WikiLeaks Releases Large Tranche of Saudi Documents

WikiLeaks Releases Large Tranche of Saudi Documents

WikiLeaks, in partnership with Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar, began releasing what they say are hundreds of thousands of Saudi diplomatic cables on Friday. So far, more than 60,000 documents have been made available online. A spokesman for the Saudi Foreign Ministry said the leaked cables were related to a recent cyberattack and suggested that some of the documents were “clearly fabricated.” According to reports, the first tranche of documents contains no major revelations, but illustrates Saudi Arabia’s willingness to use its financial and religious resources in its diplomatic affairs. This includes clandestine discussions with Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood to pay for the release of ousted President Hosni Mubarak, requests from foreign politicians for patronage, and dispensations of thousands of pilgrimage visas to friendly politicians for distribution. The cables also demonstrate Saudi Arabia’s interest in Iran, tracking issues like the early stages of the international nuclear negotiations closely.