A recent commentary in the Washington Post called "Failed Favoritism Towards Israel" written by Prince Turki al-Faisal, Saudi Arabia's former Ambassador to the U.S., is a warning (or should I say "threat"?) to America: stop supporting Israel or else.

But really, it's not just Israel.  The fact is that the prince and the ruling Saudi family really want the U.S. to stop supporting democracy and freedom altogether.  Al-Faisal states the following:

There will be disastrous consequences for U.S.-Saudi relations if the United States vetoes U.N. recognition of a Palestinian state. It would mark a nadir in the decades-long relationship as well as irrevocably damage the Israeli-Palestinian peace process and America's reputation among Arab nations. The ideological distance between the Muslim world and the West in general would widen -- and opportunities for friendship and cooperation between the two could vanish.

With his comments, the prince is trying to focus the American administration and Americans on the "self-determination" of the Palestinians, rather than the "self-determination" of his own people, not to mention other freedom-seeking citizens in the Middle East and Africa.  This is not the first time that Prince al-Faisal has blasted the administration for what he calls "favoritism" towards Israel's "occupation" of the land called Palestine.  From the moment President Obama was elected, al-Faisal has spoken out against U.S. support of Israel.  This time, he appears to have drafted an ultimatum.

Americans must recognize that this finger-pointing at Israel is just a distraction meant to earn sympathy for a new race of 20^th-century people, called "Palestinians," who want a homeland.  The prince never wants to talk about why Jordan, where many of these Arabs come from, and other Muslim countries are not willing to find a home for these Palestinians in the vast lands they occupy.  No, a Palestinian state must be created from the biblical land of the Jews, thus squeezing the latter within borders that are indefensible.

Anti-Semitism continues to run rampant as a rallying ideology that has been fed to Muslims for 1,400 years.  The prince, a spokesman for the Saudi family, Saudi citizens, and Muslims around the world, wants his society to remain a "Monarchy," governed by the Qu'ran, with the Western world led to "Sharia Law."  Jews, a people whose Torah created the model for democracy, are now being threatened by this prince, who feels empowered to instigate an even wider breach in American-Israeli relations than already exists thanks to Obama's administration.

This is a prince who is defending the Islamic political and social ideology and who understands that Israel is the only stronghold for democracy in the Middle East.  He cannot justify the economic, political, and social injustices in his society.  So, as occurs with many Muslim leaders, Israel and Jews become the focal point.  To delegitimize and eventually eliminate Israel is the universal goal of Muslims, leading to a continent of "true believers" and the spread of Islam in the Western world.  This is part of the continuing attempt to shut down the voices of democracy and freedom.

Fortunately, more and more Americans are becoming aware of the lack of equality and freedom that Islam and the Qu'ran preach to its followers.  But Americans are surely compromised by the need for Saudi support and stability (oil).  Prince al-Faisal writes:

American leaders have long called Israel an "indispensable" ally. They will soon learn that there are other players in the region -- not least the Arab street -- who are as, if not more, "indispensable." The game of favoritism toward Israel has not proven wise for Washington, and soon it will be shown to be an even greater folly.

Americans, you are being warned...and how Obama responds to this will be critical.  He might very well want to sell out Israel because of "oil power," the illusion of stability the Saudis bring to the area, and his own favoritism towards Islam.  However, one thing the prince has gotten right is that Obama will not be able to cozy up too much to the Saudis until after the 2012 election.  The royal family will support Obama's reelection, knowing the Republicans will not be so "politically correct."  (See for example Congressman Peter King.)

Meanwhile, let's take note that Israel is sitting on a huge deposit of oil and natural gas -- probably another reason this prince is speaking out so candidly and openly.  Oh, what the Arabs could do with more oil and gas resources...and think of how much less compromising Americans will need to be if the U.S. is able to shift some of its energy purchases to Israel.

The war is truly over the differences between two civilizations -- a democratic society versus one ruled by Sharia law -- but the battle is over Israel for now.