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A little more on the attempted coup in Qatar...
Diplomatic circles in the Middle East are buzzing with rumors of a failed coup against the Qatari regime on the night of Oct. 13. At least two members of the royal family are said to have joined with officers of Yemeni and Pakistani background, along with individuals from Islamic organizations, all opposed to the growing U.S. military presence. Yemenis and Pakistanis, y'say? Why, who'da thunkit! American troops stationed at the Al Udeid Air Base supposedly helped thwart the coup attempt, which had been penetrated in advance by Qatar security officials, after which 140 people were arrested. The rumors go on to suggest that Qatar suspects that the Saudis were behind the plot. The United States has been feverishly upgrading the Al Udeid base, in anticipation of a Saudi refusal to allow use of its Prince Sultan Air Base for the upcoming assault on Iraq. Even if the Soddies weren't behind it, which they probably were, it's to our advantage to play up the fact that they were. Truth just adds a bit of body to the sauce... There is no confirmation for these coup rumors, but Wednesday's Gulf News carried an interesting editorial that said: "Disagreements are normal, be they between people or countries. If handled in a civilized manner, disagreements can only strengthen relationships. Adversity is another great healer of rifts. Faced by a common outside threat, people and countries band together to present a front that is as strong as its cohesiveness. Sadly these truths do not often hold good in the Middle East." That's because there's a state that regards itself as the the big kid on the block, and the emirates are expected to regard themselves as its satellites. If the coup had come off, the U.S. would have been left pretty close to naked in the area, just at the moment it was about to thump heavily on Iraq. But if the Soddies blew it, and their muscle boys were the usual suspects, they're left with egg all over their faces... Thanks to Steve for the headzup! Posted by: Fred Pruitt 2002-10-30 |
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