Prince BandarWhy Washington's smoothest diplomat fell from favor.

Today Saudi Arabia's ambassador to the U.S., Prince Bandar Bin Sultan, announced his resignation, citing "private reasons." Although Bandar forged a strong relationship between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia for much of his 22-year career, relations have been strained since Sept. 11, 2001. David Plotz assessed "the Saudi Gatsby" and his fall from grace in October 2001. "The American media and American policymakers have finally realized that Bandar no longer speaks for his country and that his country, unfortunately, is not the kind of place he says it is," wrote Plotz. "Bandar wants it to be like the good old days, when he and President Bush could settle this over dinner and a stogie."

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