A shocking revelation for many Americans, but a reality in the Middle East - nationals of Saudi Arabia constitute the majority chunk of Al Qaeda led insurgency in Iraq. Since the beginning of the Iraq occupation, the White House is hell-bent on putting the onus for terror bombings in Iraq on Syria and Iran. But adding more to the trouble of beleaguered American forces, around half of the insurgents including suicide bombers as investigated by the Los Angeles Times belong to Saudi Arabia, the most obedient US ally in the Middle East.
As per the report, more than 45 percent of foreign insurgents leading Iraq rebellion are Saudi nationals. They also constitute largest number of foreign detenues in the Iraqi jails for suspected terrorist attacks. Among suicide bombers in Iraq, the Saudis play a bigger role than those from Syria or North Africa.
It is really a surprise for the US to see people from Saudi Arabia, their key ally, in fray against them in Iraq. Bin Laden himself is a Saudi and hence Al Qaeda has close relationship with people of Saudi Arabia. This makes it easier to recruit people from there to fight the Americans in Iraq. Lack of democratic order and the US blind support for Saudi Royal house is also another reason that is driving its nationals towards anti-US extremism.
The Shia-Sunni conflict in Iraq is an added angle that encourages the nationals from Saudi Arabia to become a part of anti-government insurgency in Iraq. Saudi Arabia, being leader of the Sunni world is always opposed to any kind Shiite dominance in the Arab world. The incumbent Shia led administration and anti-Sunni violence in Iraq is increasingly seen by many Saudis as challenge to their religious inclinations. Their participation is also motivated by the call of insurgent groups to establish a pure Islamic regime in Iraq.
With Saudi Arabia being the foremost source of terror forces in Iraq, the US is under pressure. There are already uproars in the US for alleged links of Saudi royal family with 9/11 bombings. In November 2006, disposing before the Senate foreign affairs committee, the US secretary of state argued for more assistance to Saudi Arabia for its extreme value in war against terror. The news report is sure to hunt the Bush administration and there may be a review of the US support to Saudi government and its autocratic rule.
Via: Yahoo
