Saudis: U.S. paved way for Hamas victory

[bemildred]

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Obaid`s study anticipated that the Palestinian elections set for January 25, 2006 'will in all probability result in a victory for Hamas.'

'Such an outcome would have wide ranging implications for Saudi Arabia`s national security and emerging foreign policy in the region,' warned the confidential brief made available to United Press International, adding that 'the Palestinians face dire social welfare needs not addressed by the current government.'

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As the primary regional supporter of the Palestinian cause, Saudi Arabia finds it has a unique moral responsibility to insure that humanitarian needs of the Palestinians continue to be met, particularly given the distinct possibility that U.S. and European Union funds are under threat of being suspended now that Hamas will be in power.

'A victory by Hamas presents a challenge to Saudi Arabia in that this financial support will likely need to be increased if the U.S. and Europe reduce or refuse to support a Hamas-controlled Palestinian government,' says the brief.

Monsters&Critics

[lovuian]

1. The Saudis have gotten on that evil axis list

and Osama Binnie was on the list too... funny how friends can be enemies in the world of power...

[bemildred]

2. If they were not before, they are now.

Chinese in energy deal with Saudis

China and Saudi Arabia on Friday signed a host of agreements, the most important of which was one on future energy co-operation, during a landmark visit to Beijing by King Abdullah.

The symbolic visit, a first by a Saudi king to China since diplomatic ties were established in 1990, could signal closer co-operation on oil-related projects.

After arriving in Beijing on Sunday, King Abdullah met China’s President Hu Jintao on Friday is scheduled to meet Wen Jiabao, premier, on Saturday. Mr Hu heralded his presence as ushering in “a new chapter” of bilateral relations. “I believe your majesty’s visit will play an important role in pushing forward the development of relations between the two countries,” Mr Hu said on Friday at the Great Hall of the People.

The king, who is also scheduled to visit India, Malaysia and Pakistan, is on his first official trip outside the Middle East since being crowned last year. A large Saudi government and business delegation is on a three-day visit to Beijing to discuss a wide range of energy-related projects, including oil refining, natural gas and mineral exploration. Ali al-Naimi, Saudi oil minister, is also in Beijing. “We hope this co-operation will develop even more,” King Abdullah said. “We praise the important role China plays regionally and internationally.”

http://news.ft.com/cms/s/79382ae2-8f53-11da-b430-0000779e2340.html