Saudi Arabia as Middleman
The failure of Washington’s attempts to generate support for the US “War on Terror,” has resulted in a new strategy involving Saudi Arabia. According to Asia Times, Washington has come to the realization that militancy cannot be conquered solely through war. General David Petraeus is looking to Saudi Arabia to act as a intermediary between the US and Pakistan.
The government in Pakistan has left the military basically to operate itself while the Pakistan’s People Party (PPP) is busy cracking down on the financial markets that influence politics. The head of the Awami National Party (ANP), which leads the government in the North-West Frontier Province of Pakistan, was the target of a recent Taliban attack. Leader, Asfanyar Wali subsequently fled to Islamabad for protection, until he left for Europe. Before his return, he was sure to notify the Taliban, telling them he was not involved with the “War on Terror.” The desire of Pakistan to appear separate from the US is another reason for the new path of contact for the two countries.
Unlike the US, who has a strict intolerance for the conservative student militias, the Saudis are liberal in this respect. Although Saudi Arabia may be just as tough on al-Qaeda, they are on talking terms with them directly and through mediators because Saudis feel more threatened by them. This channel of communication, not possessed by the US, has allowed Saudis to solve their problem of militancy, which only three years ago was a serious threat to the monarchy.
Brandie Gordon
