Lakhota
Diamond Member
By Bruce Riedel
The overthrow of the Saudi royals is finally a possibility. In an excerpt from a new Brookings Institution briefing book for Obamas second term, Bruce Riedel on what a catastrophe it would be for Obama.
Saudi Arabia is the worlds last absolute monarchy. Like Louis XIV, King Abdullah has complete authority to do as he likes. But while a revolution in Saudi Arabia is still not likely, the Arab Awakening has made one possible for the first time, and it could come in President Obamas second term.
Revolutionary change in the kingdom would be a disaster for American interests across the board. Saudi Arabia is Americas oldest ally in the Middle East, a partnership that dates to 1945. The United States has no serious option for heading off a revolution if it is coming; we are already too deeply wedded to the kingdom. Obama should ensure the best possible intelligence is available to see a crisis coming and then try to ride the storm.
More: Revolution in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia? - The Daily Beast