[Publicus]

"While official relations between the US and Saudi Arabia are quite tight, they're with a tiny fraction of the House of Saud, with the remainder of the monarchy, including some with significant but not decisive power, hating us."

Likewise, those who support the relationship from our end are also a relatively tiny fraction of the government, with the majority ignorant and or apathetic including some with significant but not decisive power, hating them. I guess that is the nature of many intergovernmental relationships- most apathetic, a few opposed, and the ruling few in favor.

[steveegg]

Methinks you underestimate the weakness of Saudi friendship a bit. It's essentially King Fahd and maybe 2 of his sons (unfortunately, neither in line for the throne) that like us, with several princes openly supporting Al Qaeda and the remainder (including Crown Prince Abdullah) openly wondering whether loyalty to Fahd is more important than their hatred of the US.

In short, once Fahd dies or otherwise leaves the throne, it's really going to be open season on us, as the semi-secret, semi-official backing given Al Qaeda becomes official Saudi policy.