Project Iran

Today the WaPo has an article "Civil War in Iraq Near, Annan Says" with this tidbit:

Saudi Arabia is so concerned about the damage that the conflict in Iraq is doing across the region that it basically summoned Vice President Cheney for talks over the weekend, according to U.S. officials and foreign diplomats. The visit was originally portrayed as U.S. outreach to its oil-rich Arab ally.

This is a new angle, last week the reason for the trip was to reassure the Saudi's that we wouldn't pack up and leave. If the new explanation is to be believed, the Saudis must be really disturbed if the US sends Cheney (rather than Rice or some other flunky).
I'm doubtful about this new explanation, as well. It's becoming more clear that Project Iran is on the front burner. There is a drumbeat of accusations about Iran training and Iran supplying from the usual anonymous sources. Cheney goes to Riyadh to keep the Saudis on board and to reveal what he wants about the Project.
As for timing, it's interesting that Gates takeover at the Pentagon may be put off until the end of December. This is purportedly to allow Rumsfeld to become the longest serving SecDef, a big national priority.