SA & USA

[Terrance]

Students of America's deeply cynical relationship with Riyadh
have long known that the kingdom did little to discourage Islamic
extremists, as long as they operated outside its borders, and that
Washington muted its objections to keep oil flowing to the West. 


 
When GR was in the works (Pynchon was a faithful reader of the NYT) SA
was in the papers. Why? Because terrorists, Islamic extremists  were
operating within its boarders, blowing up its oil tanks and pipes. Why?
The plight of the Palestinians, USA support for Israel, USA and Western
presence in the Holy Lands. Sound familiar? Since the Truman
Administration the USA has guaranteed protection of SA from its
neighbors. SA protected itself against its terrorists, in part, by
supporting them, paying them off, working with them, showing them
targets outside its boarders. And, although there have been wars hot and
cold, realtions on again and  off again, coalitions made and caolitions
broken, governments toppled and puppets installed, revolutions, not much
has changed in terms of these three importnat facts of USA SA policy.
And its unlikely that SA will change its government or institute
meaningful reform. It is unlikely that SA will take the necessary
measures to end its relationship with terrorists inside and outside its
boarders. The relationship between the USA and SA will not be
refashioned. It's no wonder the Israelis smell appeasement.