Pay Attention to Saudi Arabia
A new player has appeared in Israel's political environment in recent months: - - - - - - - - Saudi Arabia. After years of behind-the-scenes activity, Crown Prince Abdullah has come out with an initiative aimed at "saving the Palestinians" from Ariel Sharon's iron fist and dragging President George W. Bush into deeper involvement in the region. The American press provides a multitude of reports about the Saudi activities. Last August the prince was furious with Bush, who had expressed firm support for Israel, and the prince threatened to cut off ties with the U.S. In response to the ultimatum, Bush sent a letter to Riyadh, promising to change direction. The Qaida attack on New York and Washington interrupted that plan, which was to include a first meeting between Bush and Yasser Arafat. This week, Abdullah surprised again. - - - - - - - - In an interview with Thomas Friedman of the New York Times, Abdullah spoke of a draft speech he has prepared for the upcomi...