Brilliant thought, Mr. Lincoln.
However, the fact is that the Saudis and Israel have been getting along really well for YEARS. The Saudis halfway rely on Israel`s military ability (just like Jordan; just like Egypt), and they CERTAINLY rely on Israel`s intelligence capacity. They may not be "friends" in the conventional sense, but the Saudis are certainly not enemies of Israel. They recognize the need for Israel`s presence; equally, Israel recognizes that Saudi`s appreciation for Israel`s presence cannot be a public statement, given Arab world realpolitik.
Other Arab countries (whose borders do not include Mecca and Medina) are far less reticent. There are strong ties between Israel and Kuwait, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Less strong ties between Israel and Oman and Muscat.
The common ground: Iran and Syria. The sheikhs want to remain sheikhs. Iran and Syria want to overthrow them. Israel wants to nullify Iranian and Syrian international presence. |
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