Reply #155: As I said, all major powers (and wannabes) try it. The Saudis succeed

[leveymg]

more than most because of the sheer volume of money they bring to the table, and the long-term perception in the west until 9/11 that the Saudis presented no security threat and were nearly as incompetent as they are wealthy.

Add to that the close relationship the Abdullah wing of the Royal family's with the equally dynastic Bush family. The Bushes, as Prescott, Sr and Herbert Walker proved, were willing to do business with just about anyone, even Nazi Germany.

The Saudis viewed GHW was a natural pick in the US. Republican internationalist, who held control over the Right-wing of the American intelligence community. So, al-Turki and Bandar, on behalf of their brothers and cousins, entered into a long friendship with Bush and his political cronies.

With virtually unlimited funds, how could they lose?