If I said this was surprising I’d be a big fat liar. The reason I’m reporting that Saudis are funding the Iraq insurgency is not that I expect anyone will be unaware of it, but rather in the interest of contrasting presidential rhetoric with reality.

Two high-ranking Iraqi officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the issue’s sensitivity, told the AP most of the Saudi money comes from private donations, called zakat, collected for Islamic causes and charities.

Some Saudis appear to know the money is headed to Iraq’s insurgents, but others merely give it to clerics who channel it to anti-coalition forces, the officials said.

So not always insurgents, my bad. Sometimes just anti-coalition forces. Much better. But keep in mind the Iran/Syria chanting that goes on, the talks about cutting off the funding for terrorists, eliminating safe havens for terrorists, and toppling oppressive regimes in the fight for liberty.

Saudi Arabia. The home of the Bin Ladens, where 15 of the 19 hijackers came from, and the most oppressive regime in the area, who is now funneling millions to Iraq insurgents. And they’re an ally.