Both the al Qaeda arrests and the prisoners' release were well known to U.S. intelligence. Therefore, the most interesting question is not only why the Saudis made the announcement, but also why now? It appears the Saudis are feeling the heat from an Egyptian investigation into al Qaeda's presence in Saudi Arabia, and they must therefore make a reluctant public show of support to the United States. However, they also must be careful to avoid being seen as Washington's puppet.
The Saudis are playing to two different audiences, the first of which is domestic. There are elements in the country, including influential Saudis, that are sympathetic to al Qaeda, and there are many more who are profoundly uncomfortable with the U.S. military's continuing presence. The Saudi government must move cautiously to placate these factions.
On the other hand, the Saudis also must play to the United States, which not only is a superpower capable of destabilizing the entire region, but also has military forces inside the kingdom. The Saudis use the Americans to protect the regional balance of power. They cannot afford a complete breach with the United States, and so are moving along a tightrope. They must convince the United States that they are cooperating against al Qaeda, while at the same time demonstrating to the domestic factions that they are not cooperating too much. Balance is everything.
The Saudis are playing to two different audiences, the first of which is domestic. There are elements in the country, including influential Saudis, that are sympathetic to al Qaeda, and there are many more who are profoundly uncomfortable with the U.S. military's continuing presence. The Saudi government must move cautiously to placate these factions.
On the other hand, the Saudis also must play to the United States, which not only is a superpower capable of destabilizing the entire region, but also has military forces inside the kingdom. The Saudis use the Americans to protect the regional balance of power. They cannot afford a complete breach with the United States, and so are moving along a tightrope. They must convince the United States that they are cooperating against al Qaeda, while at the same time demonstrating to the domestic factions that they are not cooperating too much. Balance is everything.