Bye, Bye Bandar

Prince Bandar
Why Washington's smoothest diplomat fell from favor.
Posted Wednesday, July 20, 2005, at 3:33 PM PT


Today Saudi Arabia's ambassador to the U.S., Prince Bandar Bin Sultan, announced his resignation, citing "private reasons." Although Bandar forged a strong relationship between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia for much of his 22-year career, relations have been strained since Sept. 11, 2001. David Plotz assessed "the Saudi Gatsby" and his fall from grace in October 2001. "The American media and American policymakers have finally realized that Bandar no longer speaks for his country and that his country, unfortunately, is not the kind of place he says it is," wrote Plotz. "Bandar wants it to be like the good old days, when he and President Bush could settle this over dinner and a stogie."

Poor Bandar, no more hanging out at the White House. No more Bandar Bush banter with George the first in Kennebunkport. Time to go home and be a prisoner in your own country in the royal family guilded cage. I'm sure he'll be fine and go on extended furloughs to Switzerland. Don't worry Bandar, the Osama followers will not make an example of the former Royal Family ambassador to the United States.