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>But I believe assassination of foreign leader is not a policy of the United States.... I think.
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In his book "See No Evil" (on which the upcoming film "Syriana" is loosely based), Robert Baer, retd. CIA, says that Reagan issued executive order 12333 in 1981 - an order which prohibits the CIA from conducting assasinations. Every officer has to read and initial it. I'm reading "See No Evil" now.

Baer's second book, "Sleeping With the Devil" http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1400050219/104-1981347-4839133?v=glance&n=283155&s=books&v=glance
, which I've read, is an overview of the origins of terrorism in the area and a damning portrait of corruption in the Saudi leadership, up to and including Saudi Arabia's support of militant Islamic groups, including al Qaeda. It's a page-turner, well-written and terrifying.

Despite the "Bush Doctrine", Bush's relationship with the Saudi leadership remains very cosy.