Decline of the Saudi role? I spoke to one of the best informed Arab journalists in Doha, Qatar. He is covering the Lebanese festival there. He tells me that the biggest story is the extent to which Saudi Arabia has been weakened. He tells me that UAE, Oman, and Kuwait were openly critical and even mocking of Saudi Arabia and its role. The weakness of Saudi Arabia has been reflected in the bargaining position of its clients in March 14. He tells me that Walid Jumblat has asked the US acting ambassador in Lebanon to officially ask the Bush administration to stop their praise for March 14 personalities, and of Fu'ad Sanyurah in particular.