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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsBandar Bush to Putin: Be a Real Shame if Something Bad Should Happen to Your Olympics....
After reading the exchange posted later in this OP, I'm reminded of this Monty Python skit....
Putin thanked King Abdullah for his greetings and Bandar for his exposition, but then he said to Bandar, We know that you have supported the Chechen terrorist groups for a decade. And that support, which you have frankly talked about just now, is completely incompatible with the common objectives of fighting global terrorism that you mentioned. We are interested in developing friendly relations according to clear and strong principles.
Bandar said that the matter is not limited to the kingdom and that some countries have overstepped the roles drawn for them, such as Qatar and Turkey. He added, We said so directly to the Qataris and to the Turks. We rejected their unlimited support to the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt and elsewhere. The Turks role today has become similar to Pakistans role in the Afghan war. We do not favor extremist religious regimes, and we wish to establish moderate regimes in the region. It is worthwhile to pay attention to and to follow up on Egypts experience. We will continue to support the army, and we will support Defense Minister Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Sisi because he is keen on having good relations with us and with you. And we suggest to you to be in contact with him, to support him and to give all the conditions for the success of this experiment. We are ready to hold arms deals with you in exchange for supporting these regimes, especially Egypt.
...
Putin: Our stance on Assad will not change
Regarding the Syrian issue, the Russian president responded to Bandar, saying, Our stance on Assad will never change. We believe that the Syrian regime is the best speaker on behalf of the Syrian people, and not those liver eaters. During the Geneva I Conference, we agreed with the Americans on a package of understandings, and they agreed that the Syrian regime will be part of any settlement. Later on, they decided to renege on Geneva I. In all meetings of Russian and American experts, we reiterated our position.
....
Read more: http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/politics/2013/08/saudi-russia-putin-bandar-meeting-syria-egypt.html
Now, if this incident is real, it could ONLY happen if the Saudis were confident that the US military has its back, no matter how outrageous the behavior. The Saudis and their al Qaeda goons are out of control. Time to gather what shreds of dignity remains in our national honor and tell Bandar Bush he's on his own if he wants to behave like some low rent Mafia don.
jakeXT
(10,575 posts)Junkdrawer
(27,993 posts)If real, and it's starting to look like it is, no Syria attack should occur until we get our house in order.
AverageJoe90
(10,745 posts)As much of a crook as Bandar is, I doubt he'd play stupid and just outright reveal his support of Chechen terrorists to PUTIN of all people.....forgive my skepticism, but I'm not sure if I buy this particular account. It seems just too much either like a poorly-written hoax or a novice piece of satire. Either way, I've seen more plausible stuff from James Bond movies.....
Junkdrawer
(27,993 posts)KoKo
(84,711 posts)Given our Corporate Media... The VETTING only comes out when there is Time. Obama gave a Window of Time to us.. We need to find the new "Downing Street Memo" and other Revelations while we have that "Window of Time."
HooptieWagon
(17,064 posts)Then it doesn't seem to make a difference telling Putin to his face. I don't know if the story is accurate, but it is going around.
Wouldn't shock me if Saudi-backed terrorists did strike Olympics...after all, 9/11 was 15 Saudi nationals and the funding came from Saudi Royals.
Junkdrawer
(27,993 posts)some reporter should ask Putin during the G-20.
HooptieWagon
(17,064 posts)I doubt that he would admit to a terror threat inre the games. People would stay away in droves. And if an attack DID occur, people would ask why not better security despite warning. By not admitting warning, he can claim to be surprised by unforseen event.
Junkdrawer
(27,993 posts)is Obama. Maybe THIS, rather than Snowden, is why Obama wants to avoid a face-to-face with Putin.
KoKo
(84,711 posts)the MSM has time to "fine tooth comb it for Communist Propaganda." We will have to hope NYT or WaPo post it when they get to it for it to make "LBN" here on DU since Admins have said the "HOSTS" are banning the Communist Websites like RT.
Well...it is what it is and we all need to "obey the law."
Eventually it seeps out...though.
MADem
(135,425 posts)enterprise? Am I the only person who has never seen this citation before, and looks a bit askance?
http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/about
The Al-Monitor Board comprises experts from a variety of academic and professional backgrounds, based both within the region and around the world.
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Former Director of the University of Texas Press
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Read more: http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/about#ixzz2depLbkI8
It's like AIR AMERICA...only far less subtle.
leveymg
(36,418 posts)They'd all personally benefit in some way from a nice, controlled regional war in the Mideast.
But, more specifically, the source for this article was As-Safir, a Lebanese paper with ties to Hezbollah. Could be a psyop being fed to the Iranians and Syrians to make them feel (even more) nervous.
Lots of cross-cutting axes being ground.
MADem
(135,425 posts)Berlum
(7,044 posts)Cesspool City all the way.
KittyWampus
(55,894 posts)Junkdrawer
(27,993 posts)hobbit709
(41,694 posts)HooptieWagon
(17,064 posts)Which is why letting them slug it out in Syria without US involvement is not a bad strategy.
KittyWampus
(55,894 posts)So who is "more" ruthless?
hobbit709
(41,694 posts)KittyWampus
(55,894 posts)Junkdrawer
(27,993 posts)Actually, recently Putin is coming across as a statesman....compared to....
KoKo
(84,711 posts)and we VHS'd those way back. Gotta Dig Out even thought they are on You Tube Now... My internet gets spotty lately...
Anyway: Did you manage to see the Production "SpamAlot" that was on Broadway and toured around the country.
It's amazing how current the Monty Python's are for OUR TIMES. Or in my Humble Opinion.
I'm getting into the attic and ferreting out...to review. We all need a huge laugh after the angst of this past two weeks...and more.
Junkdrawer
(27,993 posts)in an off Broadway tour....
Someday....
KoKo
(84,711 posts)Hilton Head Island, SC. It was a very good production. Maybe I saw your colleague?
BTW...Sure enough... a box in the attic revealed 13 episodes of Monty Python...and we are going to sit down tonight and watch on our "old TV" with the DVD/VHS Combo and have a good laugh. I'm so glad I found them...and "Hat Tip" to you!
As I said...my Internet has been so spotty lately...that there's always disruptions. Earth Link...which uses ATT...(the Spyware Company). Who knows what's going on there.
pnwmom
(108,955 posts)That seems to be the pattern here.
Junkdrawer
(27,993 posts)Use Obama to shield all outrages in US foreign policy. That seems to be the pattern here.
pnwmom
(108,955 posts)that the US military has its back, no matter how outrageous the behavior. "
Obama is the Commander in Chief. So you were blaming Obama and his administration for the behavior of the Saudis.
Junkdrawer
(27,993 posts)Then, yes, I'll blame Obama.
Bandar Bush's confidence of US Military backing comes from decades of US military cooperation.
leveymg
(36,418 posts)where Bandar basically tries to blackmail Putin. I doubt anyone would just come out with such a threat.
The Russians confirmed such a meeting took place several weeks ago, but not the exact contents. The source of this story is a Lebanese newspaper affiliated with Hezbollah, so I would approach with some caution.
Junkdrawer
(27,993 posts)Needs to be vetted. Said it a dozen times.
Has that third or fourth hand retelling of a story feel about it.
leveymg
(36,418 posts)Last edited Sun Sep 1, 2013, 03:42 PM - Edit history (1)
I have no doubt, however, that such threats underlie the Saudi position with regard the Russians. I wonder what Putin thought he might gain by this meeting?
Junkdrawer
(27,993 posts)Saudis Go on Full Alert after Putin Threatens to Hit S. Arab in Reprisal for US Attack on Syria
http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13920610001158
Once again, I suspect veiled threats being blown out of proportion by people with an agenda.
But even veiled threats would be worrying.
leveymg
(36,418 posts)The tensions and warning statuses have to be elevated, all around. This is stupidly dangerous, and invites misinterpretation and snap judgments that may be wrong.
This whole red line thing was a major mistake.
Junkdrawer
(27,993 posts)Aside from rumored Reagan era near-miss incidents, this is the most dangerous time the World has seen since the Cuban Missile Crisis.
leveymg
(36,418 posts)Most of the American people don't even seem to be aware that any of this stuff is going on. Double-jeopardy.
Vanje
(9,766 posts)but if we have to, in order to keep peace and protect innocents abroad and at home,
then lets bomb Prince Bandar Bush.
hughee99
(16,113 posts)I wouldn't be surprised at all if a similar conversation took place, but I don't buy for a second that it took place in front of a reporter or was recorded. The fact that it's being presented that way makes the whole thing suspect.