CLIMBING ON THE BAND WAGON:

Crown Prince Sends Message To America (PRNewswire, Sep 10, 2002)

In a letter conveyed to President Bush and the American people, Crown Prince Abdullah wrote:

"On the eve of the first anniversary of the terrorist attacks against the American people, I take the opportunity to renew to you and the families of the victims and indeed the entire American nation, the sincere condolences and sympathy of the Saudi people and myself.

As long as I live, I shall never forget the horrible scenes of carnage, the raging fires, the smoke that covered the horizon, and the innocent people who jumped out of windows in their attempt to escape. On that fateful day, the whole world stood with the American people in unprecedented solidarity that made no distinction as to race, religion or language. [...]

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues to stand solidly against terrorism. We shall act, independently as well as collectively, with the U.S.-led international coalition to wage a fierce and merciless war against the terrorists in order to eradicate this deadly disease that threatens all societies.

Thus do the Sauds signal that they finally recognize Saddam is going down and that they are on board. Expect more such nuanced remarks in the days and weeks ahead as they try desperately to stay on the good side of the U.S. and Britain. Posted by Orrin Judd at September 10, 2002 8:35 PM