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U.S. Urges Citizens to Leave Saudi Arabia



 
 
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  #1  
Old December 18th, 2003, 08:17 AM
Meghan Powers
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Default U.S. Urges Citizens to Leave Saudi Arabia

This marks the beginning of the end of a US presence in Saudi Arabia.
Now that most or all of the US military presence has quietly
evaporated, so to will any lingering US civillian presence.

The continuing US military presence on Saudi soil after the end of the
gulf war in 1991 was the main, or only, reason given by Osama Bin
Laden for the 9-11 attacks. Looks like Osama got what he wanted after
all...

------------------------

http://apnews.myway.com/article/20031217/D7VGD3VG1.html
Dec 17, 5:00 PM (ET)
By BARRY SCHWEID

WASHINGTON (AP) - Nonessential American diplomats and the families of
all U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia should leave, the State Department
said Wednesday, stepping up its warnings about risks in the country.

Private U.S. citizens should consider leaving as well, the department
said. And Americans making plans to go to Saudi Arabia were advised to
defer any such travel in light of "the potential for further terrorist
activities."

The departure of U.S. officials and family members was not ordered,
but was voluntary. Expenses were to be paid by the U.S. government.

Americans who travel to Saudi Arabia or remain there despite the
warning were told to register with the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh or the
consulates in Jeddah and Dhahran so arrangements can be made to keep
them up to date.

"The U.S. government continues to receive indications of terrorist
threats aimed at American and Western interests," the department said.
This includes the targeting of transportation, the statement said.

"American citizens in Saudi Arabia should remain vigilant,
particularly in public places associated with the Western community,"
the department said.

Last month, in the latest of a string of terror incidents, a housing
compound in Riyadh was bombed, killing 17 people and wounding more
than 100. Police arrested a Saudi citizen believed to have helped
smuggle in from Yemen the weapons used in the attack, the Saudi daily
Okaz reported Wednesday.

American and Saudi officials blamed that attack and suicide bombings
at three other housing projects in May on Saudi exile Osama bin
Laden's al-Qaida terrorist network. Thirty-five people, including nine
attackers were killed in the May attacks.

Saudi officials say most of the weapons used in militant operations in
Saudi Arabia - including the May suicide attacks - were smuggled from
Yemen.
  #2  
Old December 18th, 2003, 02:51 PM
me
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default U.S. Urges Citizens to Leave Saudi Arabia

Meghan Powers wrote in message ...
This marks the beginning of the end of a US presence in Saudi Arabia.
Now that most or all of the US military presence has quietly
evaporated, so to will any lingering US civillian presence.

The continuing US military presence on Saudi soil after the end of the
gulf war in 1991 was the main, or only, reason given by Osama Bin
Laden for the 9-11 attacks. Looks like Osama got what he wanted after
all...

[snip]


It was symbolic of the larger issue, but the larger issue is what he
"wants". He considers the Saudi ruling famility illegitimate and
wants all of the arab states ruled by a theocratic government modeled
upon his view of Islam. He considers "the west" to be a corrupting
influence and empowering the illegitimate rulers. Truth is, as long
as we are a supporter of Isreal to any degree, we'll make a convient
whipping boy for him.
 




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