Kesher Talk

The linchpin is London-based multi-millionaire, Wafik Said, a Syrian who holds Saudi citizenship. Said arranged a massive defense contract between Britain and Saudi Arabia known as the Al-Yamamah project.

Said has earned millions of dollars from arms deals between Britain and Saudi Arabia. Said is also a close friend of Bashir Assad. He is one of the biggest investors in Syria. He, together with Rafik Harari, the Lebanese Prime Minister, and a firm called Barakah (thought to be linked to Al-Qaida) set up a consortium two years ago for investing in Syria.

Syria, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, and Britain owe something to Wafik Said who is using his connections not only for economic reasons but for diplomatic purposes as well. These connections assure Bashir Assad of British support, even in the face of heavy American pressure. Only last week Assad received a reassuring phone call from Tony Blair. This was quickly followed by Britain's Foreign Minister dismissing U.S. accusations against Syria.

posted by William @ 4/27/2003 07:57:45 AM