Haven't they heard walls don't work. They better consult the Mexican Governement before they start building.

http://www.gulfnews.com/region/Saudi_Ar ... 70807.html

Published: 09/28/2006 12:00 AM (UAE)


Saudis plan fence along Iraq border
AP



Riyadh: In a sign of regional concern over terrorism, Saudi Arabia is pushing ahead with plans to build a fence along its entire 900km border with Iraq to prevent terrorists from entering the kingdom from the chaotic northern neighbour.

The barrier, which will likely take five to six years to complete, is part of a $12 billion (about Dh44.16 billion) package of measures including electronic sensors, bases and physical barriers to protect the kingdom from external threats, said Nawaf Obaid, a security adviser to the Saudi government.

The ambitious project reflects not only concern over terrorism but also growing alarm over the situation in Iraq, where US forces are struggling to prevent Sunni-Shiite violence from escalating to full-scale civil war.

All of Iraq's neighbours, including the Saudis, fear that violence could spill over the borders and threaten their own security.

For the Saudis, those threats could come from Saudi militants returning home to continue the struggle against the pro-US monarchy or from Shiite extremists seeking to stir up trouble among the country's Shiite minority.

Since 2004, Saudi Arabia has spent about $1.8 billion (about Dh6.6 billion) to shore up its defences along the border with Iraq.

US and Iraqi officials have long complained about Saudi extremists crossing into Iraq mostly through Syria to join the battle against American and coalition forces.