From The New York Times...
Worried Saudis Try to Improve Image in the U.S.
By CHRISTOPHER MARQUIS
\"WASHINGTON, Aug. 28 — The Saudi government has spent millions of dollars on well-connected lobbyists and national television advertisements since Sept. 11 in a drive to improve its image among Americans and is poised to spend more as the anniversary of the events approaches.
Saudi officials said the publicity was intended to counter intensified anger or skepticism among Americans toward their country, which was home to 15 of the 19 hijackers and which has clashed publicly with the Bush administration over a possible attack against Iraq.
A striking sign of the Saudis\' eagerness to reach out to the United States has been an 11th-hour scramble within the royal family to find a gesture of solidarity with the American people on the anniversary of the attacks.
The royal family has considered presenting the racehorse that won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes this year as a gift to the victims\' families, according to one adviser to the family. The horse, War Emblem, which was owned by Prince Ahmed bin Salman, who died in July, would be part of the commemoration at Ground Zero.\"
The full article is available on the web,I thought this might be of interest to some because of the horse..
What are they supposed to do with him?
David writes: \"What are they supposed to do with him?\"
Measure him. If he\'s not at least 11 feet long, throw him back.
Just when it looks like this board might be losing its sense of humor,you come through, Alydar....
It\'s all apparently a hoax. Mulhall says he never heard anything about it and they\'re not donating the horse. Question: the Saudi royal family is spending tons of money putting these commercials on racing shows (at least in Los Angeles) trying to rebuild their image post-9/11. Why are they costing themselves so much in PR by not splitting the Derby bonus as if they needed it even though I agree with their position legally, and why not donate this horse who doesn\'t look like he has much left besides a stud career (which won\'t be too much with his pedigree)? In any event, no strike! Play ball!