THE KINGDOM MOVES AGAINST AL-QAEDA SYMPATHIZERS

The kingdom intensified its campaign to round up the al- Qaeda sympathizers and disrupt its network within the country. The serious campaign has been ceaseless ever since the May 12 suicide bombings against compounds housing Westerners. Nearly every week, there are news of clashes between government troops and members of the armed opposition. Arrests are common, though it is unclear how many are now detained. (The number most quoted in 600.)

The November 9 bombing in Riyadh (against residences housing other Muslims and Arabs) reveals that al Qaeda network still has a lot of life in it--though its methods should backfire. That the bin Laden network would conduct bad reconnaissance and murder as a result other Muslims and Arabs, instead of Westerners, is difficult to believe. More likely, the bombing of compounds housing other Muslims reflects the difficulty of reaching Westerners, who are very tightly protected. Too, impatience may have had much to do with the November 9 bombing. In fact, SPC had predicted in an earlier issue that impatience with the stalemate could tip the balance in favor of al-Qaeda operations within the Kingdom. Add to that the fact that some of al-Qaeda's leaders are currently based in Iran. Accordingly, they have to prove themselves to their host--to keep the Sunnis mobilized lest the United States' tenure in the region become permanent.

SPC estimates that the campaign will become a way of life in the Kingdom, until the al-Qaeda network is fully under control.

Additionally, the Saudi government has moved against Imams, firing hundreds, and banning more than 1500 of them from orating in mosques. (Yemen is reported to be importing moderate Imams from other countries.)