U.S. Relies On Saudi Arabia To Provide Support To Syria's Rebels

King Salman of Saudi Arabia and President Barack Obama in September at the White House. Credit Gary Cameron/Reuters

NYT: U.S. Relies Heavily on Saudi Money to Support Syrian Rebels

WASHINGTON — When President Obama secretly authorized the Central Intelligence Agency to begin arming Syria’s embattled rebels in 2013, the spy agency knew it would have a willing partner to help pay for the covert operation. It was the same partner the C.I.A. has relied on for decades for money and discretion in far-off conflicts: the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Since then, the C.I.A. and its Saudi counterpart have maintained an unusual arrangement for the rebel-training mission, which the Americans have code-named Timber Sycamore. Under the deal, current and former administration officials said, the Saudis contribute both weapons and large sums of money, and the C.I.A takes the lead in training the rebels on AK-47 assault rifles and tank-destroying missiles.

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Update #1: Kerry: US-Saudi Friendship Strong as Ever (VOA)
Update #2: After meeting with Kerry, Saudi FM says US well aware of Iran 'mischief' (i24 News)

WNU Editor: Why am I not surprised.