[Cicero]

In general I think very well of President Bush. But sometime soon he is going to have to decide which is more important, his family's long-standing friendship with the Saudi royal family, or the safety and security of the United States and its citizens. The Saudis were involved with Al Quaeda up to their eyebrows. At least half the ringleaders were Saudis. They have funded Islamic terrorism all over the world. It is not altogether clear that they ever truly repudiated Osama Bin Laden, or just pretended to. And they have refused to cooperate in investigations since 9/11.

It's one thing to have supported Islamic fundamentalism before 9/11. It's a great deal more disturbing to continue supporting known terrorists after 9/11, when the choice is crystal clear.

Bush said, "Either you are with us, or against us." It's far from clear that the Saudis are with us. They are STILL dragging their feet, obstructing investigations, and even helping the other side.

[NEJake]

I wonder how much this is related to the Russian decision to increase oil production...?

It would certainly become interesting if Russian oil production increased in earnest, and EU and the US started buying more of the Russian oil and much, much less from the Middle East.

One could see very interesting dynamics take over if the infidel cash cows were to start thumbing their noses at the Middle Eastern cartels.