Saudis: Obama Backs Off Every Time Iran Does Something
"enough was enough"
January 3, 2016
Daniel Greenfield
The only people who still think Obama has a handle on foreign policy work for the New York Times. So it's amusing to see the AP run of how much contempt the Saudis have for Obama appear there.
A person familiar with the Saudi government's thinking in Washington says the kingdom severed relations with Iran because "enough was enough," adding that Riyadh was less concerned with how its decision affects diplomatic efforts led by the United States, including the Syrian peace talks or the Iran nuclear deal.
Which is diplomatese for the Saudis don't give a damn. And why would they? The nuke deal and the peace talks are just two Obama giveaways to Iran.
The person, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss diplomacy, said Sunday that the Saudi government is tired of what it sees as Tehran "thumbing its nose at the West," including the recent launch of ballistic missiles, while no one does anything about it.
"Every time Iran does something, the United States backs off," the person said.
But don't worry. Obama has got this one. There'll be affirmative engagement and maybe cookies and milk.
U.S. State Department Spokesperson John Kirby says Washington is aware of Saudi Arabia's decision to close Iranian diplomatic missions in the kingdom, but believes "that diplomatic engagement and direct conversations remain essential in working through differences."
Kirby, in a statement issued Sunday, said the U.S. "will continue to urge leaders across the region to take affirmative steps to calm tensions."
How are the attempts to work through "Death to America" going so far?
State Department Spokeswoman Elizabeth Trudeau called on both Iran and Saudi Arabia refrain from "any actions that could further heighten tensions."
Bound to work. And if it doesn't, Obama will go golfing.
http://www.frontpagemag.com/point/261334/saudis-obama-backs-every-time-iran-does-something-daniel-greenfield
