 US President Barack Obama spoke to Saudi King Abdullah on Thursday, as regional diplomacy intensifies over Syria's escalating civil war and Iran's nuclear programme. The White House declined to give details of the conversation, or to say exactly which issues Obama and Abdullah discussed.
"The two leaders reaffirmed the strong and enduring bilateral relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia," said a statement issued by Obama's press secretary Jay Carney. | And how useful it would be if the Saudis kept oil prices down between now and the election, perhaps. |
The two leaders also discussed "a range of issues of mutual interest as part of their ongoing consultations," a White House statement said. | Well, the House of Saud's salafists don't like Syria or Iran, so that's one common interest. And then there's the mutual dislike of Israel to keep things collegial... |
Saudi Arabia has said that regional states should provide the means for Syria's opposition forces to defend themselves against the onslaught from President Bashar al-Assad's forces. | And to be positioned to block Iran in any coming conflict? I am skeptical that the Arabs would risk their own lives, but on the other hand the opportunity to position troops to block both Iran and the Shiite Iraqis might be sufficiently tempting. |
Washington is reluctant to send in arms, citing the uncertain motives and organisation of disparate Syrian opposition groups, but has been providing communications equipment and medical aid to the rebels.
Iran has criticised Saudi Arabia for increasing its oil output this year to make up for a shortfall in Iranian crude resulting from US and European Union sanctions to punish Tehran for its nuclear program. | So the Chinese may be sufficiently happy to stay out of things for a while? |
The call between Obama and the king took place ahead of the next round of nuclear talks between Iran and international powers in Moscow next week.
Ties between the Obama administration and the Saudi government were strained during the height of Arab spring protests last year, but senior US officials say they have since recovered, as the allies confront a common challenge from Iran. | Well, that and the fact that Netanyahu is getting antsy. |
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