Iraq's future worries Saudis

The situation in Iraq continues to alarm its southern neighbour Saudi Arabia, the BBC's Heba Saleh reports from Riyadh.

Ordinary Saudis feel a sense of foreboding

Despite being a close American ally, Saudi Arabia was one of the most vocal opponents of the war against Iraq.

The Saudi Government continues to watch warily developments in its northern neighbour.

It is concerned Iraq might descend into chaos or even fail to stay united, leading to the creation of a new Shia state across the largely Sunni kingdom's border.

Another worry for the Saudi authorities has been the rising anti-American sentiment within the country.

Democracy rejected

The kingdom is a deeply conservative place.

Every detail of life here is governed by Islamic strictures.

The rise of the Shia Muslims in Iraq also causes unease

To many Saudis, America's invasion of Iraq has raised the prospect of unsettling change which could even reach their country.

Some are disconcerted by American talk about creating a new Middle East in which Iraq would serve as a beacon for democracy.

"Democracy as understood by Westerners is not to be desired," says Soliman, a young graduate of a religious college.

"Their democracy means applying the majority view, but in Islam, matters should be decided according to the Koran and the tradition of the prophet Mohammed and not according to the view of the people."

But in the markets of Riyadh, it is clear it is not only the religious conservatives who mistrust the Americans.

Public anger sparked by the war has turned into general suspicion about America's future intentions for the region.

'Jewish plot'

A woman I met in the marketplace said she thought there was a "Jewish plan".

"It's even in the Koran," she said.

[The Americans]... see all Arabs as prey

Man in Riyadh market

"I don't know what's going to happen to Saudi. Something will happen maybe in five years, six years."

A man I spoke to was equally distrustful.

"We hope the Americans will not get to the kingdom," he said.

"May they never come to the kingdom or approach it.

"But sure they have designs on the kingdom, they see all Arabs as prey."

Another man said: "Now that they can take all the oil from Iraq, that means they can press the Saudi people about prices. "

With so much suspicion, it is not surprising Saudis welcomed the recent announcement that American troops would no longer be stationed in their country.

Saudi Arabia has important strategic ties with the US but the war has strained them severely.

Regional impact

Mindful of public opinion, the government did not want the American troops on its soil to be used to attack Iraq.

It continues to worry about the regional impact of the war.

"We are still worried," said Abdel Mohsen El Akkas, head of the foreign relations committee in the king's consultative council.

"Our worry in the beginning was about how much pain and suffering will be inflicted on the Iraqi people. This is behind us now.

"The next step is how to maintain an Iraq that is united and prevent internal strife.

"I am not sure the picture is clear so far and if there is internal strife, how will it reflect on regional stability."

The American Secretary of State, Colin Powell, is due to visit the kingdom next week. He will discuss the future of Iraq with officials here.

But it will take more than a visit to calm the anxieties of Saudi Arabia.