Saudi spy chief, architect of Syria policy, replaced

[jakeXT]

Source: Reuters

(Reuters) - Saudi Arabian intelligence chief Prince Bandar bin Sultan, the architect of Riyadh's attempts to bring down Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, has been removed from his post, state media reported on Tuesday.

His departure, months after he was quoted warning of a "major shift" from the United States over its Middle East policy, may help to smooth relations with Washington as Riyadh pushes for more U.S. support for Syrian rebels.

Prince Bandar, who has recently spent time in the United States and Morocco for medical treatment, was replaced on an interim basis by a deputy.

"Prince Bandar was relieved of his post at his own request and General Youssef al-Idrissi was asked to carry out the duties of the head of general intelligence," state news agency SPA said, citing a royal decree.

Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/04/15/us-saudi-intelligence-idUSBREA3E1HT20140415

[Demeter]

1. Pontius Pilate comes to mind

[scarletwoman]

2. Bandar Bush! Favorite prince of the neocons! Oh no!

[pffshht]

3. Read the headline: WOW, they just right out admit this guy was the architect of our Syria policy??

Then read the article-

Oh, of course. They just meant Saudi Arabia's Syria policy. Totally different thing.

[jakeXT]

4. Saudi spy chief ousted under US pressure: experts

Dubai (AFP) - The exit of Saudi's spy chief was the result of US pressure over his stance on Syria but does not signal a shift in Riyadh's goal of toppling the Damascus regime, experts say.

Riyadh, as is usual, did not elaborate on its statement this week that Prince Bandar bin Sultan was being replaced, saying only that the veteran diplomat had asked to step down.

But a Saudi expert said that Washington -- irritated for some time by Prince Bandar's handling of the Syria dossier -- had in December demanded his removal.

...

One diplomat revealed that Prince Bandar had on that occasion angrily said Riyadh no longer considered the United States to be its principal ally and that it would instead be seeking support from France and other powers.

http://news.yahoo.com/saudi-spy-chief-ousted-under-us-pressure-experts-141420574.html