My thoughts exactly Charles: [Link: littlegreenfootballs.com...]

Interesting to note the House of Fraud's official statement on this meeting:

"There were no threats by either side simply because friends don't threaten each other, and because both leaders are much more interested in facilitating a solution to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. They have invested so heavily in reaching such a solution.

Nope, no threats here.. Nothing to see, move along now..

and then..

"Both leaders will exert all possible effort to achieve peace in the region that has been plagued by conflict and atrocities for quite a long period of time."

Right, the Fraud's will continue to fund the dispicable mucus seeping out of their archaic society while our President will continue to seek peace by holding Colon Powel sponsored tea times..

Peace is at hand.. any day now.

Full text here: [Link: www.saudiembassy.net...]

Guess we'll have to wait for the pics of dubya polishing Bandar's salami.

Whoops, I just realized that I linked to an old press release, but it give us the opportunity to ask, has anything changed since April?

Nope.

And boy, what a source of comedy that Fraudi Arabia embassy site is, it says here that King Faisal Center receives award for Islamic Research.

What kinds of things have they been researching over there, the latest in slopeydope technology?

[Link: www.saudiembassy.net...]

The cordial love fest between these two overachievers would be the equivalent of Roosevelt meeting Hirohito, while Kamakaze fighters were ramming American cruisers during WWII. Don't call this meeting of the mindless, an exercise in diplomacy. It is an "Aramco" board meeting, with President Stupid as the junior partner. The only things lower than GW Bush are the low life myopics who support that slimy little weasel.

British Parliamentarians conduct "no confidence" votes, whenever stupidity takes hold of the leadership. This American executive coalition with terror while the lives of US troops are on the line, warrants impeachment, forthwith.

Fellow LGF readers--if that photo starts to make you sick, go here for the cure:

[Link: story.news.yahoo.com...]

At least the President is sorta pointing the sole of his boot at Bandar.

In case you missed it, whatshisname "Jabir" or something, you-know-who, the p.r. rep for the House of Saud was just on the radio about this meeting and again spouted the bit about how they've been a country for hundreds of years, etc. Kim Philby's father must be spinning in his grave.

At least the President is sorta pointing the sole of his boot at Bandar.

Yeah, asking, your boot you want me to lick Sir?

And NC, God Bless Rummy..

Rummy For President of the United States

Mark Steyn for Prime Minister of Canada (or whatever you guys have up there)

foobar, "Jabir" was just on Softb.., I mean Hardball.

He is comically inneficient at hit job, unless his job is to never actually answer any questions.. Oh wait, that is his job.

That picture of Rummy does not make me feel better-- it just reminds me of how they blew up our guys' quarters at Khobar. Just a little of their friendly hospitality.

Well, anyway, the guys would rather be in Haifa, and who could blame them.

I swear, do those Arab mothers teach their children nothing? At least, not to sit on the arm of someone else's chair? It'll break! Honestly.

Did you hear that Mrs. Bandar and the little Bandars accompanied the prince to Texas? It's my fantasy that they're there to ask for asylum---the first of the rats to desert the sinking ship.

Awww, but that's just dreamin'.

You gotta wonder what Laura and Mrs. Prince talked about...

Looks like Bandar's about to fart...phew, he did, my computer reeks, where's my Anti-Norton Fartinizer.

This picture make me want to barf. I'm not sure why but seeing Bush all cozy with our almost enemy makes me nauseous. Does he have any idea how much contempt America feels toward Saudi Arabia right now?

Princy-boy looks like he's really enjoying sitting on the arm of that couch. Maybe the couch has one of those massagers built into it?

Bush: Bandie, it's that big! Schucks, how am I going to swallow it.

Bandar: W, your daddy always did it with no problem. Now be a good infidel and do my bidding boy.

The 'prince' is hoping to patch things up and you can bet he's not as happy as he looks. Which is good. When you've gone as far out of your way to sh*t in your own bed as the Sauds, it's got to make you sick to realize that you brought it on yourself.

Jabirwocky.

I can't even describe how much I dislike seeing that person standing next to the Commander in Chief.

I keep trying to convince myself that it's OK. Hey, even Reagan has summits with the Soviets, and there was no doubt what he thought of them.

Clinton worked with Republicans when he thought he could get something out of it.

Falwell had a group hug with gay activists a couple of years ago.

Nope, can't delude myself that much.

Am I correct that Priss Bender is wearing cowboy boots? What a joke.

I wear cowboy boots nearly every day, and I'd dearly love to give him a little once-over with them.

#15 LOL!

Maybe their discussing this...

[Link: story.news.yahoo.com...]

I know what to do to calm my queasiness.

Just keep repeating:
"It's only diplomacy....It's only diplomacy...It's only diplomacy....."

Our scholarly friends from Saudi Arabia will be participating in this meeting:

"The Arab League is to participate in a symposium opening Wednesday in Abu Dhabi that organizers say will expose Israeli "lies and exaggerations about the Holocaust," the English-language dailies Gulf News and Khaleej Times reported Monday....
...Labeling the Holocaust a "false fable," the center further stated that, "The symposium aims at disclosing many historical, political fallacies promoted by Israel and Zionism through different means especially the spread of fibs and exaggerations regarding the so-called holocaust." The center also asserted that it was "Jewish activities" which had "agitated European hatred against Jews.""

[Link: www.jpost.com...]

Hello? Arab world....12th century is over.

Maybe Bush is trying to convince Bandar to fund the repair of the wailing wall.

[Link: news.bbc.co.uk...]

the only way i can tolerate that photo is to fantasize/hope that bush(a/k/a cheney's puppet, thankfully) is USING bandar (finally the Saudi-US table turns) to pave the way for the dominoing of the Arab world.
Like it or not, the Saudis hold most of the power in the Arab world, and can use it when they feel cornered and/or it's in their piggish, survivalist interest (eg. the Saudi created sudden Arab summit agreeing to make peace with Israel some months ago)
You can't swallow all the rats at the same time. First kill the big bold one, then the little ones will go scurrying into your traps. Iraq, Iran, Syria, Suadi Arabia, etc.
It really makes sense, and Bandar's commrades can make things a lot easier.

Bush: You only have to donate a block of stone about yea big.

Bandar: Heh, heh, heh.

#19 Thanks. I guess the prince is very
un-Osama like, if you know what I mean.

Bush has ugly furniture. Somebody get Laura an interior decorator.

He's wearing...Levis?!!!

Bush: Whaddya say we go outside and make a crop circle? I have plenty of land.

Bandar: What is crop circle? Are you trying to ambush me?

Supposedly, Dubya was going to raise the issue of Pat Roush's daughters and other American citizens held prisoner in Saudi Arabia.

Gratuitous Wish Fulfillment for today: seeing a Wall Street Journal and/or Krauthammer op-ed in the next couple of days stating that if Ms. Roush's kids aren't on American soil by Labor Day, that Dubya is not fit to continue as President after '04.

Anyone wanna join a Rummy/Rice '04 boomlet? I've even got a bumpersticker slogan - "Time to Get Serious: Rumsfeld/Rice 2004"

You guys just don't get it. Go to [Link: rightwingnews.com...] and read Hawkins "Republican to Saudi Translation Guide".You'll feel much better. It's a poker game and we got the cards.
Curtis Kreutzberg

Curtis (#71):

Just for the record, I hope you're right. On one hand, it's said that "diplomacy is the art of saying 'nice doggie' while reaching for a stick". On the other, we have a L-O-N-G record of Pat Roush, Monica Stowers and other mothers of children kidnapped to Saudi Arabia, being told in no uncertain terms to "get lost" by their own government, most recently by Ari Fleischer. This is a considerable part of why I'm still afraid that appeasement is the order of the day. This is why I worry that Bush is being less a Machiavelli than a Petain.

Possible caption: "I'm not kidding, dude, the box of baby wipes was that big!"

Curtis (#31) Thanks for the link. Some other excellent threads there, especially the inherent racism in decrying industrialization of developing nations.

Late to the party--#15 beat me to it, even before I could finish formulating my own joke suggested by that picture. Heh!

(Side note: in his speech Monday, Vice President Cheney said "The president has made very clear that there is no neutral ground in the fight against terror. Those who harbor terrorists share guilt for the acts they commit. Under the Bush doctrine, a regime that harbors or supports terrorists will be regarded as hostile to the United States." Which means about as much as Bush's mouthings about corporate ethics.)

Surely Levis are Jewish ? and doesn't the Holy Koran say ( Haider 7 Sura 4 )
Let all limbs what have worn infidel cloth be torn asunder ? Blessed be the sand and the mouth.

See my website for how Clinton did one thing right in how to dress to meet an Arab leader.

"Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer...."

We're just biding our time. Patience.

No. 36, you show your racist ignorance. The Qu'ran says:

The Muslim who shall wear the pants of the Jew, O, I say to thee, your wiener will shrivel to the size of a dried shrimp. For the trousers of the infidel shall shrink in the wash, until the believer's testicles are squeezed to the size of the most inadequate of figs. Therefore do not garb thyself in the pants of the Jew, nor his hat, but wear a dishcloth on your head, that when you foam at the mouth in frenzied impotent rage it may be easily wiped. Do this, and you shall enter the realm of the blessed, with 72 houris to wait upon thee, for our heaven is indistinguishable from a Nevada cathouse, O my brothers.

If you squint ... it almost looks like Bush is kicking him.

Honestly, what jumps out at me in that picture is not that Bandar is "above" Bush, but how damn uncomfortable he looks. Look at his posture. Perched awkwardly on the arm of that chair, legs barely reaching the floor, hunched over, one hand clutching his knee... in that picture he looks, literally, off balance. While Bush looks completely relaxed, leaning back, gesturing.

I might be - I probably am - reading far too much into this. (Perhaps Bandar's tailor merely needs to learn about the wonders of 2% lycra denim.) But if I looked at that picture and had no idea who these two men were or what they were doing, just based on their postures and body language I wouldn't say Bandar is dominant. On the contrary.

# 39 Lou (not at all) Zurr,

Good one!
C.

The reason why Bandar doesn't war his usual tablecloth is simple. If you walk around in Texas dressed like that, an angry mob of African-Americans will come after you, as they will think you're a member of the KKK. Come to think of it, don't members of that despicable organisation write for the Arab News ?

I'm not much of a Maureen Dowd fan but today's piece hits the Saudi nail right on the head: "I'm With Dick! Let's Make War!"

It was embarrassing yesterday, given President Bush's swagger on Iraq, to watch him fawn over the Saudis. At lunch at his ranch he entertained Prince Bandar, the man who got private planes to spirit Osama bin Laden's relatives out of the U.S. after the attacks. Mr. Bush also called Crown Prince Abdullah yesterday to assure him of the "eternal friendship" between their countries and to soothe hurt Saudi feelings over a lawsuit filed by 9/11 victims charging Saudi support of terrorism.

This broke too late for most of the posters here, but you might want to read this whole story

Iran harboring al Qaeda deputies.

There is a particularly interesting section about Saudi Arabia.

"The sources said al Qaeda has also planned attacks elsewhere in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the Persian Gulf this year, including another plan by Bilal to attack U.S. ships in Bahrain. Al Qaeda also planned to assassinate Americans on the streets of Saudi Arabia, the intelligence officers said. The group had discussed putting silencers on guns to be used in the attacks. The operations were thwarted by intelligence and law enforcement agencies, the sources said.

Based on interrogation of suspects and other intelligence, one official said al Qaeda saw a real opening to damage U.S.-Saudi relations because of rifts between the two countries since Sept. 11. And he said an atrocity on Saudi soil remains a major al Qaeda goal because of the expectation that the recrimination that could follow would rupture relations between the countries.

The official, from a country other than Saudi Arabia, said that while the Saudi authorities had been “passive” toward al Qaeda financing and recruitment in the past, they have seriously stepped up their efforts against the organization and have broken up al Qaeda plots."

Notice where these sources say the attacks are being planned. If you think about it, it would be far easier for al-Queda to hit any of the places mentioned than the U.S. right now. They had to be seriously damaged in Afghanistan and, if that's so, the continental U.S. is a much tougher target for them now.

Saudi Arabia, on the other hand, would be a great target, particularly if you're al Queda and live in the fantasy world they live in.

Osama's boys first goal is - and always has been - to take over Saudi Arabia. They want the Islamic Holy Land. Everything else is secondary.

So, it would make perfect sense for them to try and provoke a U.S.-Saudi war. They would expect the entire Islamic world to get involved, and with Allah on their side against the hated infidels from America, they would surely win...they think. Out would go the hated Saudi royals and out would go the hated Americans. Paradise would ensue.

As absurd as this entire scenario is, the Saudi royals have to take it seriously. If you were in their shoes today, wouldn't you? They created the al Queda monster and it's standing right there in front of them, ready to destroy them.

So, put yourself in their shoes, as disgusting as that may be. What are their options for avoiding destruction?

I think they have three primary options, though I'm sure others here can think of others.

1) It seems to me that their BEST option is to publicly help the U.S. destroy al Queda, quietly stop exporting Wahabbism (which most of the royals don't believe in anyway) and keep out of the way when the Iraq balloon goes up. They can't help us publicly, except on the al Queda end, but if they keep their mouth shut on Iraq they could come out of it ok, at least temporarily. If they're smart, this is the way they have to go...but are they smart?

2) They go gung-ho after al-Queda, publicly renounce their support for radical Islamic ideology and whole-heartedly support the U.S. against Saddam. Even better, they take the opportunity to establish parliamentary democracy, with the monarchy in a ceremonial role but with all their money and property intact. Possible, I guess, but hardly likely.

3) They could embrace al Queda openly, winning the hearts of their own people, but that would mean that the most of the royal family - with the exception of the hardliners - would be purged. It would also mean the end of their economy and, very likely, a war with the U.S.

I think this is third option is unlikely as well, UNLESS, one of the hardliners takes over.

I'm sure there are other possibilities and variants on these scenarios.

But one thing is sure: the Saudi royal family is in dire straits right now. I don't actually care, because they brought it on themselves (and on us)...

Interesting times.

The most realistic choice is that they will just do nothing - like they are doing now.

I've seen that photo now on three different weblogs and at the AP's website. Interesting in an abstract sort of way to see a master propagandist at work, isn't it?

For all those who find that photo revolting and a reason to be thoroughly disgusted at Bush's "bootlicking" attitude: did you ever stop to think that maybe that's precisely the reaction you were intended to have? Photographs carry messages just as words do, and the message of that photo is clear: Bandar = Master, Bush = Servant. Choosing it as the one and only "official" photo released thus far serves to strengthen the Saudis and weaken Bush in the eyes of the public.

Seen in that light, this photo becomes another step in the ongoing press campaign to undermine Bush and stop him from taking further action in the Mideast. Don't fall for it, folks.

wolfwalker: you aren’t making any sense. The White House released that photo. Do you think the Bush administration is trying to undermine itself?

Not realizing that looking at a photograph is the same as reading goat entrails, I have decided to join the fray.

After calling Miss Cleo for advice, I posit the following alternative explanations:

1. Bush (holding his arms approximately 18" apart), quips "Bandie-Boy (you don't mind if I call you that, No, good), when we fire on Mecca, we'll miss by only this much".
Then, "Have you recently sold your home to the Chinese Ambassador? Would'nt want to have that happen again. Before you go, write down your current address".

or,

2. Bandar says, "George, there's no way it's that big!"

or,

3. Bush (seated below Bandar) says "Bandiito-Burrito-Muchacho (you don't mind if I call you that, No, good) Smile!, but don't look at the camera!".
Then Carl Rove says to the photographer "Make sure to release only this photo, bloggers need something to talk about and my Miss Cleo stock has tanked."

or, maybe the photographer came in, took the photo, and Bush said "Get the Hell out!, we're discussing the most important foreign policy rift in the last 20 years, and I don't have time to pose like my predecessor".

Since each of my scenarios is just as likely as the others posted above, WHY are we assuming the worst?

BTW, based on the wise explanations offered by others, and after reviewing my wedding photo album, I have decided that my wife is in league with the terrorrists and our divorce is imminent.

CYA

Guess who's back.

Shady's back:

[Link: www.nytimes.com...]

I dont have a subscription to the WSJ. :(

You guys are some of the funniest and most informative posters on the net! I love comming here and reading what you guys have to say. This is one of the funniest threads ever! Good work on the captioning! I could add nothing more insightful or funny; soo...I wont.

Jeff, (#30)

I've been trying to start that boomlet for months!

'Time to get serious'. I like it.

ok, a little off the topic, but I was wondering if any of you caught the following article from thedeal.com:
[Link: www.thedeal.com...]

"The $500 million auction for Jet Aviation International Inc., a charter jet company, has likely narrowed to two possible suitors: Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc. and a group of Saudis including Prince Bin Talal Al-Waleed, the same royal who made billions investing in Citigroup during the 1990s, sources said"

Maybe the ridiculous airport security is working after all so our friends are thinking of new ways to get into the cockpit?

I think the photo was selected mainly for Saudi home consumption (the folks back home). That's not unusual. You know some people including restaurant owners keep a whole wall full of photos showing themselves with various celebs and politicos.

Prince Bandar is well established in D.C. social circles where, it is my impression , he is known as a suave and charming character. And they say he excels in his role there. This is nothing to consider terribly important. The Nazis also had a suave guy who looked good in a tux. As I recall, his name was VonRibbontrop.

Although I know all this, I must admit I had an almost visceral reaction to the photo when I first saw it here last night. I just don't feel our guys are safe with them, and all the shmoozing in the world even with a blue-jeaned prince is not going to do much to ameliorate my discomfort or lessen my anxiety for the safety of ours guys over there.

These are my "relaxed fit" Levites. They can also be used as a Bedouin tent. I had them made at the factory in China, where the Premeir has locked himself in a darkened theater with a crate of baby wipes, watching an endless tape loop of 'Osama Does New York'. I like western clothing. My stewardesses have an account at Victoria's Secret.Islam means shopping!

Bandar: "George Dubya, do these jeans make my ass look fat?"

George W. keeps silent and starts spreading his hands apart wider and wider.

Bush is extremely confident in himself and his abilities. Look at how comfortable he looks on that fine sofa.
Let your opponent sit in the higher seat and look down at you. When you know you are right and have the ability to make glass out of desert, it makes sense to afford your enemy (excuse me, our friends the Saudis) the high ground and keep them off balance.

If Bush is sitting above terrorist sponsor, the sponsor will be nervous, agitated, and in a constant state of anxiety, on guard for the next attack, whether verbal or physical.

would not that be a great photo. Bush just kick starting his head off the floor, then wiping the blood off his boot onto his headdress.

Seems to me W has taken a cue from Toby Keith's "Angry American" - he looks poised to put his boot squarely in Bandar's ass!

There is much symbolism in this picture. As others have observed, W indeed looks much at ease, casually and effortlessly in control of the situation. Bandar looks like he's holding his breath. Also note the position of Bandar's left hand. Looks like he's holding himself. It's clear who's turf this is.

W is clearly the one communicating in this photo, while Bandar listens.

I did not like the photo, however, the implication seems to be that Bandar's been standing and possibly walking around, which may mean he's nervous. Or, it may mean he doesn't have much time. He'd like to go. I don't think Bush's sincere gesturing is going to do much good with him. Dubious.

No, Annelid, he's just recognizing that the Arabs currently living in the Trans-Jordan area are probably going to revert to their previous identities of being Jordanian Arabs again.

It never ceases to amaze me that after the lessons of two world wars, the world is still full of sheep who still haven't learned the costs of appeasing dictatorial tyrants:

U.S. Threats to Iraq Contested by Friend and Foe
[Link: www.reuters.com...]

I say, "to hell with them". I certainly don't think Europe has demonstrated anything remotely resembling leadership in the past 100 years.

Oh, and China? CHINA?!? Puh-leeze... do any of us seriously want to take direction from China???

Bush:

" Prince, there';s no way I can push Ariel Saron around. He's got balls this big . . ."

W: "Well, you see, it's like this...when you eat a whole bunch of barbecue, and then those three helpings of beans like you just did...well, half an hour later this creates gas which expands in your gut, causing you to feel discomfort.

"But how about them beans, weren't they tasty? It's all that bacon and pig fat we put in to cook 'em with. You sure couldn't get enough!"

Bush:

"Prince, if you could just spread your cheeks this wide, I'll try and squeeze my head in there for a big smootch."

"Prince have you seen my kneepads from your last visit?"

Maybe he's reciting some poetry eulogizing the palestinian m,artyrs like his colleague here in the UK.