William Sampson
Canadian |
Alexander Mitchell
British |
| The Saudis are presenting
the affair as a feud among foreigners with no Saudi involvement.
One diplomat said: "It is the only theory that holds water, but it also happens to be a very convenient one for the Saudis." But for some expatriates and Western diplomats, this cannot be the complete story. Why would foreigners draw attention to their alcohol trade by planting bombs? Why did the three accused confess on TV? And if they really are involved in smuggling, who are the suppliers? Some observers put forward the theory of a Saudi vigilante group attacking alcohol smugglers. Others suggest that the bombings are not a feud between foreign smugglers, but between Saudis. A Western diplomat said: "The people who have been accused are just small fry." The diplomat said: "It is a multi-million dollar business and where there is money on that scale it is inconceivable that Saudis are not behind it. It is rumoured that a general is involved and, if true, that would implicate some of the princes in the royal family. The confessions seem to be a deal to protect the big people behind them." Source: Electronic Telegraph London, UK |