US planes 'using Saudi bases'

BBC ^ | March 12, 2003 | Frank Gardner

[Dog Gone]

The Saudi Arabian opposition in London says there has been a major influx of US warplanes into Saudi airbases close to the Iraqi border.

It says that large numbers of US planes have been arriving at the airbases of Tabuk and 'Arar, and that Saudi troops there had moved out to make room for them.

Military ties with Washington are unpopular in Saudi Arabia

There was no official comment from the Pentagon.

But a spokesman for the Movement for Islamic Reform in Arabia said the US shows every appearance of mounting a new front in its expected conflict with Iraq.

He told the BBC that large numbers of US warplanes have been arriving at Saudi airbases close to the Iraqi border.

He said sources inside the Saudi military had revealed that Saudi forces were being moved out of the airbases to make room for the US air force and American ground troops.

The Saudi foreign minister has admitted that civilian traffic had been stopped at two northern airports to prepare for refugees.

Saudi Arabia's official stance remains that it will not allow attacks on Iraq to be launched from its soil.

The Saudi opposition sources say the US military began its build-up near the Iraqi border immediately after Turkey refused to allow its bases to be used for invasion.

The Saudi Government has long played down its military ties to Washington, knowing that they are deeply unpopular with many of its people.

[danneskjold]

<sarcasm>our friends the Sauds...</sarcasm>

[Dog Gone]

If the story is true, why the sarcasm?

[danneskjold]

Because, even if they are letting us use their bases (which I don't doubt), they are surely getting something out of it, while continuing to publicly speak out against the US and our allies in regard to action against Iraq.

In addition, they sponsor terrorism, spew hatred toward Israel, and have one of the most oppressive regimes on the planet.

Also, if they were really our friends and willing to help against Iraq, do you think it wise of them to reveal this information, specifically the actual air bases our military is using?

[uncbob]

Also, if they were really our friends and willing to help against Iraq, do you think it wise of them to reveal this information, specifically the actual air bases our military is using?

When and IF Saddam goes down and Al Quida is completely crippled we should see massive changes in the ME

However the way things are going that is a BIG IF

[danneskjold]

When and IF Saddam goes down and Al Quida is completely crippled we should see massive changes in the ME

Agreed. I believe we are going after Iraq (in addition to the stated reasons) for the very purpose of bringing about change in Saudi Arabia, without having to "force" them.

[ambrose]

Looks like "Game Over" for Turkey...

[Dog Gone]

I don't think they're the ones who revealed it.

[UncleSamUSA]

I'm confused.

Is the "Saudi opposition" in London opposed to the Saudis agreeing to base a few US planes in Saudi territory?? In other words, do they want the Saudis to be even more anti-American than they are now?

Or is this London-based Saudi opposition looking for reform that would make the Saudis more pro-American than they are?

I confess, I am so bored with all these Islamic groups around the world bitching and complaining about this or that or the other (mainly bitching against the US) that I have basically tuned them all out.

[The Wizard]

this is the Turkey fake....

[danneskjold]

I don't think they're the ones who revealed it.

You are correct. My mistake.

But I stand by the rest of my post... :)