[HAL9000]

The main problem with the Saudis was their funding of the madrassas in Pakistan that were the breeding grounds of the Taliban and Al Qaeda - and money was apparently sent to the families of Palestinian suicide bombers. The U.S. is pressuring the Saudis to cut off those funds, and has achieved some success on this.

On the other hand, the Saudis have facilitated U.S. military operations there, despite the opposition of extremist elements. And they have been cooperative in keeping the supply and price stable - the economy would be in the tank otherwise.

It doesn't make any damn sense to have a war against Saudi Arabia if we can use diplomatic pressure to get them to cooperate.

[daniel boob]

I agree with your post. It probably takes a PhD to understand the goverence in that region, but you are probably right that this can be disspelled with diplomacy instead of force. But the real litmus test is when we begin an assualt on other areas, Iraq for instance.

Will there be gnashing of teeth by SA or will they posture for the cameras, all the while remaining ambivalent - or even helpful - to our actions in the region. My deep question is; are they a real friend to the US or to the region?

My original reply attempted to understand why you called Rand a bunch of morons. I personally believe they hit the nail on the head with their report.

[daniel boob]

PS - I should say that I think it's wrong for the report to be leaked and Rumsfield is clearly right to be irritated.

[Stavka2]

On the other hand, the Saudis have facilitated U.S. military operations there, despite the opposition of extremist elements. And they have been cooperative in keeping the supply and price stable - the economy would be in the tank otherwise.

Total bull. The Saudies have flat out rejected the use of US bases from day one of this escapade. They have further continued sending cash straight to the Taliban and other nutjobs. As for oil, doesn't work that way. First, they are only one of several dozen producers. They have been actively trying to jerk up the price, which has been ofset by Russia who holds now a major portion of the market. The Saudies need the US more then the US needs them. Simply put, try eating oil for a meal...doesn't work. At the same time, they are the worst human rights abusers around....don't bother with this pro Saudi arguement crap, the time for all that passed on 9/11...or do you ignore that 15 came from Saudi RICH families?

[pgkdan]

and money was apparently sent to the families of Palestinian suicide bombers. The U.S. is pressuring the Saudis to cut off those funds, and has achieved some success on this.

Saudi Arabia IS unding suicide bombers and their families. What success in curbing that funding can you cite? Do you think they missed their terrorist fundraising goals with their last telethon?