A Saudi contingent was invited to, and accepted, a meeting with President Bush at his ranch in Texas. Only Blair and Putin have been extended that courtesy.
The Saudis CANNOT openly support us. But, they have always been masters of intrigue and survival. They have their hooks everywhere in that region. We need that.
I saw Bush's countenance when he stated that the "Saudis are close allies". He doesn't say that about the French or Germans or Egyptians or Japanese. He meant it. They are. Appearances are deceiving especially with that despotic crew.
I think they are our allies. They may pay the families of suicide bombers, but who knows how many attacks on Israel they have thwarted in comparison? It's about image in that world.
How do we know their agents are not actively recruiting vital Iraqi civilian and military agents to provide intelligence for our upcoming attack? They can get to the people who know where the bunkers and labs are. We need that info.
How do we know how many attacks on the U.S.A. they have directly or indirectly intercepted? How many bad guys they made "go away"?
The World political scene is complex, and the Saudis are the most complex players of all. Balancing alliances, performing political theatre and keeping a vice like grip on everything that transpires within and out of their borders has kept that Royal family alive and well in a region of violence and disorder.
They need us more than we need them. They don't want to be isolated economically in the post Hussein world. They have no interest in that guy's ongoing life. They don't want to be shut out of the oil biz after the smoke clears.
I hope sakic doesn't conquer their kingdom before they finish helping us vaporize the Saddam regime.
I saw Bush's countenance when he stated that the "Saudis are close allies". He doesn't say that about the French or Germans or Egyptians or Japanese. He meant it. They are. Appearances are deceiving especially with that despotic crew.
Agreed. There is so much more going on than we can grasp, but it's clear that the Saudis cannot openly support us, and that they can do more to help us in the region than any other country.
Your observation on Bush's 'countenance' is most interesting, and something I had not thought about. I have wondered why he said that they are our allies, when they do not seem to be our allies, but your point that he really does mean it because it is true because of what is going on behind the scenes, makes sense.
btw, the only point you've made on this thread with which I disagree is that Hannity listens. He's much too busy pontificating to pay attention to his 'guests' IMO. But I sure agree with you on Brit. He's a journalist, a professional, and one of a kind. I just hope some younger journalists are paying attention and learning from him, so that he's not the last true journalist.