Would Saruman have been a reliable ally?

[Inziladun]

Originally Posted by Andsigil

Gandalf is among the most far-seeing and subtle thinkers in Middle Earth. I'm not sure how or what, but I think he would have found a way to get Saruman's help while relegating him to a position where he couldn't damage the cause.

Also, I think Gandalf was in a position to recognize true repentance, and would not have been deceived by falsity on Saruman's part. And as long as the Palantir of Orthanc was not available to Saruman, it's unclear how he would have been able to jeopardize the Quest in a meaningful way.