Saudi Arabia snubs US again

Reports from Saudi Arabia say it has cancelled its annual military co-operation talks with the United States in protest at what it sees as Washington's support for Israel.

The Saudi-owned Asharq al-Awsat newspaper confirmed the report, quoting Saudi sources as saying that the Saudi Defence Ministry had rejected an American request to reschedule the meeting, which was originally to have taken place last month.

No Saudi or American officials have yet confirmed the report.

If true, it would be the latest sign of Saudi Arabia's frustration over America's role in the Middle East.

Despite being a key American ally, Saudi Arabia has already snubbed the US once this year, with Crown Prince Abdullah -- who runs the country's day to day affairs -- turning down an invitation to the United States in May.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service