Saudi envoy leaves US after post not renewed

[cal04]

Prince Turki al-Faisal quits after 15 months
Rumours of rupture in Saudi Royal family

Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to the United States has returned to Riyadh after resigning abruptly because his posting was not renewed by King Abdullah.

Prince Turki al-Faisal, the former Ambassador to London and ex-intelligence chief, had been in Washington for only 15 months when he announced suddenly this week that he was stepping down.


(snip)
Prince Turki’s resignation also hinted at splits within the ranks of the secretive Saudi Royal Family. The Times has learnt from Saudi sources that he resigned because King Abdullah had not renewed his four-year service contract, which is the normal condition for all serving Saudi ministers and ambassadors.

The King’s unusual decision was seen as a diplomatic way of disguising what was, in effect, the Ambassador’s dismissal. But Prince Turki was warned that his term would not be renewed, and so took the initiative himself in deciding to return to Riyadh.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,11069-2502499,00.html

[DoYouEverWonder]

1. Nice to see the Saudis

eating their own too.

Starting to look like that PNAC bill of goods they bought into wasn't such a great investment after all.

[lyonn]

2. Was this the fellow that was holding hands with bush on the ranch?

Can't you see the Royalty shaking their heads saying, "have you noticed how that cowboy doesn't seem to understand a thing that is said, AND he is in charge of Iraq?" Even the Saudis are bailing on bush.

Oh the shame of it all!