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moodymonster · Dec 12, 2006, 10:24 AM

Prince Turki al-Faisal, Saudi Arabia's ambassador to the United States, flew out of Washington yesterday after informing Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and his staff that he would be leaving the post after only 15 months on the job, according to U.S. officials and foreign envoys. There has been no formal announcement from the kingdom.

The abrupt departure is particularly striking because his predecessor, Prince Bandar bin Sultan, spent 22 years on the job. The Saudi ambassador is one of the most influential diplomatic positions in Washington and is arguably the most important overseas post for the oil-rich desert kingdom.

Turki, a long-serving former intelligence chief, told his staff yesterday afternoon that he wanted to spend more time with his family, according to Arab diplomats. Colleagues said they were shocked at the decision.
...

http://www.saudi-us-relations.org/ar...departure.html
http://www.kuna.net.kw/Home/Story.as...mp;DSNO=933473

curious, could be significant.

Dakar² · Dec 12, 2006, 10:30 AM

Here comes a terror attack.

moodymonster · Dec 12, 2006, 10:35 AM

not necessarily - could be to do with Saudi becoming more concerned with what might happen in the region - namely a US/UK pullout of Iraq coupled with a powerful Iran (Shia majority). Iraq(Sunni ruled) traditionally countered Iran.

Or could be that the Saudi Foreign Minister or King has died.

Or he could just want to go home.

but I'm just speculating

Dakar² · Dec 12, 2006, 10:40 AM

I don't think it's likely at all -- but oddly it was my first thought.

moodymonster · Dec 12, 2006, 10:53 AM

then again:

Other speculation focused on the fact that his departure came a few days before September 11th. One conjecture suggested that Turki had found out about the planned attacks and was trying to dissuade bin Laden. His failure to do so, or his failure to report his prior knowledge, could have precipitated his dismissal as intelligence chief.

A few days after 9-11, an aircraft carrying 31 Saudi nationals departed the United States. Some reports claim that among the passengers was Prince Turki bin Faisal. One of Prince Turki's brother was also said to be on board the flight.

Prince Turki bin Faisal ibn Abdul Aziz Al Saud
Anger Management Course: What happens in Vegas...

marden · Dec 12, 2006, 01:05 PM

Prince Turki al-Faisal - ForaTv

Here's a video of him speaking in N. California some months ago.