Saudi spy chief, architect of Syria policy, replaced

[jakeXT]

4. Saudi spy chief ousted under US pressure: experts

Dubai (AFP) - The exit of Saudi's spy chief was the result of US pressure over his stance on Syria but does not signal a shift in Riyadh's goal of toppling the Damascus regime, experts say.

Riyadh, as is usual, did not elaborate on its statement this week that Prince Bandar bin Sultan was being replaced, saying only that the veteran diplomat had asked to step down.

But a Saudi expert said that Washington -- irritated for some time by Prince Bandar's handling of the Syria dossier -- had in December demanded his removal.

...

One diplomat revealed that Prince Bandar had on that occasion angrily said Riyadh no longer considered the United States to be its principal ally and that it would instead be seeking support from France and other powers.

http://news.yahoo.com/saudi-spy-chief-ousted-under-us-pressure-experts-141420574.html