Arabs Distance Themselves From US
I read with interest in the Washington Post this morning how the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia had called the US intervention in Iraq as an "illegitimate occupation". Additionally, the Saudis have backed out of a Bush state dinner that was to held this next month, although the Bush government has denied that a dinner was even planned.
All this points to the Arabs taking a more direct control on the diplomatic situation that is escalating out of control in the Middle East. However, it appears that the real drive behind this is an effort to reestablish Sunni superiority in the region over the increasing presence of Shiite influence being exerted mainly by the Iraqi government and the Shiite's in Iran. It seems that we are back to the old eons old power struggle between the Shiites and Sunnis in the region.
The Arabs are also weighing in on the Palestinian issue and working to pressure Israel to accept peace negotiations. Any US efforts that are currently being made in the region are being thwarted by the Saudis as they act to take a greater role in the region filling a power vacuum.
All this points to the Arabs taking a more direct control on the diplomatic situation that is escalating out of control in the Middle East. However, it appears that the real drive behind this is an effort to reestablish Sunni superiority in the region over the increasing presence of Shiite influence being exerted mainly by the Iraqi government and the Shiite's in Iran. It seems that we are back to the old eons old power struggle between the Shiites and Sunnis in the region.
The Arabs are also weighing in on the Palestinian issue and working to pressure Israel to accept peace negotiations. Any US efforts that are currently being made in the region are being thwarted by the Saudis as they act to take a greater role in the region filling a power vacuum.
