"But a State Department source said the department "played no role" in the matter. "This is not something we would have brokered," the source said"
So a reporter said and so some source said. What was the reporter exactly asking and what employee (or source) of State dept was asked?
I see no reason why the reporter would need to protect his source- so why doesn't he say who said it?

Certainly Mary Anne you have listened to these ding bat reporters ask questions before? It's very common for reporters to ask a question in which there is way a particular branch of govt could answer- they do it all the friggin time.
Now, let's return to whole quote:

"But a State Department source said the department "played no role" in the matter. "This is not something we would have brokered," the source said. "Bandar does not need Foggy Bottom to get a phone call returned by the White House." That seemed a clear hint that the White House was involved, but the White House declined immediate comment, saying it would look into the matter."

Now what does it matter whether the WH or State Dept was involved in this? The President is Powell's boss. The President is responsible for the State dept actions. The assumption is there is a cover up and the WH is avoiding to take responsiblity for a State error or "rogue" behavior.
The State dept is responsible for foreign relations- but this is assisting the President- that's one of the President's key roles besides being the Commander in Chief. It was the proper role for the State Dept [or President] to be involved in this matter.

Mary Anne goes on to say:
"You quoted the Snopes article selectively to highlight the fact that Watson, a critic of how the affair was handled, is a former government employee. Presumably, this "problem" does not also apply to the reporter and editorial staff of The National Review."
<snip>
No I didn't. I assure you, I know why I do things and that wasn't something I was doing. My reason for quoting Snopes was to add more information about the type of questioning of the family members. Hopefully showing you that there was no mention of "perfunctory questioning".
Additionally I was quoting the part about "Was it right that fear for their safety and/or favors owed abroad should have prompted their being treated as special circumstance exceptions to the ban? That question lies outside the scope of this page, but rest assured it will be hotly debated around many a dinner table." To remind you that Snopes wasn't addressing that aspect- and that was the main topic I was discussing. [Because you said "READ THE ARTICLES. READ THE ARTICLES"- which, btw I had done before you insisted that I do so- but I reread them again after your urging- I hope that makes you happier]

Mary Anne said "The Saudis were on a civilian charter flight in-country"

I didn't see the part about "civilian charter flight in-country". Though I certainly see the part about the chartered flight outside of the country to Saudi Arabia. You could be right about that, I haven't been following this- I thought they would have used Miltary transports- though I think these days the Miltary does charter at least some of it's some of it's transports. I would imagine any flight would need a miltary transponder in order to fly in the restricted air space.