[DoughtyOne]

I would suggest that it would be strange if these types of discussions didn't take place. For crying out loud, why don't they start reporting every time someone in the royal family burps? That'd be about as noteworthy as this is.

[The Real Deal]

I would suggest that it would be strange if these types of discussions didn't take place. For crying out loud, why don't they start reporting every time someone in the royal family burps? That'd be about as noteworthy as this is.

I will think more about it when the "may" is removed from the headline. The media is always doing this when they don't have anything else to print or show on the tube.

[Graewoulf]

Excellent point about the thoughts of the Saudi Royal Family.

Right now is an excellent time for the Saudi Royal Family to establish themselves as the dominant leadership nation in the Middle East.

What makes no sense to us in the West may make good sense to peoples in the Middle East, and thus be a prudent course of action for a government that seeks stability AND loyalty from Muslims at all levels of society.

It will be interesting to see if Sec. Powell will follow a typical knee-jerk emotional reaction, or listen to those with long term goals.