Meanwhile in Yemen

[W8taminute]

Posting to keep track of this news item.  Thanks for sharing LB. 

[LongBlade]

Op/Ed on the disintegration of America's alliances.

Over six years in office, Barack Obama has gone along way to unraveling the alliances – both formal and informal – that have been the framework for American geopolitical leadership since the end of World War II. Watching the Gulf states, in particular, try to fend for themselves in the absence of American power – as the Saudis are trying to do in Yemen and Syria – is painful and looks as though it will make things worse rather than better. King Salman's decision to pass up Camp David may be less an insult than a recognition that it would be a waste of time.

more at the link: http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/americas-collapsing-alliances_943617.html

[BanzaiCat]

"...gone along way..."?  ::)

[Martok]

Over six years in office, Barack Obama has gone along way to unraveling the alliances – both formal and informal – that have been the framework for American geopolitical leadership since the end of World War II. Watching the Gulf states, in particular, try to fend for themselves in the absence of American power – as the Saudis are trying to do in Yemen and Syria – is painful and looks as though it will make things worse rather than better. King Salman's decision to pass up Camp David may be less an insult than a recognition that it would be a waste of time.

Honestly, that was the first thought that went through my head when I first heard Salman wasn't attending.  Why would he bother to go? 

[LongBlade]

Over six years in office, Barack Obama has gone along way to unraveling the alliances – both formal and informal – that have been the framework for American geopolitical leadership since the end of World War II. Watching the Gulf states, in particular, try to fend for themselves in the absence of American power – as the Saudis are trying to do in Yemen and Syria – is painful and looks as though it will make things worse rather than better. King Salman's decision to pass up Camp David may be less an insult than a recognition that it would be a waste of time.

Honestly, that was the first thought that went through my head when I first heard Salman wasn't attending.  Why would he bother to go?

It's a huge insult.

Some of the op/eds I'm reading suggest that it's in response to O's bungling of the Iran negotiations. If O can't get Iran right, there's probably no point in talking with him about anything else.

[Nefaro]

Over six years in office, Barack Obama has gone along way to unraveling the alliances – both formal and informal – that have been the framework for American geopolitical leadership since the end of World War II. Watching the Gulf states, in particular, try to fend for themselves in the absence of American power – as the Saudis are trying to do in Yemen and Syria – is painful and looks as though it will make things worse rather than better. King Salman's decision to pass up Camp David may be less an insult than a recognition that it would be a waste of time.

Honestly, that was the first thought that went through my head when I first heard Salman wasn't attending.  Why would he bother to go?

I recall some Saudi paper mentioning the king's reason for skipping as being, (paraphrased): " why should the king travel to Camp David in order to hear the President's pretty voice talking up his own media?".   Blunt and to the point. 

I guess they've come to expect Maobama to be a bunch of hot air babbling for the cameras but being generally useless.  Obviously he's pissed off many of the gulf states with his lame Iran deal.

[LongBlade]

It's officially an insult:

King Hamad bin Issa al-Khalifa of Bahrain won't attend President Obama's Gulf Arab summit in Washington this week and instead is expected at a London horse show, according to media reports.

source: http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/may/13/king-bahrain-snubs-obama-summit-horse-show-report/

[Gusington]

A horse show? Instead of the dog and pony show? Inconceivable.

[Martok]

[bayonetbrant]

it means he can't get pregnant

[GDS_Starfury]

but Mirth and I keep trying.

[LongBlade]

In a major plot twist, Iran has announced that it will not allow inspections of its nuke program under any circumstances.

Golly, I did not see that coming.  ::)

Iran's supreme leader vowed Wednesday he will not allow international inspection of Iran's military sites or access to Iranian scientists under any nuclear agreement with world powers.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei told military commanders Wednesday that Iran will resist "coercion and excessive demands" from America and other world powers

Source: http://www.foxnews.com/world/2015/05/20/iran-supreme-leader-rejects-idea-foreign-access-to-military-sites-or-scientists/?intcmp=latestnews

[GDS_Starfury]

but... but... but it was obamas best foreign deal ever.
possibly the best treaty in all of history.

[Gusington]

I am shocked and appalled. No wait...just appalled.

[mirth]

What the hell are these idiots thinking going after a Burke?

https://www.yahoo.com/news/u-navy-destroyer-again-targeted-missiles-yemen-u-175236613.html

They may regret the choice when we start launching Tomahawks in return.