One of the Wikileaks cables gives new insight into President Obama’s embarrassing bow to Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah. The incident took place on April 1, 2009, at the G-20 summit in London. This was preceded by a March 15 meeting between the king and Ambassador Ford Fraker, Ambassador Clint Williamson, and White House counterterrorism adviser John Brennan, in which the king praised Mr. Obama effusively. A March 22 cable, classified SECRET, contained the following paragraph headed “THE WORLD NEEDS OBAMA:”
Brennan said President Obama looked forward to seeing the King at the G-20 summit in London. “Thank God for bringing Obama to the presidency,” the King answered, which has created “great hope” in the Muslim world. “May God grant him strength and patience, Abdullah continued, “May God protect him. I’m concerned about his personal safety. America and the world need such a president.”
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Clearly King Abdullah was speaking directly to Mr. Obama’s exalted self-image. No wonder the president bowed to the king when they met ten days later, it was the least he could do for someone who so clearly understood Mr. Obama’s central place in the world.
