So Israel's getting squeezed between two political and ethnic antagonists who are vying for influence over the palestinians.
the largest reason for the Saudi Arabian aid would be a financial one, namely the necessity for preserving tension in the Near East to artificially support prices in the world petroleum market on a background of a general decline in economic activity
Not news, but bears repeating: The Saudi regime is trying to arrest its decline by acquiring territory. This also directs troublesome, volatile elements --the extremists-- outside it's borders, offering an attractive alternative to insurrection. Imperialism as pressure valve.
it seems that according to some Russian reports that wherever the oil flows or wherever the Saudi Intelligence service (SOR) directs them to, Wahhabi fundamentalists are settling into their terrorist activities.
They probably had to take more direct control because their collaborator Osama has been taken out.
Wahhabism is the motive for the jehadi grunts. Saudi Arabia, and it's tenuous partner Iran (guess where all those jihadis are moved through), have been managing and directing Osam's and related forces to all places where they can disrupt competitive oil sales, and deter investment by creating "zones of conflict." I don't buy the angle that the locals are against Wahhabism. They may be, but I doubt that's the whole reason for the retreat. On the other hand, I read about some Chechen rebel leader complaining that "radicals" had taken over the cause.
The retreat from Chechnya is due much to pressure of the Russian army. They are retreating to pockets of Georgia (Abkhazia), and Turkey, to set up delaying or preventitive strikes of the Baku-Ceyhan pipelines. Turkey is a central point of a variety of new energy lines, so watch out for new terrorism there under the cover of "Kurdish" rebels, sponsored by Iran.
As for Israel, geopolitically it shouldn't effect oil prices. But the way the West is mentally conditioned, it does. Note how the recent threats of "embargo" raised oil prices, and just the suicide bombings themselves. This is a proven money-making strategy, so expect the Saudis, or elements of them, to push terrorism there.
Interesting the parallel to Hezbo. Hezbo is an Iranian govt. front group. Many located in southern Lebanon, they were the ones lobbing missles into Israel to raise tensions - and world oil prices. More effective than oil cutbacks, and proven profitable.
An excellent article. Hope our "professoriat" gets off there duffs and addresses the issues behind Arafat's claim that he can't control the terror totally because of "international forces." It's oil, state department lying just obscures the truth.