The Saudis are worried about what might happen if we attack Iraq and fail. I’m going to surprise everyone and say I think they actually have reason to be concerned, after the unfinished business we left in their back yard after Operation Desert Storm. And that could be why the Bush administration is trying to reassure them.

U.S. officials said the Bush administration has been concerned by increasing foreign and domestic pressure on Riyad amid the war in Afghanistan. The officials said Saudi leaders are being pressed to intensify security and military cooperation with Iran, a key rival of Washington.The result is that the administration has been holding a dialogue with Riyad to clear the air between the two countries in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 Islamic suicide attacks on New York and Washington.