More thoughtful analysis on the problems we face in Saudi Arabia

This article from the BBC presents an interesting perspective on some of the issues facing us in the Gulf region. An interesting facet of the article is that it is saying that one of the reasons we invaded Iraq was to give ourselves a place to base our military that wasn't Saudi Arabia. The administration hoped that this would relieve pressure on the Saudis and they would in turn crack-down on militants in their country. This is interesting at a number of levels. First, our country, and especially this administration, prides itself on not giving in to terrorists. Can someone then explain to me why we did the first thing Bin Laden demanded after September 11, namely to withdraw troops from Saudi Arabia? So much for not showing the terrorists that their methods pay off.

Secondly, did anyone bother to tell the Saudis they were supposed to crack-down on the terrorists and militants in that country after we withdrew?

Lastly, exactly how would such a crack-down work if the royal family and the security forces are themselvs filled with people supporting the terrorists?