A Middle East expert has warned that the conflict between Iran and Saudi Arabia may lead to a larger holy war in the Middle East, escalating to World War 3. Russian Middle East expert Vladimir Ahmedov says that following the Saudi execution of Iran’s prominent Shia cleric Nimr al-Nimr, and with Iran’s Supreme Leader promising “divine vengeance” against the Saudi regime, a war between the Sunnis and Shiites could happen. Sputniknews.com reports: Considered a terrorist by Saudi authorities for his criticism of the government, calls for free elections and demands that authorities respect Saudi Shias’ rights, al-Nimr’s execution sparked outrage and an escalation of diplomatic tensions across the Middle East, but only a cautious criticism from Riyadh’s allies in Washington and Brussels. The cleric was killed along with 46 others in the country’s largest mass execution in decades, sparking anger and violent protests in Shia areas of Saudi Arabia, as well as Bahrain, Indian-controlled Kashmir, Pakistan, and Iran, where protesters stormed the Saudi Embassy in the Iranian capital and attempted to set the building on fire. Trying to prevent the explosive situation from escalating out of control, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani vowed to bring to justice those responsible for Saturday’s attack. “The Iranian people should not allow [al-Nimr’s death] to become an excuse for rogue individuals and groups to commit illegal acts and damage Iran’s image,” Rouhani said. Speaking to his EU [...]