Alleged plot could affect Canada, expert says

An alleged assassination plot against the Saudi ambassador to the United States could have security implications in Canada and serves as an indication the Middle Eastern nation is increasing its profile on the global stage, says one expert.

On Tuesday, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder said officials there believe there was a plot, with links to the Iranian government, to kill Adel Al-Jubeir on American soil. Two men have been charged.

Should the allegations hold weight, Christian Leuprecht, a national security expert and political studies researcher at Queen's University in Kingston, said it could change the face of diplomatic security in Canada and cast a pall of suspicion here, as well.

"There's a large Iranian community (in Canada), so if the Iranians are making use of nationalized individuals or have a broader network, it has risks on both sides," Leuprecht said. "If this plot turns out to have anything to it . the Iranian community in Canada would come under closer scrutiny."

As a result of the allegations out of the U.S., Leuprecht said heightened security for both the Saudi Embassy in Ottawa, as well as Saudi Ambassador Osamah Al Sanosi Ahmad, can be expected.

The U.S. government contacted other national leaders Tuesday to inform them of the assassination allegations and warning of Iran's alleged involvement.

"I think one has to be concerned about the chilling nature of what the Iranian government attempted to do here," Holder told a news conference. "One thing that we will be doing is getting in touch with other of our allies and nations around the world to make them aware of what it is that was thwarted here."

The U.S. Justice Department charged two men with conspiring with factions of the Iranian government to carry out a plot to blow up the Saudi ambassador to the U.S.

A spokesman for Prime Minister Stephen Harper condemned the alleged plot and said it renews the need for resilience in the face of terrorism.

Leuprecht said the fact that Saudi diplomats could be considered international targets speaks volumes to that country's standing on the international stage.

"This also shows the rising influence of Saudi Arabia in the world," he said. "If you have international plots against you, if the evidence does shake out in court . it would suggest the Saudis are really rising from a regional power broker to a key international player.

"Where security is concerned, if you have some crazy people somewhere . who want to do something against diplomats, they are usually symbolic targets rather than personal targets."