Saudi Arabia plans to purchase 72 Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets from Britain. Crown Prince Sultan, deputy premier and minister of defense and aviation, made the announcement yesterday. The aircraft are to replace current Tornado and other combat aircraft. Prince Sultan and British Defense Secretary John Reid reached the agreement in Riyadh, which actually calls for buying at least 48 Eurofighter Typhoon jets, with an option to buy up to 72.
Prince Sultan said, “We don’t want to depend on a single source for our defense requirements as we want to acquire the best and advanced weapons...” How political of the Prince, spread the money around, get a few here, a few there, keep all your options open.
Prince Sultan made the remarks while talking to reporters after opening the headquarters of Prince Muhammad ibn Fahd Youth Development Program in Dammam. He said the program, initiated by the governor of the Eastern Province, would play a big role in developing skills of young Saudi men and women.
Prince Sultan also 'called upon the international community to put on pressure on Israel to get rid of its nuclear arsenal, save the Middle East region from the danger posed by its weapons of mass destruction and join the nuclear non-proliferation treaty (NPT).' He also 'urged the United States and other Western states to resolve the nuclear standoff with Iran through peaceful means.'
Funny, I didn't read anything about Prince Sultan calling on Iran to stop their nuclear program. He did say there is a move afoot "to develop a joint program in nuclear technology among the GCC countries for peaceful purposes.” But in talks between Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal and French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy, 'Prince Saud denied an Arab satellite channel report that quoted a British newspaper as saying that an alliance would be formed between Saudi Arabia, the United States and Israel to hit Iran.
“This is ridiculous,” said the prince. “Saudi Arabia will never take part in attacking another Islamic country and cooperating with Israel.”
Doesn't get much more clear than that.
Sultan said the succession law issued by King Abdullah last year “was not at all a surprise for Saudis as it came in line with the political reforms introduced by the king”. (source)
The new 'succession law guarantees the rights entitled to the grandsons of Saudi Arabia's founder ... "The new rule will give the grandsons of King Abdul Aziz, founder of Saudi Arabia, their acquired rights in governance in future," said Prince Talal Bin Abdul Aziz.'
For anyone who is expecting any real changes any time in the near future, don't hold your breath.
“Many things in the minds of citizens or discussed in the media are among the ideas that the king is seeking to implement gradually without compromising on the Islamic principles,” he said when asked whether there was a plan to transform the Shoura Council to a fully or partially elected body.
Wouldn't want to compromise Islamic principles, or did he mean sharia law?
On a side note, Wizbang is reporting on the Drudge report that 'Israel has drawn up secret plans to destroy Iran's uranium enrichment facilities with tactical nuclear weapons...' And the Spectator suggests the United States would be joining the Israelis in their attack.
The plan is revealed in the Sunday Times of London, with this disclaimer:
However, the nuclear-tipped bunker-busters would be used only if a conventional attack was ruled out and if the United States declined to intervene, senior sources said.
Everybody has a different opinion, yes Israel will, .... no Israel won't. Go to Wizbang and read Kim Priestap's great roundup for all the details.
Another great post Debbie!..There is no way Israel could ever trust Saudi Arabia..heck they dont even allow Jews in their country..great and enlightening read!
Posted by: Angel | January 06, 2007 at 11:12 PM