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Mystery Surrounding Retirement of Saudi Ambassador to US

Only after just 15 months in office, the Saudi Arabian ambassador to the United States, Prince Turki al-Faisal, has announced his resignation from his post and will return home. The move has come as a surprise to many, especially since no official reason for the resignation was given to authorities. While al-Faisal has hinted that he may be taking up a more senior post in Saudi Arabia, others have noted that he may want to spend more time with his family.

Saudi Arabia has always enjoyed excellent relationships with the United States. It is one of the west?s greatest allies in the Middle East and the role of ambassador to the U.S. is considered by many to be a crucial link. The previous position was held by Prince Bandar bin-Sultan ? a post that he served for 22 years. Many feel that Prince Turki?s departure could serve a further blow to the United States? already low image in the Middle East. It is imperative that the US, now ? more than ever ? maintain close ties with its allies and develop open dialogue.

In his brief tenure, Prince Turki was openly critical about the United States? relationship with the state of Israel. He urged American leadership more than once to pressure Israel into giving up land that was held by the Arabs before 1967 and relinquishing control over the country?s capital, Jerusalem. While the Saudi embassy said that the prince was returning to Riyadh to spend more time with family, experts feel that there is deeper meaning behind his retirement after such a short period of time.