Rumsfeld calls report criticizing Saudi Arabia 'clearly harmful'

Associated Press | August 7, 2002

[HAL9000]

(Pentagon-AP) -- Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld says it's "clearly harmful'' to make public a report criticizing Saudi Arabia.

Rumsfeld says the report doesn't reflect the views of the U-S government -- nor he adds -- even the Defense Policy Board.

He explains the report was prepared by the Rand Corporation and presented to a closed meeting of the defense group, which includes former government officials and experts.

The report claims the Saudis are active at every level of the terror chain. And it says the kingdom is America's "most dangerous opponent'' in the Mideast.

Rumsfeld says Saudi Arabia reflects a "broad spectrum of opinions.'' And he notes the kingdom is wrestling with a number of issues, including the fact that many of the September eleventh hijackers came from Saudi Arabia.

The defense secretary's harshest comments were aimed at those responsible for leaking the report. He says this probably came from someone who wanted to appear important.

(Copyright 2002 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) </blockquote

[fogarty]

Who cares what the Saudis think? Does Rummy actually even think they can be trusted? The Bush administration is foolish if they do not know what the vast majority of military and most of the US already feel: Saudi Arabia is an enemy. They are the foundation of the entire Islamic terrorist movement.

[HAL9000]

I guess since the Rand Corporation is a corporation they can say or leak anything they want.

All of the defense contractors are corporations. That does not mean it is legal to "leak anything they want", especially if the information is classified..

[PoorMuttly]

Yum.


...cough.

[PoorMuttly]

Hey. Now THEY know about The Three Flavors TOO!


doh.

[oldvike]

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[Hugin]

I guess since the Rand Corporation is a corporation they can say or leak anything they want.

Not true. Laws against leaking classified info apply to private citizens as well as government employees. Also to get the job in the first place Rand Corp would have had to sign non-disclosure agreements.

[ken5050]

This is all classic disinformation.....did you see the pics of the airbase in Qatar posted today....this will drive the Saudis nuts......exactly what Rummy wants them to do...worry big time

[babygene]

I beg to differ with you. What they presented was an opinion, their opinion. Opinions can hardly be classified.

As it turns out, many (including myself) share this opinion. The Saudis need to be smashed like a bug. They are not our friends and never have been.

[daniel boob]

I'm trying to figure out why the folks at Rand are morons. It seems to me that they're probably right. Saudi allows us access for military purposes, keeps a good diplomatic relationship, and seems to be a friend.

It seems though, that they are harboring, and maybe training, terriosts. I think in the end, when we begin to broaden the scope of the terriost hunt, as Rumsfield as suggested, that we will be in a difficult situation with Sauid Arabia because of this duality.

Am I wrong?

[Mr. Jeeves]

Rumsfeld probably has steam coming out of his ears over this leak.

I have a pet theory (wishful thinking?) that the forthcoming attack on Iraq will also involve a Saudi front.

[HAL9000]

The main problem with the Saudis was their funding of the madrassas in Pakistan that were the breeding grounds of the Taliban and Al Qaeda - and money was apparently sent to the families of Palestinian suicide bombers. The U.S. is pressuring the Saudis to cut off those funds, and has achieved some success on this.

On the other hand, the Saudis have facilitated U.S. military operations there, despite the opposition of extremist elements. And they have been cooperative in keeping the supply and price stable - the economy would be in the tank otherwise.

It doesn't make any damn sense to have a war against Saudi Arabia if we can use diplomatic pressure to get them to cooperate.

[daniel boob]

I agree with your post. It probably takes a PhD to understand the goverence in that region, but you are probably right that this can be disspelled with diplomacy instead of force. But the real litmus test is when we begin an assualt on other areas, Iraq for instance.

Will there be gnashing of teeth by SA or will they posture for the cameras, all the while remaining ambivalent - or even helpful - to our actions in the region. My deep question is; are they a real friend to the US or to the region?

My original reply attempted to understand why you called Rand a bunch of morons. I personally believe they hit the nail on the head with their report.

[daniel boob]

PS - I should say that I think it's wrong for the report to be leaked and Rumsfield is clearly right to be irritated.

[Stavka2]

Yes, how absolutely evil of them to speak sense and point the finger where all the bought politicos don't dare. But even you will get the point after the next terror bomb goes off and its Saudies doing it again.....well maybe.

[Stavka2]

Why yes the Saudies are cooperating so well by denying FBI access to files, not arresting a damn person, continuing to recognize the Taliban, sending millions to more Islamic nutjobs, refusing the use of American bases in Saudi, writing such "wonderful" pieces about the US/Iseal and Russia...and just being all around SWELL guys.

[Stavka2]

Personally, I hope the Saudies are so scared that their gonads are half way up to their colons.

[Stavka2]

On the other hand, the Saudis have facilitated U.S. military operations there, despite the opposition of extremist elements. And they have been cooperative in keeping the supply and price stable - the economy would be in the tank otherwise.

Total bull. The Saudies have flat out rejected the use of US bases from day one of this escapade. They have further continued sending cash straight to the Taliban and other nutjobs. As for oil, doesn't work that way. First, they are only one of several dozen producers. They have been actively trying to jerk up the price, which has been ofset by Russia who holds now a major portion of the market. The Saudies need the US more then the US needs them. Simply put, try eating oil for a meal...doesn't work. At the same time, they are the worst human rights abusers around....don't bother with this pro Saudi arguement crap, the time for all that passed on 9/11...or do you ignore that 15 came from Saudi RICH families?

[HAL9000]

At the same time, they are the worst human rights abusers around

That's what they said about the Shah of Iran when he was in power, and look at how much things have "improved" since he was removed.

The title of "worst human rights abusers around" goes to the Chicoms, Iraq, Iran and North Korea. The Saudis aren't even in the same league.

[pgkdan]

Rummy's mad because the report leaked. He knows that every word in that report is true. Saudi Arabia is our enemy and we should admit it and start dealing with it.

[pgkdan]

15 of 19

'nuff said.