WASHINGTON -- The U.S.-Saudi relationship is again engulfed in controversy. Did a Saudi princess, and wife of the Saudi ambassador to the United States, give money to two of the 9/11 hijackers? Yet again, both governments are paying a high price for their unnatural friendship.
It seems implausible that a prominent Saudi royal would intentionally aid terrorists. But today Riyadh has little credibility since it is widely acknowledged that Saudi money has flowed into al-Qaeda's coffers.
Washington cannot force Saudi Arabia to accept political or religious freedom. But it can insist that Riyadh turn off the financial spigot for terrorists. The U.S. must do so even if it means loosening the two governments' friendly embrace.