Saudis

Saudis heave Bush over the side as "loyal Bushies" begin to eat their own

What a shame. Even the pushers won't sell to the man anymore. WaPo's Jim Hoagland:

President Bush enjoys hosting formal state dinners about as much as having a root canal. Or proposing tax increases. So his decision to schedule a mid-April White House gala for Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah signified the president's high regard for an Arab monarch who is also a Bush family friend.

Now the White House ponders what Abdullah's sudden and sparsely explained cancellation of the dinner signifies. Nothing good.

Well, that remains to be seen.

Abdullah's reluctance to be seen socializing at the White House this spring reflects two related dynamics: a scampering back by the Saudis to their traditional caution in trying to balance regional forces, and their displeasure with negative U.S. reaction to their decision to return to co-opting or placating foes.

The Saudis don't want to be seen with Bush? Heck, there's a whole continent over here that feels that way!

And now, the quote of the week, as the "loyal Bushies" begin to eat their own: