I think that the author-historian's thesis, which I support, is that sure, we were STATE DEPT allies with the Saudies, but not allies in fact. To this day, a constant anti-western, anti-semetic screed is an integral and fundamental part of the Saudi educational system. It's dominated by Muslim extremists. The Saudi Royal Family sees this as an outlet for the populace, allowing them to vent their anger at home country political impotence at the Western devils. Most of the 911 gagn were Saudis. And the money still flows from the Saudis to the terrorist camp. In effect, Saudi Arabia is the 4 ton elephant in the living room that nobody in US State Dept politics wants to mention. Bush is conflicted over US oil interests, etc. That's why all democracies need energy independence from oil, making the Middle East less relevant.

-p