Article

2002-12-30 Arabia

Saudi Arabia casts doubt on report to let US use bases against Iraq

Archived material is restricted to Rantburg regulars and members. If you need access email fred.pruitt=at=gmail.com with your nick to be added to the members list. There is no charge to join Rantburg as a member.

Posted by Steve 2002-12-30 10:31 am|| || Front Page|| [6 views since 2007-05-07] Top

#1 Everyone knows the Saudis are stone liars. But what they say in public is almost never what they do in private. So all public pronouncements saying whatever are bullshit. In a fascist Islamic state the ruth does not exist.

Posted by Rodger Dodger 2002-12-30 14:18:15|| 2002-12-30 14:18:15|| Front Page Top

#2 The current situation could be expressed much more tactfully as "No, the NYT doesn't have the story quite right. At this point, Saudi Arabia does not have a firm commitment to military support for a US war with Iraq. Saudi Arabia is still keeping its military options open, and we would really prefer to see the Arab states put together diplomatic solutions for Iraq." Just maybe, if the Saudis could make some effort at a "Helpful - open - straightforward" rhetorical style, and the US officials would drop all the "relationship" bullshit, we would start getting enough of the cards out on the table to start making some progress. There's an old saying that "Intrigue is a sign of incompetence." Sure, we all wind up in situations where we have to make decisions and take action on the basis of bluster, intimidation, and bullshit, but when you have a chance to make informed decisions based on facts, it's much better all around.

Posted by Anonymous 2002-12-30 21:03:33|| 2002-12-30 21:03:33|| Front Page Top

#3 I really, honestly, truly want to know. Are the Saudis really convinced that we buy their total bullshit? Does anyone over there have a clue how they're perceived over here?

Posted by tu3031 2002-12-30 22:12:47|| 2002-12-30 22:12:47|| Front Page Top

09:46 John Anderson
09:41 Stalkofwheat ----<<<<-
07:52 Anonymous
06:45 Jack
06:42 Jack
06:37 Jack
06:35 Jack
06:29 Jack
04:23 Anonymous
03:14 Tony
02:16 R. McLeod
00:38 Anonymous
22:36 Anonymous
22:12 tu3031
21:28 tu3031
21:03 Anonymous
20:52 Tom Roberts
20:51 Tom Roberts
16:11 mojo
15:12 Bashir Gemayel
14:36 tu3031
14:29 Scooter McGruder
14:25 becky
14:18 Rodger Dodger