Saudi Arabia Makes Pitch For Arab Leadership By Confronting US & Israel Over Palestine

Prince Turki al Faisal:

Saudi Arabia will not stand by while Washington and Israel bicker endlessly about their intentions, fail to advance their plans and then seek to undermine a legitimate Palestinian presence on the international stage.

In September, the kingdom will use its considerable diplomatic might to support the Palestinians in their quest for international recognition. American leaders have long called Israel an “indispensable” ally. They will soon learn that there are other players in the region — not least the Arab street — who are as, if not more, “indispensable.” The game of favoritism toward Israel has not proven wise for Washington, and soon it will be shown to be an even greater folly.

There will be disastrous consequences for U.S.-Saudi relations if the United States vetoes U.N. recognition of a Palestinian state.

A few notes:

• Leave this page, go read the entire article, then come back. It’s worth it.
• This is very strong language for a diplomat. This is the diplomatic equivalent of a violent threat
• This article is not meant for Arab consumption, it’s intended for an audience of American decision makers.
• One could be tempted to dismiss this as typical Saudi empty posturing, but this time things really are different. The Saudis are threatened on two fronts: Iranian ambitions and the Arab spring. Saudi Arabia needs a bold and real showdown with the US (and as Mr. Faisal wrote, the Saudis have a lot of strong cards to play) to prove that it’s a real Arab leader
• There was a recent much discussed article in the Post on a Saudi recalibration of its relationship with washington in the region

This is really one to watch. Can Washington afford a real confrontation with Saudi Arabia?