Posted on 01/31/2003 2:52:44 PM PST by Axion
U.S. Travel Warning Heralds Trouble in Saudi Arabia Summary
Jan 31, 2003
Washington has warned Americans in Saudi Arabia to carefully evaluate their security situations and consider leaving the kingdom. The warning heralds trouble in the Arab nation as the United States prepares for war in neighboring Iraq.
Analysis
The U.S. State Department on issued a travel warning Jan. 31 to Americans traveling to and living in Saudi Arabia. It was the second such warning -- rather than advisory -- issued this month to expatriates in the Persian Gulf; the other warning was issued for Kuwait.
The report's blatantly alarmist tone is curious. For instance, one text states, "Private American citizens currently in Saudi Arabia should evaluate rigorously their own security situations and should consider departing, especially given decreased flight availability at a time of high demand related to school holidays and the Hajj. The Department of State warns U.S. citizens to carefully consider the increased risks of travel to Saudi Arabia." The use of the words "rigorously" and "carefully" underscores the salience of the warning, and has created a stir among American expatriates living in the kingdom.
The State Department likely is concerned that the possibility of attacks against American targets in Saudi Arabia will rise greatly once the war starts and that the Saudi government likely will do little to prevent them. A U.S.-led war will create a range of diplomatic, political and security problems for the kingdom, including fueling anti-American sentiment. The outcome will be heightened tension on an already strained U.S.-Saudi relationship.
It's also possible that U.S. Special Forces and CIA operatives will use the war in Iraq as a cover to conduct covert operations in Saudi Arabia -- especially in the northern regions. Operatives likely would use the opportunity to gather intelligence on al Qaeda, since bin Laden has familial ties to northwestern Saudi Arabia and cells have been rumored to exist in the region. In the east, operatives likely would gather information and set up a logistical contingency plan to secure eastern Saudi oil fields. Consequently, Washington is worried that Americans in the kingdom could become targets for retribution.
That is camel country and water is scarce; time to dig out my copy of "Revolt in the Desert" for reference purposes.
In the east, operatives likely would gather information and set up a logistical contingency plan to secure eastern Saudi oil fields.
Saudis must lose sleep over this report.
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