I see your point, I just don't see how it's anything new other than the Saudis putting pressure on the little gang of thugs in charge where we have our largest overseas base.
It really seems to me to be a way for the Saudis to leverage their BS into a stronger position when they want arms deals with the US while boosting Muzzie credentials in hopes of increasing their status among the radical scum both sides (and the US) back after their support for the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt didn't work out as they intended. The Saudis know we're not going to do anything to interrupt our use of the base, so, pounding the table and babbling BS about who is the better Muzzie has no downside risk.
JMHo