When American and British bombs began falling on Kabul and Kandahar the night of October 7, Iraq’s response was predictable. “Every true believer denounces this action,” declared Saddam Hussein. Iran was similarly displeased: “This attack which would result in the loss of life among civilians, and, therefore, they are not acceptable,” explained the Foreign Ministry. And in Egypt 20,000 student demonstrators put it even more succinctly: “U.S. go to hell.” Fortunately America’s longtime ally Saudi Arabia, with whom it fought a war ten years ago, rushed to its defense–with absolute silence.

Full Text: “Why Riyadh Stiffs America,” The New Republic. October 22, 2001.