Neogtiating with the Saudis

There's a new Blog on the block, written by former British Ambassador to Sarajevo, Belgrade and Warsaw, Charles Crawford. Today he writes about the Saudi arms deal HERE. He analyses the result of this imaginary conversation...

S Arabia:

"Look, this corruption prosecution is just too much. Cut it out or all deals are off."

UK:

"You must be crazy. How can we stop it?"

S Arabia:

"You'll find a way. To be clear: the aircraft deal worth a gazillion dollars goes, plus we'll stop cooperating on terrorism"

UK:

"Look, if we do stop this we'll take an enormous domestic and international hit. Your venality got us into this mess. You need to deliver something serious too."

S Arabia:

(Thinks: "Phew. I've established the principle - now what's the price?") "OK, OK. We can do more on terrorism. We'll give you some cracking evidence to use against Osama Bin Liner whom you arrested recently."

UK:

"Not enough. We know that you have good stuff on Obama Bin Syko and Orama Bin Killin too. Let's have that as well."

S Arabia:

"If I hand all that over do we have a deal?"

UK:

"Yes. Why not quietly dispose of Odama Bin Nutta when he is your part of the world next week - we'll send you the flight details. But next time don't overdo the greed thing..."

S Arabia:

"Sorted. Oh, and we'll see you right on that Zappo fighter aircraft contract."

UK:

"I think that goes without saying."

S Arabia:

"Did I say anything ..?"

I suspect this blog needs to be added to my daily reads...