"... Subsequent developments led many in the kingdom to conclude that, far from safeguarding their country or advancing its interests, ties to America threatened national security. The United States invaded Iraq and facilitated its incorporation into a new Iranian sphere of influence. The kingdom was attacked by anti-Israeli and anti-American Saudis. The joint U.S.-Israeli attempt to overthrow the elected government in Palestine drove Hamas into dependence on Iran. The Israeli Air Force's maiming of Lebanon with U.S. support propelled Hezbollah onto the commanding heights of Lebanese politics. Inept U.S. diplomacy then locked Syria into Iran's embrace. Saudi exasperation with these and other U.S. blunders, not support for the militaristic policies that produced them, accounts for King Abdullah's demand that America figure out a way to "cut off the head of the snake" its bungling has nurtured. No sensible Saudi would want the United States as an enemy, but few in the coming generation now see America as a friend, still less as an ally. LeVine correctly argues that the United States has a lot at stake with Saudi Arabia. That's only one of many reasons that it cannot afford to stick with its current policies in the Middle East." (Charles W. Freeman Jr.)
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Saudi Arabia: "Ties to the US threaten our national security!"
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Agree completely.
Saudi Arabia also sells more oil to China now than to the US. I think many Saudi foreign policy heads will be looking to reshape the alliance that they don't really need.
The only use for the Saudi in an American alliance is the American promise that it will prevent any attack on Saudi Arabia by other countries (as seen in the 1st Gulf War).
But at the end of the day few countries are eager to invade Saudi Arabia knowing that it would throw world oil prices in choas and that Saudi is rich enough to fight back.
Other than that the Saudi alliance with the US has bought alot of troubles and no benefits.
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