NBC News is reporting that Saudi Prince Bandar, insider and longtime confidante of numerous U.S. presidents, may be quitting.
A senior western diplomat in Riyadh has confirmed to NBC News that Prince Bandar bin Sultan has tendered his resignation to Crown Prince Abdullah in recent days. “You can feel comfortable reporting that,” said the diplomat.Bandar, the long time Saudi ambassador to the United States and a key figure in the Saudi decision to permit U.S. bases in the Kingdom during the Gulf War, resigned, said the diplomat because of recurring health problems, depression being the most significant.
There have been persistent reports of Bandar's battle with depression over the last several years. Bandar is also reported to have had problems with over use of antidepressants.
Bandar has played a key, personal role in developing and guiding Saudi Arabia's strange relationship with the U.S. This would be a significant behind-the-scenes change.
Posted by Alan at June 26, 2005 04:22 PM