Bandar Bush to Putin: Be a Real Shame if Something Bad Should Happen to Your Olympics....

[Junkdrawer]

After reading the exchange posted later in this OP, I'm reminded of this Monty Python skit....

Bandar told Putin, “There are many common values ​​and goals that bring us together, most notably the fight against terrorism and extremism all over the world. Russia, the US, the EU and the Saudis agree on promoting and consolidating international peace and security. The terrorist threat is growing in light of the phenomena spawned by the Arab Spring. We have lost some regimes. And what we got in return were terrorist experiences, as evidenced by the experience of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt and the extremist groups in Libya. ... As an example, I can give you a guarantee to protect the Winter Olympics in the city of Sochi on the Black Sea next year. The Chechen groups that threaten the security of the games are controlled by us, and they will not move in the Syrian territory’s direction without coordinating with us. These groups do not scare us. We use them in the face of the Syrian regime but they will have no role or influence in Syria’s political future.”

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 Pakistan’s 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 Egypt’s 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]

1. I was surprised when Ambrose Evans Pritchard picked it up

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/energy/oilandgas/10266957/Saudis-offer-Russia-secret-oil-deal-if-it-drops-Syria.html

[Junkdrawer]

2. We really need to have this story vetted.....

If real, and it's starting to look like it is, no Syria attack should occur until we get our house in order.

[AverageJoe90]

3. I'm not so sure about this, TBH.

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]

4. It's making the rounds in a big way. As I said above, it really needs to be vetted. n/t

[KoKo]

19. Indeed...given the past years ...we know...things NEED TIME...to BE VETTED..

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]

6. If the Russians already know Saudis are backing Chechen rebels...

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]

9. Bandar's MO does make this plausible. At the very least....

some reporter should ask Putin during the G-20.

[HooptieWagon]

10. They can ask...Putin may not answer.

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]

12. Good point. I bet the person Putin would love to confront with this...

is Obama. Maybe THIS, rather than Snowden, is why Obama wants to avoid a face-to-face with Putin.

[KoKo]

21. If it comes from "RT" no DU'er will be able to post it...until...

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]

27. Who the fuck are these people? And how "involved" are they in the day-to-day management of this

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.
Jamal Daniel, Founder and Chairman
President and Chairman of Crest Investment Company

Simon Ayat
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Schlumberger Limited

Tony Chase
Chairman & CEO of ChaseSource, L.P


Joanna Hitchcock
Former Director of the University of Texas Press

Ambassador Nassif Hitti
Head of the Arab League Mission in Paris and Permanent Observer at UNESCO

Dean Carol Lancaster
Dean of the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University

David W. Leebron
President of Rice University

Dr. Andrew Parasiliti
CEO & Editor, Al-Monitor

Dr. Paul Salem
Director of the Carnegie Middle East Center in Beirut, Lebanon

Denis Simonneau
Member of the GDF SUEZ Executive Committee


John Solomon
Former Executive Editor of The Washington Times and Director of News at Newsweek

Jason Woods
COO, Al-Monitor


Read more: http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/about#ixzz2depLbkI8


It's like AIR AMERICA...only far less subtle.

[leveymg]

36. I'd guess they all share something in common.

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]

38. Something's fucked up there, at any rate! nt

[Berlum]

5. Bandar Bush definitely gots the "Republicon Family Values" thing down.

Cesspool City all the way.

[KittyWampus]

7. Sounds to me like Bandar was trying to use the carrot and letting Putin know about the stick.

[Junkdrawer]

8. Mighty sick stick, n'est-ce pas?

[hobbit709]

11. Putin is way more ruthless than Bandar hopes to be.

[HooptieWagon]

13. They are both bad.

Which is why letting them slug it out in Syria without US involvement is not a bad strategy.

[KittyWampus]

14. I was one of the people who figured Bandar paid for some planes to hit buildings way back when.

So who is "more" ruthless?

[hobbit709]

15. Putin was KGB.

[KittyWampus]

16. yeah, he probably got his hands wet. You win!

[Junkdrawer]

17. Sounds like a Godzilla vs Megalon argument....

Actually, recently Putin is coming across as a statesman....compared to....

[KoKo]

18. Huge Kudo....LOL's...hadn't seen that in years....

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]

20. Haven't see Spamalot yet....although Mrs. Jundrawer's colleague is playing Author...

in an off Broadway tour....

Someday....

[KoKo]

22. We saw it at Coastal Arts Center...

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]

23. Right, let's blame whatever the Saudi's do or say on the U.S. On Obama in particular.

That seems to be the pattern here.

[Junkdrawer]

24. Your post is the first mention of Obama.

Use Obama to shield all outrages in US foreign policy. That seems to be the pattern here.

[pnwmom]

25. What you said was, "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. "

Obama is the Commander in Chief. So you were blaming Obama and his administration for the behavior of the Saudis.

[Junkdrawer]

26. IF this is true, IF/WHEN Obama becomes aware of the incident, IF Obama then does nothing....

Then, yes, I'll blame Obama.

Bandar Bush's confidence of US Military backing comes from decades of US military cooperation.

[leveymg]

28. Bandar has a reputation for bluntness, but something is "off" about this part of the story

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]

29. "I would approach with some caution"...and I am....

Needs to be vetted. Said it a dozen times.

Has that third or fourth hand retelling of a story feel about it.

[leveymg]

30. embellished with hot relish and mustard.

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]

31. I'm wondering if there is ANY truth in this....

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]

34. I suspect that every country has gone up a DefCon notch, including the US, Russia, KSA, Israel,

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]

35. The opportunity for a 1914-style miscalculation is off the charts....

Aside from rumored Reagan era near-miss incidents, this is the most dangerous time the World has seen since the Cuban Missile Crisis.

[leveymg]

37. I totally agree.

Most of the American people don't even seem to be aware that any of this stuff is going on. Double-jeopardy.

[Vanje]

32. I'm generally against lobbing bombs and firing missiles at people,

but if we have to, in order to keep peace and protect innocents abroad and at home,
then lets bomb Prince Bandar Bush.

[hughee99]

33. I don't buy this report at all.

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.