The Saudi newspapers commented today editorially on a number of topics. Abha-based al-Watan commenting on the cable of US President Barack Obama to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz said the cable contained noble political meanings. The cable reflected the recognition of the biggest power in the world with the significant role which can be played by the Kingdom at the regional and international arenas, and at the same time it reflects the keenness of Washington on enhancing relations with its friends, said the paper. Pointing out to the dangerous challenges facing Obama like the financial crisis and the problems of the American intervention in Iraq and Afghanistan, the daily said Obama will be in need of America's traditional friends to help him in tackling problems of American military intervention. The daily noted that the most dangerous problem that may face Washington's foreign policy is the Arab-Israeli dispute adding that it is certain that Obama can never succeed in bringing about peace in the Middle east without the help of the influential powers in the region notably the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Moreover, the paper said any dialogue with the Muslims should take into account the weight of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the cradle of Islam, and the country where the Two Holy Mosques are located. The paper said at the same time the Kingdom and other GCC member states are aware of the important role of America as regard enhancing the pillars of peace and stability in the Arab gulf region which is the most important source of energy for the industrial countries. Riyadh and Washington are traditional friends and they have been maintaining an old strategic partnership, said the daily and added it is hoped that under the administration of Obama the bilateral relations will further be enhanced in a manner that will have a positive impact on the regional and international security and peace. --more
