Skip to comments.
US planes 'using Saudi bases'
BBC ^
| March 12, 2003
| Frank Gardner
Posted on 03/12/2003 1:26:26 PM PST by Dog Gone
The Saudi Arabian opposition in London says there has been a major influx of US warplanes into Saudi airbases close to the Iraqi border.
It says that large numbers of US planes have been arriving at the airbases of Tabuk and 'Arar, and that Saudi troops there had moved out to make room for them.
![US troops in Gulf](http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/38949000/jpg/_38949221_11helikuap203.jpg) Military ties with Washington are unpopular in Saudi Arabia
|
There was no official comment from the Pentagon. But a spokesman for the Movement for Islamic Reform in Arabia said the US shows every appearance of mounting a new front in its expected conflict with Iraq.
He told the BBC that large numbers of US warplanes have been arriving at Saudi airbases close to the Iraqi border.
He said sources inside the Saudi military had revealed that Saudi forces were being moved out of the airbases to make room for the US air force and American ground troops.
The Saudi foreign minister has admitted that civilian traffic had been stopped at two northern airports to prepare for refugees.
Saudi Arabia's official stance remains that it will not allow attacks on Iraq to be launched from its soil.
The Saudi opposition sources say the US military began its build-up near the Iraqi border immediately after Turkey refused to allow its bases to be used for invasion.
The Saudi Government has long played down its military ties to Washington, knowing that they are deeply unpopular with many of its people.
TOPICS: Foreign Affairs; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: arar; iraq; saudiairbases; tabuk
1
posted on
03/12/2003 1:26:27 PM PST
by
Dog Gone
To: Dog Gone
<sarcasm>our friends the Sauds...</sarcasm>
To: danneskjold
If the story is true, why the sarcasm?
3
posted on
03/12/2003 1:32:10 PM PST
by
Dog Gone
To: Dog Gone
Because, even if they are letting us use their bases (which I don't doubt), they are surely getting something out of it, while continuing to publicly speak out against the US and our allies in regard to action against Iraq.
In addition, they sponsor terrorism, spew hatred toward Israel, and have one of the most oppressive regimes on the planet.
Also, if they were really our friends and willing to help against Iraq, do you think it wise of them to reveal this information, specifically the actual air bases our military is using?
To: danneskjold
Also, if they were really our friends and willing to help against Iraq, do you think it wise of them to reveal this information, specifically the actual air bases our military is using?
When and IF Saddam goes down and Al Quida is completely crippled we should see massive changes in the ME
However the way things are going that is a BIG IF
5
posted on
03/12/2003 1:41:30 PM PST
by
uncbob
( building tomorrow)
To: uncbob
When and IF Saddam goes down and Al Quida is completely crippled we should see massive changes in the ME Agreed. I believe we are going after Iraq (in addition to the stated reasons) for the very purpose of bringing about change in Saudi Arabia, without having to "force" them.
To: Dog Gone
Looks like "Game Over" for Turkey...
7
posted on
03/12/2003 1:44:55 PM PST
by
ambrose
To: danneskjold
I don't think they're the ones who revealed it.
8
posted on
03/12/2003 1:47:55 PM PST
by
Dog Gone
To: Dog Gone
I'm confused.
Is the "Saudi opposition" in London opposed to the Saudis agreeing to base a few US planes in Saudi territory?? In other words, do they want the Saudis to be even more anti-American than they are now?
Or is this London-based Saudi opposition looking for reform that would make the Saudis more pro-American than they are?
I confess, I am so bored with all these Islamic groups around the world bitching and complaining about this or that or the other (mainly bitching against the US) that I have basically tuned them all out.
9
posted on
03/12/2003 1:48:18 PM PST
by
UncleSamUSA
(the land of the free and the home of the brave)
To: Dog Gone
this is the Turkey fake....
10
posted on
03/12/2003 1:49:40 PM PST
by
The Wizard
(Demonrats are enemies of America)
To: Dog Gone
I don't think they're the ones who revealed it. You are correct. My mistake.
But I stand by the rest of my post... :)
Disclaimer:
Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual
posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its
management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the
exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson