"not visible","footwear":"not visible","top":"traditional robes"},"face":"stern","hair":"white beard, black turban","hands":"clasped in prayer","pose":"sitting","position":"top right (Ayatollah Khomeini)"}],"setting":{"architecture":"none","background":"satellite map of Middle East","lighting":"even, soft","location":"Middle East map"},"text_on_screen":[{"content":"Vox","location":"top right","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"Ayatollah Khomeini Supreme Leader of Iran","location":"top right","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"King Khalid of Saudi Arabia","location":"bottom left","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"1979","location":"bottom right","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"Iranian Revolution","location":"bottom right","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"1900","location":"bottom left","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"2017","location":"bottom right","style":"white sans-serif font"}]}},{"t":408,"speech":"They were fearful that Ayatollah Khomeini would inspire their populations to rise up against them, exactly the way that he had caused the Iranian population to rise up against the Shah.","visual":{"action":"Kenneth Pollack speaks directly to the camera, his expression serious and his hands gesturing subtly to emphasize his points. He maintains eye contact with the viewer.","colors":{"dominant":"#404040","palette":["#404040","#808080","#A0A0A0","#606060","#008000"]},"composition":{"angle":"eye-level","focus":"sharp","framing":"medium close-up"},"mood":"serious","objects":[],"people":[{"age_range":"50s","clothing":{"accessories":"clear framed glasses","bottom":"not visible","footwear":"not visible","top":"olive green polo shirt"},"face":"serious, thoughtful","hair":"short, curly, brown","hands":"gesturing subtly","pose":"standing, facing camera","position":"center"}],"setting":{"architecture":"none","background":"dark gray studio wall","lighting":"soft, front-lit","location":"studio"},"text_on_screen":[{"content":"Vox","location":"top right","style":"white sans-serif font"}]}},{"t":420,"speech":"And there is a religious threat, too. Up until now, the Saudis had claimed to be the leaders of the Muslim world, largely because Islam's two holiest sites, Mecca and Medina, are in Saudi Arabia. But Khomeini claimed his popular revolution made Iran the legitimate Muslim state.","visual":{"action":"The map of the Middle East is shown with Saudi Arabia (green) and Iran (red) highlighted. A background image of the Kaaba in Mecca, surrounded by pilgrims, is visible behind the map. Mecca and Medina are marked with black dots on the map. Ayatollah Khomeini's portrait reappears over Iran, emphasizing his claim to religious leadership.","colors":{"dominant":"#404040","palette":["#404040","#008000","#B00000","#FFFFFF","#A0A0A0"]},"composition":{"angle":"overhead","focus":"sharp","framing":"wide shot"},"mood":"informative","objects":[{"color":"black","name":"Kaaba","position":"background","state":"holy site"}],"people":[{"age_range":"elderly","clothing":{"accessories":"turban, traditional robes","bottom":"not visible","footwear":"not visible","top":"traditional robes"},"face":"stern","hair":"white beard, black turban","hands":"clasped in prayer","pose":"sitting","position":"top right (Ayatollah Khomeini)"},{"age_range":"various","clothing":{"accessories":"traditional white robes","bottom":"white robes","footwear":"sandals","top":"white robes"},"face":"not clearly visible","hair":"not clearly visible","hands":"not clearly visible","pose":"praying","position":"background (pilgrims)"}],"setting":{"architecture":"mosque","background":"Kaaba, satellite map of Middle East","lighting":"natural","location":"Mecca, Middle East map"},"text_on_screen":[{"content":"Vox","location":"top right","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"Medina","location":"center left","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"Mecca","location":"center left","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"Ayatollah Khomeini Supreme Leader of Iran","location":"top right","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"Mapbox","location":"bottom left","style":"small white sans-serif font"}]}},{"t":435,"speech":"And there is another divide. Saudi Arabia's population is mostly Sunni, the majority sect of Islam, while Khomeini and Iran are mostly Shia.","visual":{"action":"The map of the Middle East is shown. Saudi Arabia is labeled 'Sunni' and Iran is labeled 'Shia', with large, bold text. 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That in much of the Islamic world, when Sunnis and Shia were living in close proximity, they got along famously well.","visual":{"action":"Kenneth Pollack speaks directly to the camera, his expression serious and his hands gesturing subtly to emphasize his points. He maintains eye contact with the viewer.","colors":{"dominant":"#404040","palette":["#404040","#808080","#A0A0A0","#606060","#008000"]},"composition":{"angle":"eye-level","focus":"sharp","framing":"medium close-up"},"mood":"serious","objects":[],"people":[{"age_range":"50s","clothing":{"accessories":"clear framed glasses","bottom":"not visible","footwear":"not visible","top":"olive green polo shirt"},"face":"serious, thoughtful","hair":"short, curly, brown","hands":"gesturing subtly","pose":"standing, facing camera","position":"center"}],"setting":{"architecture":"none","background":"dark gray studio wall","lighting":"soft, front-lit","location":"studio"},"text_on_screen":[{"content":"Vox","location":"top right","style":"white sans-serif font"}]}},{"t":503,"speech":"So, while the Sunni-Shia split was not a reason for the rivalry, it was an important division.","visual":{"action":"The map of the Middle East is shown with Saudi Arabia (green) and Iran (red) highlighted, labeled 'Sunni' and 'Shia' respectively. The titles remain on the map.","colors":{"dominant":"#404040","palette":["#404040","#008000","#B00000","#FFFFFF","#A0A0A0"]},"composition":{"angle":"overhead","focus":"sharp","framing":"wide shot"},"mood":"informative","objects":[],"people":[],"setting":{"architecture":"none","background":"satellite map of Middle East","lighting":"even, soft","location":"Middle East map"},"text_on_screen":[{"content":"Vox","location":"top right","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"Shia","location":"top right of Iran","style":"large, bold, white sans-serif font"},{"content":"Sunni","location":"bottom left of Saudi Arabia","style":"large, bold, white sans-serif font"},{"content":"Mapbox","location":"bottom left","style":"small white sans-serif font"}]}},{"t":508,"speech":"After the revolution, the Saudis' fears came to life when Iran began exporting its revolution.","visual":{"action":"The map of the Middle East is shown with Saudi Arabia (green) and Iran (red) highlighted. A document titled 'Iran: Exporting the Revolution' appears on the left, with parts of the text highlighted, detailing Iran's efforts to aid other Islamic revolutionaries.","colors":{"dominant":"#404040","palette":["#404040","#008000","#B00000","#FFFFFF","#A0A0A0"]},"composition":{"angle":"overhead","focus":"sharp","framing":"wide shot"},"mood":"tense","objects":[{"color":"white","name":"CIA report","position":"left","state":"displayed"}],"people":[{"age_range":"adult","clothing":{"accessories":"headscarf, traditional robes","bottom":"not visible","footwear":"not visible","top":"traditional robes"},"face":"smiling","hair":"dark, short","hands":"not visible","pose":"sitting","position":"bottom left (King Khalid)"},{"age_range":"elderly","clothing":{"accessories":"turban, traditional robes","bottom":"not visible","footwear":"not visible","top":"traditional robes"},"face":"stern","hair":"white beard, black turban","hands":"clasped in prayer","pose":"sitting","position":"top right (Ayatollah Khomeini)"}],"setting":{"architecture":"none","background":"satellite map of Middle East","lighting":"even, soft","location":"Middle East map"},"text_on_screen":[{"content":"Vox","location":"top right","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"Iran: Exporting the Revolution","location":"top left of document","style":"black sans-serif font"},{"content":"An Intelligence Assessment","location":"top left of document","style":"small black sans-serif font"},{"content":"Secret","location":"bottom left of document","style":"small black sans-serif font"},{"content":"137","location":"bottom left of document","style":"small black sans-serif font"}]}},{"t":513,"speech":"This CIA report from 1980 details how the Iranians started helping groups, mostly Shia, trying to overthrow governments in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Saudi Arabia.","visual":{"action":"The CIA report is zoomed in, with specific phrases highlighted in red boxes, such as 'aiding other Islamic revolutionaries' and 'Shias calling for the overthrow of the Baathist regime'. 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Iraq, Afghanistan, and Saudi Arabia are highlighted in yellow, with text overlays indicating they were targets of Iranian revolutionary efforts. The portraits of King Khalid and Ayatollah Khomeini reappear.","colors":{"dominant":"#404040","palette":["#404040","#008000","#B00000","#FFA500","#FFFFFF"]},"composition":{"angle":"overhead","focus":"sharp","framing":"wide shot"},"mood":"tense","objects":[{"color":"white","name":"CIA report","position":"left","state":"displayed"}],"people":[{"age_range":"adult","clothing":{"accessories":"headscarf, traditional robes","bottom":"not visible","footwear":"not visible","top":"traditional robes"},"face":"smiling","hair":"dark, short","hands":"not visible","pose":"sitting","position":"bottom left (King Khalid)"},{"age_range":"elderly","clothing":{"accessories":"turban, traditional robes","bottom":"not visible","footwear":"not visible","top":"traditional robes"},"face":"stern","hair":"white beard, black turban","hands":"clasped in prayer","pose":"sitting","position":"top right (Ayatollah Khomeini)"}],"setting":{"architecture":"none","background":"satellite map of Middle East","lighting":"even, soft","location":"Middle East map"},"text_on_screen":[{"content":"Vox","location":"top right","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"Iraq: The Baathist Target","location":"top left of document","style":"black sans-serif font"},{"content":"Afghanistan: The Communist Menace","location":"middle left of document","style":"black sans-serif font"},{"content":"Bahrain, Kuwait, and the Gulf States","location":"bottom left of document","style":"black sans-serif font"}]}},{"t":524,"speech":"And they prompted the Saudis to redouble their efforts to fight against Iran.","visual":{"action":"Kenneth Pollack speaks directly to the camera, his expression serious and his hands gesturing subtly to emphasize his points. He maintains eye contact with the viewer.","colors":{"dominant":"#404040","palette":["#404040","#808080","#A0A0A0","#606060","#008000"]},"composition":{"angle":"eye-level","focus":"sharp","framing":"medium close-up"},"mood":"serious","objects":[],"people":[{"age_range":"50s","clothing":{"accessories":"clear framed glasses","bottom":"not visible","footwear":"not visible","top":"olive green polo shirt"},"face":"serious, thoughtful","hair":"short, curly, brown","hands":"gesturing subtly","pose":"standing, facing camera","position":"center"}],"setting":{"architecture":"none","background":"dark gray studio wall","lighting":"soft, front-lit","location":"studio"},"text_on_screen":[{"content":"Vox","location":"top right","style":"white sans-serif font"}]}},{"t":528,"speech":"They bolstered their alliance with the US and formed the GCC, an alliance with other Gulf monarchies.","visual":{"action":"The map of the Middle East is shown. A large American flag appears, extending from the US (not visible) to Saudi Arabia, symbolizing their alliance. The text 'Gulf Cooperation Council' appears at the bottom right, with an arrow pointing to Saudi Arabia and surrounding Gulf states.","colors":{"dominant":"#404040","palette":["#404040","#008000","#B00000","#FFFFFF","#A0A0A0"]},"composition":{"angle":"overhead","focus":"sharp","framing":"wide shot"},"mood":"informative","objects":[{"color":"red, white, blue","name":"American flag","position":"left","state":"static"}],"people":[{"age_range":"adult","clothing":{"accessories":"headscarf, traditional robes","bottom":"not visible","footwear":"not visible","top":"traditional robes"},"face":"smiling","hair":"dark, short","hands":"not visible","pose":"sitting","position":"bottom left (King Khalid)"},{"age_range":"elderly","clothing":{"accessories":"turban, traditional robes","bottom":"not visible","footwear":"not visible","top":"traditional robes"},"face":"stern","hair":"white beard, black turban","hands":"clasped in prayer","pose":"sitting","position":"top right (Ayatollah Khomeini)"}],"setting":{"architecture":"none","background":"satellite map of Middle East","lighting":"even, soft","location":"Middle East map"},"text_on_screen":[{"content":"Vox","location":"top right","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"King Fahd of Saudi Arabia","location":"bottom left","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"Ayatollah Khomeini Supreme Leader of Iran","location":"top right","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"Gulf Cooperation Council","location":"bottom right","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"Mapbox","location":"bottom left","style":"small white sans-serif font"}]}},{"t":535,"speech":"The stage was set for conflict.","visual":{"action":"A black and white montage of the Iran-Iraq War begins. This includes Iraqi planes attacking an airport, a crashed plane wreckage with people looking at it, and explosions in a field. The timeline at the bottom updates to '1980'.","colors":{"dominant":"#808080","palette":["#808080","#C0C0C0","#404040","#000000","#A0A0A0"]},"composition":{"angle":"various","focus":"sharp","framing":"various"},"mood":"tense","objects":[{"color":"gray","name":"Iraqi planes","position":"sky","state":"attacking"},{"color":"black","name":"crashed plane wreckage","position":"ground","state":"destroyed"},{"color":"orange","name":"explosions","position":"field","state":"occurring"}],"people":[{"age_range":"adult","clothing":{"accessories":"military uniforms","bottom":"military pants","footwear":"boots","top":"military shirts"},"face":"serious","hair":"dark","hands":"not visible","pose":"standing","position":"center"}],"setting":{"architecture":"airport, open field","background":"sky, clouds","lighting":"natural","location":"Iran"},"text_on_screen":[{"content":"Vox","location":"top right","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"1900","location":"bottom left","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"2017","location":"bottom right","style":"white sans-serif font"}]}},{"t":546,"speech":"The rise of Iran as a regional power threatened other neighboring countries as well. In September 1980, Iraq, under the rule of dictator Saddam Hussein, invaded Iran.","visual":{"action":"A map of the border region between Iraq and Iran is shown, highlighting cities like Khorramshahr and Abadan. The map then transitions to the broader Middle East, with Iraq highlighted in yellow and Iran in red. Portraits of Saddam Hussein (Iraq) and Ayatollah Khomeini (Iran) appear over their respective countries. The timeline updates to '1980'.","colors":{"dominant":"#404040","palette":["#404040","#FFA500","#B00000","#FFFFFF","#A0A0A0"]},"composition":{"angle":"overhead","focus":"sharp","framing":"wide shot"},"mood":"tense","objects":[],"people":[{"age_range":"adult","clothing":{"accessories":"military uniform","bottom":"not visible","footwear":"not visible","top":"military uniform"},"face":"serious","hair":"dark mustache","hands":"not visible","pose":"standing","position":"left (Saddam Hussein)"},{"age_range":"elderly","clothing":{"accessories":"turban, traditional robes","bottom":"not visible","footwear":"not visible","top":"traditional robes"},"face":"stern","hair":"white beard, black turban","hands":"clasped in prayer","pose":"sitting","position":"right (Ayatollah Khomeini)"}],"setting":{"architecture":"none","background":"satellite map of Middle East","lighting":"even, soft","location":"Middle East map"},"text_on_screen":[{"content":"Vox","location":"top right","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"Khorramshahr","location":"center left","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"Abadan","location":"center left","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"Iraq","location":"center left","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"Iran","location":"center right","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"Saddam Hussein President of Iraq","location":"left","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"Ayatollah Khomeini Supreme Leader of Iran","location":"right","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"1980","location":"bottom left","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"Iraq Invades Iran","location":"bottom left","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"1900","location":"bottom left","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"2017","location":"bottom right","style":"white sans-serif font"}]}},{"t":559,"speech":"He was hoping to stop the Iranian Revolution, gain power, and annex some of Iran's oil reserves.","visual":{"action":"A dotted black line appears along the border between Iraq and Iran, symbolizing the invasion. The portraits of Saddam Hussein and Ayatollah Khomeini remain on screen.","colors":{"dominant":"#404040","palette":["#404040","#FFA500","#B00000","#FFFFFF","#A0A0A0"]},"composition":{"angle":"overhead","focus":"sharp","framing":"wide shot"},"mood":"tense","objects":[],"people":[{"age_range":"adult","clothing":{"accessories":"military uniform","bottom":"not visible","footwear":"not visible","top":"military uniform"},"face":"serious","hair":"dark mustache","hands":"not visible","pose":"standing","position":"left (Saddam Hussein)"},{"age_range":"elderly","clothing":{"accessories":"turban, traditional robes","bottom":"not visible","footwear":"not visible","top":"traditional robes"},"face":"stern","hair":"white beard, black turban","hands":"clasped in prayer","pose":"sitting","position":"right (Ayatollah Khomeini)"}],"setting":{"architecture":"none","background":"satellite map of Middle East","lighting":"even, soft","location":"Middle East map"},"text_on_screen":[{"content":"Vox","location":"top right","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"Saddam Hussein President of Iraq","location":"left","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"Ayatollah Khomeini Supreme Leader of Iran","location":"right","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"1980","location":"bottom left","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"Iraq Invades Iran","location":"bottom left","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"1900","location":"bottom left","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"2017","location":"bottom right","style":"white sans-serif font"}]}},{"t":599,"speech":"But they didn't get far. The war bogged down into a stalemate, complete with trench warfare, chemical weapons, and heavy civilian casualties.","visual":{"action":"A black and white montage of the Iran-Iraq War continues, showing a tank submerged in water, a soldier in a gas mask in a trench, and soldiers running through smoke. 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They provided money, weapons, and logistical help.","visual":{"action":"The map of the Middle East is shown. Saudi Arabia (green) is now connected to Iraq (yellow) with a green arrow, indicating Saudi support. 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He maintains eye contact with the viewer.","colors":{"dominant":"#404040","palette":["#404040","#808080","#A0A0A0","#606060","#008000"]},"composition":{"angle":"eye-level","focus":"sharp","framing":"medium close-up"},"mood":"serious","objects":[],"people":[{"age_range":"50s","clothing":{"accessories":"clear framed glasses","bottom":"not visible","footwear":"not visible","top":"olive green polo shirt"},"face":"serious, thoughtful","hair":"short, curly, brown","hands":"gesturing emphatically","pose":"standing, facing camera","position":"center"}],"setting":{"architecture":"none","background":"dark gray studio wall","lighting":"soft, front-lit","location":"studio"},"text_on_screen":[{"content":"Vox","location":"top right","style":"white sans-serif font"}]}},{"t":625,"speech":"The Saudi help allowed Iraq to fight until 1988. By then, nearly a million people had died.","visual":{"action":"A green-tinted night vision shot shows explosions in the distance, followed by silhouettes of soldiers marching across a barren landscape. The timeline at the bottom updates to '1988'.","colors":{"dominant":"#004000","palette":["#004000","#008000","#002000","#808080","#C0C0C0"]},"composition":{"angle":"eye-level","focus":"sharp","framing":"wide shot"},"mood":"somber","objects":[{"color":"white","name":"explosions","position":"distance","state":"occurring"}],"people":[{"age_range":"adult","clothing":{"accessories":"military gear","bottom":"military fatigues","footwear":"boots","top":"military fatigues"},"face":"not visible (silhouette)","hair":"not visible","hands":"carrying weapons","pose":"marching","position":"center"}],"setting":{"architecture":"none","background":"barren landscape","lighting":"night vision green","location":"battlefield"},"text_on_screen":[{"content":"Vox","location":"top right","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"1980","location":"bottom left","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"Iraq Invades Iran","location":"bottom left","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"1900","location":"bottom left","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"2017","location":"bottom right","style":"white sans-serif font"}]}},{"t":632,"speech":"The Iranians largely blamed the Saudis for the war, and the feud escalated. Fast forward 15 years, and Iraq again became the scene of a proxy war.","visual":{"action":"The map of the Middle East is shown. Iraq, highlighted in yellow, is now connected to Saudi Arabia (green) and Iran (red) with arrows, indicating it is a proxy battleground. The portraits of Saddam Hussein, King Fahd, and Ayatollah Khomeini remain on screen. The timeline updates to '2003'.","colors":{"dominant":"#404040","palette":["#404040","#FFA500","#B00000","#008000","#FFFFFF"]},"composition":{"angle":"overhead","focus":"sharp","framing":"wide shot"},"mood":"tense","objects":[],"people":[{"age_range":"adult","clothing":{"accessories":"military uniform","bottom":"not visible","footwear":"not visible","top":"military uniform"},"face":"serious","hair":"dark mustache","hands":"not visible","pose":"standing","position":"center (Saddam Hussein)"},{"age_range":"adult","clothing":{"accessories":"headscarf, traditional robes","bottom":"not visible","footwear":"not visible","top":"traditional robes"},"face":"smiling","hair":"dark, short","hands":"not visible","pose":"sitting","position":"bottom left (King Fahd)"},{"age_range":"elderly","clothing":{"accessories":"turban, traditional robes","bottom":"not visible","footwear":"not visible","top":"traditional robes"},"face":"stern","hair":"white beard, black turban","hands":"clasped in prayer","pose":"sitting","position":"top right (Ayatollah Khomeini)"}],"setting":{"architecture":"none","background":"satellite map of Middle East","lighting":"even, soft","location":"Middle East map"},"text_on_screen":[{"content":"Vox","location":"top right","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"Saddam Hussein President of Iraq","location":"center","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"King Fahd of Saudi Arabia","location":"bottom left","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"Ali Khamenei Supreme Leader of Iran","location":"top right","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"1900","location":"bottom left","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"2017","location":"bottom right","style":"white sans-serif font"}]}},{"t":639,"speech":"","visual":{"action":"A black and white montage shows military vehicles on a road, followed by a wide shot of a river with a bridge and dark smoke rising from the horizon. A large portrait of Saddam Hussein is shown on a wall, with soldiers walking past.","colors":{"dominant":"#808080","palette":["#808080","#C0C0C0","#404040","#000000","#A0A0A0"]},"composition":{"angle":"various","focus":"sharp","framing":"various"},"mood":"chaotic","objects":[{"color":"tan","name":"military vehicles","position":"road","state":"moving"},{"color":"black","name":"smoke","position":"horizon","state":"rising"},{"color":"blue, brown","name":"portrait of Saddam Hussein","position":"wall","state":"displayed"}],"people":[{"age_range":"adult","clothing":{"accessories":"military uniforms","bottom":"military pants","footwear":"boots","top":"military shirts"},"face":"not clearly visible","hair":"not clearly visible","hands":"not clearly visible","pose":"walking","position":"center"}],"setting":{"architecture":"road, bridge, buildings","background":"desert, river, sky","lighting":"natural","location":"Iraq"},"text_on_screen":[{"content":"Vox","location":"top right","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"1900","location":"bottom left","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"2017","location":"bottom right","style":"white sans-serif font"}]}},{"t":641,"speech":"In 2003, the US invaded Iraq and overthrew Saddam Hussein.","visual":{"action":"The map of the Middle East is shown. A large American flag appears, extending from the US (not visible) to Iraq (yellow), symbolizing the US invasion. Saddam Hussein's portrait is replaced by a crossed-out image, indicating his overthrow. The timeline updates to '2003'.","colors":{"dominant":"#404040","palette":["#404040","#FFA500","#B00000","#008000","#FFFFFF"]},"composition":{"angle":"overhead","focus":"sharp","framing":"wide shot"},"mood":"informative","objects":[{"color":"red, white, blue","name":"American flag","position":"left","state":"static"}],"people":[{"age_range":"adult","clothing":{"accessories":"headscarf, traditional robes","bottom":"not visible","footwear":"not visible","top":"traditional robes"},"face":"smiling","hair":"dark, short","hands":"not visible","pose":"sitting","position":"bottom left (King Fahd)"},{"age_range":"elderly","clothing":{"accessories":"turban, traditional robes","bottom":"not visible","footwear":"not visible","top":"traditional robes"},"face":"stern","hair":"white beard, black turban","hands":"clasped in prayer","pose":"sitting","position":"top right (Ali Khamenei)"}],"setting":{"architecture":"none","background":"satellite map of Middle East","lighting":"even, soft","location":"Middle East map"},"text_on_screen":[{"content":"Vox","location":"top right","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"King Fahd of Saudi Arabia","location":"bottom left","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"Ali Khamenei Supreme Leader of Iran","location":"top right","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"2003","location":"bottom left","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"US Invades Iraq","location":"bottom left","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"1900","location":"bottom left","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"2017","location":"bottom right","style":"white sans-serif font"}]}},{"t":645,"speech":"Neither Saudi Arabia or Iran wanted this to happen, since Iraq had been acting as a buffer between them. But problems arose when the US struggled to replace Saddam.","visual":{"action":"The American flag shrinks and moves slightly, indicating a reduced US presence. The map continues to show Iraq as a central point between Saudi Arabia and Iran. The portraits of King Fahd and Ali Khamenei remain.","colors":{"dominant":"#404040","palette":["#404040","#FFA500","#B00000","#008000","#FFFFFF"]},"composition":{"angle":"overhead","focus":"sharp","framing":"wide shot"},"mood":"tense","objects":[{"color":"red, white, blue","name":"American flag","position":"left","state":"static"}],"people":[{"age_range":"adult","clothing":{"accessories":"headscarf, traditional robes","bottom":"not visible","footwear":"not visible","top":"traditional robes"},"face":"smiling","hair":"dark, short","hands":"not visible","pose":"sitting","position":"bottom left (King Fahd)"},{"age_range":"elderly","clothing":{"accessories":"turban, traditional robes","bottom":"not visible","footwear":"not visible","top":"traditional robes"},"face":"stern","hair":"white beard, black turban","hands":"clasped in prayer","pose":"sitting","position":"top right (Ali Khamenei)"}],"setting":{"architecture":"none","background":"satellite map of Middle East","lighting":"even, soft","location":"Middle East map"},"text_on_screen":[{"content":"Vox","location":"top right","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"King Fahd of Saudi Arabia","location":"bottom left","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"Ali Khamenei Supreme Leader of Iran","location":"top right","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"2003","location":"bottom left","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"US Invades Iraq","location":"bottom left","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"1900","location":"bottom left","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"2017","location":"bottom right","style":"white sans-serif font"}]}},{"t":653,"speech":"The United States has no idea what it's doing in Iraq after 2003, and it makes one mistake after another that creates a security vacuum and a failed state and drives Iraq into all-out civil war.","visual":{"action":"Kenneth Pollack speaks directly to the camera, his expression serious and his hands gesturing to emphasize his points. He maintains eye contact with the viewer.","colors":{"dominant":"#404040","palette":["#404040","#808080","#A0A0A0","#606060","#008000"]},"composition":{"angle":"eye-level","focus":"sharp","framing":"medium close-up"},"mood":"serious","objects":[],"people":[{"age_range":"50s","clothing":{"accessories":"clear framed glasses","bottom":"not visible","footwear":"not visible","top":"olive green polo shirt"},"face":"serious, thoughtful","hair":"short, curly, brown","hands":"gesturing to emphasize points","pose":"standing, facing camera","position":"center"}],"setting":{"architecture":"none","background":"dark gray studio wall","lighting":"soft, front-lit","location":"studio"},"text_on_screen":[{"content":"Vox","location":"top right","style":"white sans-serif font"}]}},{"t":707,"speech":"Without a government, armed militias took control of Iraq, splintering the population. Sunni and Shia militias suddenly sprang up all over the country. Many were radical Islamist groups who saw an opportunity to gain power amidst the chaos. These militias were ready-made proxies for Saudi Arabia and Iran, and they both seized the opportunity to try and gain power.","visual":{"action":"The map of the Middle East is shown. Iraq is now filled with multiple circles representing 'Sunni militia' (green AK-47s) and 'Shia militia' (red AK-47s). Lines connect Saudi Arabia (green) to the Sunni militias and Iran (red) to the Shia militias, illustrating their proxy support. The portraits of King Fahd and Ali Khamenei remain on screen.","colors":{"dominant":"#404040","palette":["#404040","#008000","#B00000","#FFA500","#FFFFFF"]},"composition":{"angle":"overhead","focus":"sharp","framing":"wide shot"},"mood":"chaotic","objects":[{"color":"green","name":"AK-47 icon","position":"various in Iraq","state":"representing Sunni militia"},{"color":"red","name":"AK-47 icon","position":"various in Iraq","state":"representing Shia militia"}],"people":[{"age_range":"adult","clothing":{"accessories":"headscarf, traditional robes","bottom":"not visible","footwear":"not visible","top":"traditional robes"},"face":"smiling","hair":"dark, short","hands":"not visible","pose":"sitting","position":"bottom left (King Fahd)"},{"age_range":"elderly","clothing":{"accessories":"turban, traditional robes","bottom":"not visible","footwear":"not visible","top":"traditional robes"},"face":"stern","hair":"white beard, black turban","hands":"clasped in prayer","pose":"sitting","position":"top right (Ali Khamenei)"}],"setting":{"architecture":"none","background":"satellite map of Middle East","lighting":"even, soft","location":"Middle East map"},"text_on_screen":[{"content":"Vox","location":"top right","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"Sunni militia","location":"various in Iraq","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"Shia militia","location":"various in Iraq","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"Extremist","location":"various in Iraq","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"King Fahd of Saudi Arabia","location":"bottom left","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"Ali Khamenei Supreme Leader of Iran","location":"top right","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"Mapbox","location":"bottom left","style":"small white sans-serif font"}]}},{"t":736,"speech":"That trend continued into the Arab Spring, a series of anti-monarchy, pro-democracy protests that swept through the Middle East in 2011.","visual":{"action":"The map of the Middle East is shown, with a yellow overlay appearing over North Africa, labeled 'Arab Spring'. Images of protests and demonstrations are shown over this region. The timeline updates to '2011'.","colors":{"dominant":"#404040","palette":["#404040","#FFA500","#B00000","#008000","#FFFFFF"]},"composition":{"angle":"overhead","focus":"sharp","framing":"wide shot"},"mood":"rebellious","objects":[{"color":"red","name":"book with Arabic text","position":"center","state":"held up by protester"}],"people":[{"age_range":"various","clothing":{"accessories":"sunglasses, scarves","bottom":"various","footwear":"various","top":"various"},"face":"determined, cheering","hair":"various","hands":"raised in protest, fists clenched","pose":"marching, protesting","position":"crowd"}],"setting":{"architecture":"none","background":"satellite map of Middle East","lighting":"natural","location":"Middle East map"},"text_on_screen":[{"content":"Vox","location":"top right","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"Arab Spring","location":"center","style":"large, bold, yellow serif font"},{"content":"2011","location":"bottom right","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"Arab Spring","location":"bottom right","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"1900","location":"bottom left","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"2017","location":"bottom right","style":"white sans-serif font"}]}},{"t":743,"speech":"And this had very different consequences for Saudi Arabia and Iran.","visual":{"action":"A montage of Arab Spring protests is shown, with large crowds of people marching and cheering, some raising their fists. The mood is energetic and defiant.","colors":{"dominant":"#808080","palette":["#808080","#C0C0C0","#404040","#000000","#B00000"]},"composition":{"angle":"various","focus":"sharp","framing":"various"},"mood":"energetic","objects":[],"people":[{"age_range":"various","clothing":{"accessories":"hats, scarves","bottom":"various","footwear":"various","top":"t-shirts, jackets"},"face":"cheering, determined","hair":"various","hands":"raised in protest, clenching fists","pose":"marching, protesting","position":"crowd"}],"setting":{"architecture":"urban streets, park","background":"crowds, buildings, trees","lighting":"natural, bright","location":"Middle Eastern cities"},"text_on_screen":[{"content":"Vox","location":"top right","style":"white sans-serif font"}]}},{"t":748,"speech":"That is terrifying to the Saudis, who are the ultimate status quo power. They want the region stable, and they don't want anybody rising up and overthrowing a sclerotic autocratic government for fear that it might inspire their own people to do the same.","visual":{"action":"Kenneth Pollack speaks directly to the camera, his expression serious and his hands gesturing to emphasize his points. He maintains eye contact with the viewer.","colors":{"dominant":"#404040","palette":["#404040","#808080","#A0A0A0","#606060","#008000"]},"composition":{"angle":"eye-level","focus":"sharp","framing":"medium close-up"},"mood":"serious","objects":[],"people":[{"age_range":"50s","clothing":{"accessories":"clear framed glasses","bottom":"not visible","footwear":"not visible","top":"olive green polo shirt"},"face":"serious, thoughtful","hair":"short, curly, brown","hands":"gesturing to emphasize points","pose":"standing, facing camera","position":"center"}],"setting":{"architecture":"none","background":"dark gray studio wall","lighting":"soft, front-lit","location":"studio"},"text_on_screen":[{"content":"Vox","location":"top right","style":"white sans-serif font"}]}},{"t":805,"speech":"The Iranians are the ultimate anti-status quo power. They have been trying for decades to overturn the regional order.","visual":{"action":"Kenneth Pollack speaks directly to the camera, his expression serious and his hands gesturing to emphasize his points. He maintains eye contact with the viewer.","colors":{"dominant":"#404040","palette":["#404040","#808080","#A0A0A0","#606060","#008000"]},"composition":{"angle":"eye-level","focus":"sharp","framing":"medium close-up"},"mood":"serious","objects":[],"people":[{"age_range":"50s","clothing":{"accessories":"clear framed glasses","bottom":"not visible","footwear":"not visible","top":"olive green polo shirt"},"face":"serious, thoughtful","hair":"short, curly, brown","hands":"gesturing to emphasize points","pose":"standing, facing camera","position":"center"}],"setting":{"architecture":"none","background":"dark gray studio wall","lighting":"soft, front-lit","location":"studio"},"text_on_screen":[{"content":"Vox","location":"top right","style":"white sans-serif font"}]}},{"t":813,"speech":"Each country threw their weight behind different groups all over the Middle East. Just like in Iraq, the Saudis began supporting Sunni groups and governments, while Iran helped Shia groups rise up against them.","visual":{"action":"A montage of events during the Arab Spring is shown. This includes military personnel marching with flowers and flags in Bahrain, police vehicles on a street, and people protesting at night. The timeline remains at the bottom.","colors":{"dominant":"#808080","palette":["#808080","#C0C0C0","#404040","#000000","#B00000"]},"composition":{"angle":"various","focus":"sharp","framing":"various"},"mood":"tense","objects":[{"color":"red, white","name":"Bahraini flags","position":"center","state":"being carried"},{"color":"white, blue","name":"police vehicles","position":"road","state":"parked"},{"color":"white","name":"flowers","position":"center","state":"being carried"}],"people":[{"age_range":"adult","clothing":{"accessories":"military uniforms, headscarves","bottom":"military pants, civilian pants","footwear":"boots, shoes","top":"military shirts, civilian shirts"},"face":"serious, determined","hair":"dark","hands":"carrying flowers, flags","pose":"marching, standing","position":"crowd"}],"setting":{"architecture":"urban streets, buildings","background":"cityscape, crowds","lighting":"natural, bright, night","location":"Bahrain"},"text_on_screen":[{"content":"Vox","location":"top right","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"1900","location":"bottom left","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"2017","location":"bottom right","style":"white sans-serif font"}]}},{"t":823,"speech":"For example, in Tunisia, the Saudis backed a dictator, while the Iranians stoked protests. In Bahrain, Iran supported Shia leaders seeking to overthrow the government. Saudi Arabia, in turn, sent troops to help quash the unrest. Both got involved in Libya, Lebanon, and Morocco as well.","visual":{"action":"The map of the Middle East and North Africa is shown. Tunisia is highlighted in yellow, with a green circle representing Saudi-backed dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali and a red circle representing anti-government protesters. Bahrain is highlighted, with a red circle for Shia protesters and a green circle for Saudi military intervention. Lines extend from Saudi Arabia and Iran to various countries, showing their involvement in different conflicts.","colors":{"dominant":"#404040","palette":["#404040","#FFA500","#B00000","#008000","#FFFFFF"]},"composition":{"angle":"overhead","focus":"sharp","framing":"wide shot"},"mood":"tense","objects":[],"people":[{"age_range":"adult","clothing":{"accessories":"suit and tie","bottom":"not visible","footwear":"not visible","top":"suit and tie"},"face":"serious","hair":"dark, short","hands":"not visible","pose":"standing","position":"center left (Ben Ali)"},{"age_range":"adult","clothing":{"accessories":"headscarf","bottom":"not visible","footwear":"not visible","top":"t-shirt"},"face":"cheering","hair":"dark","hands":"raised in protest","pose":"protesting","position":"top left (protester)"}],"setting":{"architecture":"none","background":"satellite map of Middle East and North Africa","lighting":"even, soft","location":"Middle East and North Africa map"},"text_on_screen":[{"content":"Vox","location":"top right","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"2011","location":"bottom right","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"Arab Spring","location":"bottom right","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"Zine El Abidine President of Tunisia","location":"center left","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"Anti-government protesters Tunisia","location":"top left","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"Bahrain","location":"bottom right","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"Shia protesters Bahrain","location":"bottom right","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"Saudi military Bahrain","location":"bottom right","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"King Salman of Saudi Arabia","location":"bottom center","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"Ali Khamenei Supreme Leader of Iran","location":"top right","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"Mapbox","location":"bottom left","style":"small white sans-serif font"},{"content":"1900","location":"bottom left","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"2017","location":"bottom right","style":"white sans-serif font"}]}},{"t":839,"speech":"As Saudi Arabia and Iran put more and more pressure on these countries, they began to collapse.","visual":{"action":"The map of the Middle East and North Africa is shown. Lines extend from Saudi Arabia and Iran to various countries, showing their increasing involvement in different conflicts. The circles representing leaders and militias remain on screen.","colors":{"dominant":"#404040","palette":["#404040","#FFA500","#B00000","#008000","#FFFFFF"]},"composition":{"angle":"overhead","focus":"sharp","framing":"wide shot"},"mood":"tense","objects":[],"people":[{"age_range":"adult","clothing":{"accessories":"headscarf, traditional robes","bottom":"not visible","footwear":"not visible","top":"traditional robes"},"face":"serious","hair":"dark, short","hands":"not visible","pose":"sitting","position":"bottom center (King Salman)"},{"age_range":"elderly","clothing":{"accessories":"turban, traditional robes","bottom":"not visible","footwear":"not visible","top":"traditional robes"},"face":"stern","hair":"white beard, black turban","hands":"clasped in prayer","pose":"sitting","position":"top right (Ali Khamenei)"}],"setting":{"architecture":"none","background":"satellite map of Middle East and North Africa","lighting":"even, soft","location":"Middle East and North Africa map"},"text_on_screen":[{"content":"Vox","location":"top right","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"King Salman of Saudi Arabia","location":"bottom center","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"Ali Khamenei Supreme Leader of Iran","location":"top right","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"Mapbox","location":"bottom left","style":"small white sans-serif font"},{"content":"1900","location":"bottom left","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"2017","location":"bottom right","style":"white sans-serif font"}]}},{"t":845,"speech":"Now the feud has gone a step further, with both countries deploying their own militaries. In Yemen, the Saudi military is on the ground helping the central government. They are fighting the rebels called the Houthis, who are an Iranian proxy group.","visual":{"action":"The map of the Middle East is shown. Yemen is highlighted, with a green circle representing 'Saudi military Yemen' and a red circle representing 'Houthi rebels Yemen'. Lines connect Saudi Arabia to the Saudi military circle and Iran to the Houthi rebels, illustrating their direct military involvement. The portraits of King Salman and Ali Khamenei remain on screen.","colors":{"dominant":"#404040","palette":["#404040","#FFA500","#B00000","#008000","#FFFFFF"]},"composition":{"angle":"overhead","focus":"sharp","framing":"wide shot"},"mood":"tense","objects":[],"people":[{"age_range":"adult","clothing":{"accessories":"headscarf, traditional robes","bottom":"not visible","footwear":"not visible","top":"traditional robes"},"face":"serious","hair":"dark, short","hands":"not visible","pose":"sitting","position":"bottom left (King Salman)"},{"age_range":"elderly","clothing":{"accessories":"turban, traditional robes","bottom":"not visible","footwear":"not visible","top":"traditional robes"},"face":"stern","hair":"white beard, black turban","hands":"clasped in prayer","pose":"sitting","position":"top right (Ali Khamenei)"}],"setting":{"architecture":"none","background":"satellite map of Middle East","lighting":"even, soft","location":"Middle East map"},"text_on_screen":[{"content":"Vox","location":"top right","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"Saudi military Yemen","location":"center left","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"Houthi rebels Yemen","location":"center right","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"King Salman of Saudi Arabia","location":"bottom left","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"Ali Khamenei Supreme Leader of Iran","location":"top right","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"Mapbox","location":"bottom left","style":"small white sans-serif font"}]}},{"t":857,"speech":"And the reverse is happening in Syria. The Iranian military is fighting side-by-side with militias, some of them extremist groups like Hezbollah, in support of dictator Bashar al-Assad. They are fighting rebel Sunni groups who are Saudi proxies.","visual":{"action":"The map of the Middle East is shown. Syria is highlighted in yellow. A red circle represents 'Iranian military' and 'Hezbollah', fighting in support of dictator Bashar al-Assad (portrait shown). Green circles represent 'Sunni militia' who are Saudi proxies. Lines connect Saudi Arabia to the Sunni militias and Iran to the Iranian military and Hezbollah. The portraits of King Salman and Ali Khamenei remain on screen.","colors":{"dominant":"#404040","palette":["#404040","#FFA500","#B00000","#008000","#FFFFFF"]},"composition":{"angle":"overhead","focus":"sharp","framing":"wide shot"},"mood":"tense","objects":[{"color":"green","name":"AK-47 icon","position":"top left","state":"representing Sunni militia"},{"color":"brown","name":"AK-47 icon","position":"center","state":"representing Hezbollah"}],"people":[{"age_range":"adult","clothing":{"accessories":"headscarf, traditional robes","bottom":"not visible","footwear":"not visible","top":"traditional robes"},"face":"serious","hair":"dark, short","hands":"not visible","pose":"sitting","position":"bottom left (King Salman)"},{"age_range":"elderly","clothing":{"accessories":"turban, traditional robes","bottom":"not visible","footwear":"not visible","top":"traditional robes"},"face":"stern","hair":"white beard, black turban","hands":"clasped in prayer","pose":"sitting","position":"top right (Ali Khamenei)"},{"age_range":"adult","clothing":{"accessories":"suit and tie","bottom":"not visible","footwear":"not visible","top":"suit and tie"},"face":"serious","hair":"dark, short","hands":"not visible","pose":"standing","position":"bottom left (Bashar al-Assad)"}],"setting":{"architecture":"none","background":"satellite map of Middle East","lighting":"even, soft","location":"Middle East map"},"text_on_screen":[{"content":"Vox","location":"top right","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"Sunni militia","location":"top left","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"Iranian military","location":"center","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"Hezbollah","location":"center","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"Bashar al-Assad President of Syria","location":"bottom left","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"King Salman of Saudi Arabia","location":"bottom left","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"Ali Khamenei Supreme Leader of Iran","location":"top right","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"Mapbox","location":"bottom left","style":"small white sans-serif font"}]}},{"t":911,"speech":"The more civil wars that broke out in the Middle East, the more Saudi Arabia and Iran became involved.","visual":{"action":"The map of the Middle East and North Africa is shown. Lines extend from Saudi Arabia and Iran to various countries, indicating their increasing involvement in different conflicts. The circles representing leaders and militias remain on screen, with more connections shown.","colors":{"dominant":"#404040","palette":["#404040","#FFA500","#B00000","#008000","#FFFFFF"]},"composition":{"angle":"overhead","focus":"sharp","framing":"wide shot"},"mood":"tense","objects":[],"people":[{"age_range":"adult","clothing":{"accessories":"headscarf, traditional robes","bottom":"not visible","footwear":"not visible","top":"traditional robes"},"face":"serious","hair":"dark, short","hands":"not visible","pose":"sitting","position":"bottom left (King Salman)"},{"age_range":"elderly","clothing":{"accessories":"turban, traditional robes","bottom":"not visible","footwear":"not visible","top":"traditional robes"},"face":"stern","hair":"white beard, black turban","hands":"clasped in prayer","pose":"sitting","position":"top right (Ali Khamenei)"}],"setting":{"architecture":"none","background":"satellite map of Middle East and North Africa","lighting":"even, soft","location":"Middle East and North Africa map"},"text_on_screen":[{"content":"Vox","location":"top right","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"King Salman of Saudi Arabia","location":"bottom left","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"Ali Khamenei Supreme Leader of Iran","location":"top right","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"Mapbox","location":"bottom left","style":"small white sans-serif font"}]}},{"t":918,"speech":"Neither the government of Saudi Arabia nor the government of Iran are looking for a fight. But the problem is that these civil wars create circumstances that no one could have predicted. Both the Iranians and the Saudis feel their vital national interests are threatened, are in jeopardy, because of different things going on in these civil wars, things that they blame each other for.","visual":{"action":"Kenneth Pollack speaks directly to the camera, his expression serious and his hands gesturing to emphasize his points. He maintains eye contact with the viewer.","colors":{"dominant":"#404040","palette":["#404040","#808080","#A0A0A0","#606060","#008000"]},"composition":{"angle":"eye-level","focus":"sharp","framing":"medium close-up"},"mood":"serious","objects":[],"people":[{"age_range":"50s","clothing":{"accessories":"clear framed glasses","bottom":"not visible","footwear":"not visible","top":"olive green polo shirt"},"face":"serious, thoughtful","hair":"short, curly, brown","hands":"gesturing to emphasize points","pose":"standing, facing camera","position":"center"}],"setting":{"architecture":"none","background":"dark gray studio wall","lighting":"soft, front-lit","location":"studio"},"text_on_screen":[{"content":"Vox","location":"top right","style":"white sans-serif font"}]}},{"t":942,"speech":"Now the Cold War is drawing in other countries. The Saudi government is threatening Qatar, a tiny Gulf state that was developing ties with Iran.","visual":{"action":"A screenshot of a news headline from 'The Hill' appears on screen, reading 'Saudi Arabia demands Qatar shut down Al-Jazeera, cut ties with Iran'. The date 'June 22, 2017' is visible below the headline.","colors":{"dominant":"#808080","palette":["#808080","#C0C0C0","#404040","#000000","#A0A0A0"]},"composition":{"angle":"eye-level","focus":"sharp","framing":"close-up"},"mood":"informative","objects":[{"color":"white","name":"news headline","position":"center","state":"displayed"}],"people":[],"setting":{"architecture":"none","background":"dark gray screen","lighting":"even, soft","location":"digital display"},"text_on_screen":[{"content":"Vox","location":"top right","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"THE HILL","location":"top left","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"Saudi Arabia demands Qatar shut down Al-Jazeera, cut ties with Iran","location":"center","style":"black sans-serif font"},{"content":"June 22, 2017","location":"center","style":"small black sans-serif font"}]}},{"t":949,"speech":"Meanwhile, in Syria and Iraq, the terrorist group ISIS is nearing defeat, and both the Saudis and Iranians are angling to take control of that territory. It's a Cold War that's becoming incredibly unpredictable.","visual":{"action":"The map of the Middle East is shown. ISIS is represented by a large circle with an AK-47 icon, surrounded by various militias and military forces. Lines connect Saudi Arabia (green) and Iran (red) to these groups, showing their competition for influence in the region as ISIS is defeated. The portraits of King Salman and Ali Khamenei remain on screen.","colors":{"dominant":"#404040","palette":["#404040","#FFA500","#B00000","#008000","#FFFFFF"]},"composition":{"angle":"overhead","focus":"sharp","framing":"wide shot"},"mood":"tense","objects":[{"color":"brown","name":"AK-47 icon","position":"center","state":"representing ISIS"},{"color":"green","name":"AK-47 icon","position":"various","state":"representing Sunni militia"},{"color":"red","name":"AK-47 icon","position":"various","state":"representing Shia militia"}],"people":[{"age_range":"adult","clothing":{"accessories":"headscarf, traditional robes","bottom":"not visible","footwear":"not visible","top":"traditional robes"},"face":"serious","hair":"dark, short","hands":"not visible","pose":"sitting","position":"bottom left (King Salman)"},{"age_range":"elderly","clothing":{"accessories":"turban, traditional robes","bottom":"not visible","footwear":"not visible","top":"traditional robes"},"face":"stern","hair":"white beard, black turban","hands":"clasped in prayer","pose":"sitting","position":"top right (Ali Khamenei)"}],"setting":{"architecture":"none","background":"satellite map of Middle East","lighting":"even, soft","location":"Middle East map"},"text_on_screen":[{"content":"Vox","location":"top right","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"ISIS","location":"center","style":"large, bold, white sans-serif font"},{"content":"King Salman of Saudi Arabia","location":"bottom left","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"Ali Khamenei Supreme Leader of Iran","location":"top right","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"Mapbox","location":"bottom left","style":"small white sans-serif font"}]}},{"t":1000,"speech":"As the Middle East continues to destabilize, it's hard to say how far these countries will go.","visual":{"action":"The map of the Middle East is shown, with Saudi Arabia (green) and Iran (red) highlighted. The various circles representing leaders and militias remain on screen, symbolizing the ongoing conflicts and power struggles. The portraits of King Salman and Ali Khamenei remain.","colors":{"dominant":"#404040","palette":["#404040","#FFA500","#B00000","#008000","#FFFFFF"]},"composition":{"angle":"overhead","focus":"sharp","framing":"wide shot"},"mood":"uncertain","objects":[],"people":[{"age_range":"adult","clothing":{"accessories":"headscarf, traditional robes","bottom":"not visible","footwear":"not visible","top":"traditional robes"},"face":"serious","hair":"dark, short","hands":"not visible","pose":"sitting","position":"bottom left (King Salman)"},{"age_range":"elderly","clothing":{"accessories":"turban, traditional robes","bottom":"not visible","footwear":"not visible","top":"traditional robes"},"face":"stern","hair":"white beard, black turban","hands":"clasped in prayer","pose":"sitting","position":"top right (Ali Khamenei)"}],"setting":{"architecture":"none","background":"satellite map of Middle East","lighting":"even, soft","location":"Middle East map"},"text_on_screen":[{"content":"Vox","location":"top right","style":"white sans-serif font"},{"content":"King Salman of Saudi Arabia","location":"bottom left","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"Ali Khamenei Supreme Leader of Iran","location":"top right","style":"white serif font"},{"content":"Mapbox","location":"bottom left","style":"small white sans-serif font"}]}}],"created_at":"2026-06-24 08:26:00","processed_at":"2026-06-26 11:38:17","view_count":6,"thumbnail":"/data/videos/7b5aa737-661c-4c5e-a1be-9c180dc0b3aa/thumbnail.jpg","video":"/data/videos/7b5aa737-661c-4c5e-a1be-9c180dc0b3aa/web.mp4","urls":{"page":"/v/the-middle-east-s-cold-war-explained","api":"/api/v1/videos/the-middle-east-s-cold-war-explained","timeline_file":"/data/videos/7b5aa737-661c-4c5e-a1be-9c180dc0b3aa/timeline.json"}}