The Timely Saudi Plan

Israeli Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon, has shown a notable interest in the recent ‘peace initiative’ proposed by Saudi Arabia. The Saudis proposal would require Israel to withdraw its forces to the borders before the 1967 Middle East War in exchange for some goodies the Saudis can deliver. Namely full diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia, ‘normalised trade’, and closer security ties to Arab states. Predictably all of the principals have shown a marked interest in the idea. I would not be surprised if it had not been designed by people within the American and Israeli governments. It is a shrewd plan that presents the possibility of a win win situation for all parties involved in the decision-making process.

Israel would love to have the partial backing of the Arab states. As long as Israel maintains a hardline position against the Palestinians no Arab leader will fully support them. It would be political suicide. On the other hand, Ariel Sharon is learning that long-term hostilities are making him an enemy of his own citizens. His support has plummetted as Israelis grow tired of endless civilian casualties and more pointless destruction. Sharon is as hard as they come on ‘terrorism’ and it has gotten him absolutely nowhere. Around six hundred Israeli army reservists have signed petitions opposing the occupation of Palestinian territory. Clearly, it would be in Sharon’s immediate interests to pursue this plan. It makes him look like he’s willing to compromise and willing to seek a peaceful settlement if one is available.


The Saudi plan is most importantly a foil for the upcoming American coup against Saddam Hussein. A successful peace process would take attention away from the ridiculous, machiavellian American plans for a ‘regime change’. Remember, Iraq could easily account for twenty percent of the world’s oil supplies if it stepped up production. Installing a pro-western puppet in Iraq could enrich American interests to the tune of hundreds of billions of dollars and in the US money talks. It is no coincidence that Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Abdullah is the nominal architect of the latest peace initiative. He has a lot at stake if the US goes through with their plans to depose Hussein before the 2005 elections. Being the architect of a successful Israeli-Palestinian peace would take a lot of political heat off him from the Saudi public who has no love for the United States. Spearheading a peace initiative makes him look more like a real leader instead of an asset of the US. I find it interesting that the Saudis were spared bombings and invasions even though all of the hijackers were Saudis. The Taliban were merely the weakest link and the best place for the Americans to get their foot in. Even given the evidence that the Saudis were probably involved in some fashion with the terrorist attacks Washington has seen fit to spare their Saudi dogs from any substantial criticism. I am betting that the United States is actually the architect of the peace plan. It will help their image to get in on the peace business before they do their dirty deeds in Iraq.

I guess what I’m saying is that I would not be surprised if the Saudi peace initiative gets accepted. It’s purely for public consumption anyway. All Israeli concessions could be rescinded after Hussein is offed by the Americans. In the meanwhile, the rhetoric of peace-making will soothe the war weary, uncomfortable with the steady slide towards worldwide chaos.

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