House of Bush

I just finished reading Craig Unger's House of Bush, House of Saud: The secret relationship between the world's two most powerful dynasties. It has a really detailed history of how the royal family established investment and friendly relationships with George W. Bush (the 40th and the 42nd prez), James Baker III, Dick Cheney, the Carlyle Group. Saudi money bailed many USAmerican companies out. In return, Saudis got the guarantee of security for their regime. This relationship was at its high point during the Reagan/Bush admins. During this period the US supported the Islamic militants that fought the soviets in Afghanistan, the development of the mujahideen, which lead to the ascendancy of Osama bin Laden and al-Qaeda. The Saudis were eager to get the Rebuplican party back in the White House and donated generously. They were repaid when in the aftermath of 9/11, when all planes were grounded, a select list of Saudis were allowed to leave the country and the Express VISA system was intact, even though some of the hijackers had gotten into the US exactly in that fashion. Bottom line: the relationship between the two Houses has fostered terrorism and then hindered the fight against it. I highly recommend the book. I may cover more details from here at a later point.
Recent news are quite concerning. The Associated Press reported today that U.S. officials have obtained new intelligence deemed highly credible indicating al-Qaida or other terrorists are in the United States and preparing to launch a major attack this summer. "There is clearly a steady drumbeat of information that they are going to attack and hit us hard," said the official, who described the intelligence as highly credible.
A report by the International Institute of Strategic Studies, claims that al-Qaeda has more than 18,000 potential terrorists scattered around the world and the war in Iraq is swelling its ranks. It may be seeking weapons of mass destruction in its desire to inflict as many casualties as possible. Although about half of al-Qaeda's top 30 leaders have been killed or captured, it has an effective leadership, with bin Laden apparently still playing a key role. Osama bin Laden's network appears to be operating in more than 60 nations, often in concert with local allies.
Frankly I see these reports and I get scared. Which is one more reason why I think Bush needs to leave office. His tactics in the self-proclaimed 'War against terrorism' have promoted greater instability and resentment against the West. Partly, as Richard Clarke's report reveals, for lack of understanding of the middle east. Partly because the Bush foreign policy is dictacted by neo-con ideologues with a manichean world view.
We need someone who can make the more powerful military nation in the world be respected for its sense of fairness and its ability to foment dialogue and problem resolution, and that is not unconforatable with relenquishing some of its dominance. The problems we face are real. The choice of strategy is crucial.