Al Qaeda blamed, but problem may run even deeper. Six months ago, top Saudi officials asserted that Al Qaeda was no longer a threat to the royal family or its kingdom. But after a deadly car bombing in Riyadh on Saturday night, Saudi officials’ about-face is complete, and they now declare their nation to be the newest battleground for Al Qaeda militants. U.S. officials agree, including the top American diplomat in Saudi Arabia. “It’s very clear that [Al Qaeda militants] have moved the battlefront or they have created another battlefront, and that’s here in Saudi Arabia,” said Gary Grappo, the charge d’affaires at the U.S. Embassy. The new focus on Al Qaeda has given U.S. and Saudi leaders an opportunity to proclaim a renewed friendship after months of fraying relations over the global war on terrorism. Leaders are pledging shared intelligence and expertise. Full Story
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