<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/_B-tjw6Pjkc&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/_B-tjw6Pjkc&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>
President Bush is all smiles as he obliges his Saudi friends by taking part in a traditional Saudi sword dance... <object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/a0lXTGurqSE&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/a0lXTGurqSE&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object> Arm in arm, marching together, forever and ever...
The administration seems to have failed in its plans to 'divide and conquer' the Saudis and Iranians. Recently, Ahmedinejad was not only invited to Saudi for a pilgrimage, but afterwards was seen walking arm-in-arm with King Abdullah of the Kingdom. Afterwards, the Saudi King made statements about striving for better and stronger relations between Iran and the larger Arab, Sunni world, and working for peace in the region. Unfortunately, this larger Middle East road trip has only highlighted the ever declining U.S. influence not just in the region, but in the world...on so many levels. Our allies in the region are finding it increasingly difficult to depend on the U.S. to take a leading role in addressing/maintaining regional interests, so they're turning to each other instead.
