NYT: "King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia told Arab leaders on Wednesday that the American occupation of Iraq is 'illegal.' .. The king’s speech, at the opening of the Arab League summit meeting here, underscored growing differences between Saudi Arabia and the Bush administration as the Saudis take on a greater regional leadership role, partly at American urging. The Saudis seem to be emphasizing that they will not be beholden to the policies of their longtime ally. ... Some here said the king’s speech was in fact a response to comments made by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Monday calling on Arab governments to 'begin reaching out to Israel.' ...” Didn't the Saudis reportedly beg and threaten the White House not to withdraw US forces from Iraq just a couple months back?

Posted by Laura at March 28, 2007 06:55 PM