NY Times reports that Saudis support Al-Qaeda linked jihadists

The New York Times reports that Saudi Arabia supports Al-Qaeda linked terrorists in Syria

“...the kingdom now supports Islamist rebels in Syria who often fight alongside Qaeda groups like the Nusra Front. The Saudis say they have little choice...they believe they must now back whoever can help them defeat Mr. Assad’s forces and his Iranian allies.”

End quote from the NY Times, January 5, 2014, p. A10.Michael Hoffman’s question: Since the US has expended trillions of dollars and thousands of American lives purportedly battling Al Qaeda as part of President George W. Bush’s War on Terror (waged by President Obama as well), how is it that Saudi Arabia, an American-supported “ally” is not under sanctions or threat of diplomatic or military action in view of the fact that its proxy troops are fighting alongside Al Qaeda terrorists in Syria? If Al Qaeda was responsible for the 9/11 terror attacks in New York City, how can the US government in any way continue to support Al Qaeda-linked Saudi Arabia?