NationStates Jolt Archive

For many years the US has had vital trade relations with Saudi Arabia. We bought billions of barrels of Saudi oil, and sold them advanced weapons and technology. Both nations' governments viewed each other in a friendly light, though they disagreed on Israel. Still, Saudi Arabia funds the spread of Wahabi islam, which is virulently anti-western, anti-democratic, and opposed to the existance of any other religion. They even hate other kinds of muslims. It's a fact that the majority of the 9/11 hijackers were Saudis. Certain members of the Saudi family bankrolled Al Quaeda activities.
Recently they have engaged in a public relations campaign to clean up their image, and made some arrests of terrorists on their soil. They still remain a friend to radical islamist ideology. Is it time to finally stop treating them as allies and really pressure them to become more liberal? Can we even put any pressure on them considering how wedded we are to our gas-guzzling SUVs?

They have oil. Untill this runs out they are the US's buddy buddies. Once they have outlived their usefullness they will be dropped like a bad habit. It's the American way.

good post!

Personally I would have to say that Iraq was the wrong target but to invade Saudi Arabia ....no.

We didn't invade Saudi Arabia because it isn't feasible...not because they didn't deserve it.

International trade makes and stops war. Despite contrasting ideaologies China is a good friend of ours... why? Because we need them for the trade they provide us.

There has never ever been a war that was fought for something besides primarily monetary profit.

Right now, I think we're just feigning alliance until we are no longer dependant upon oil - otherwise I cannot stand the Saudis.

1. I *hate* the concept of a monarchy, and the House of Saud is not exempt from that
2. The law follows such archaic and unnessecary standards, and women have few to no rights
3. While the majority of Muslims are peace-loving people, in Saudi Arabia are *many* radical clerics preaching jihad

Tough call. While the Saudis are the thing that spreads fundementalism the most, we can't live with out them. If something caused the flow of their oil to be disrupted, the world economy would suffer. I'm hoping that Iraq was, in a way, a back-door attack: if a sucessful and liberal democracy is installed in Iraq, it'll spread to Saudi Arabia. In the best case scenario, a constitutional monarchy will be put into place.

They have oil. Untill this runs out they are the US's buddy buddies. Once they have outlived their usefullness they will be dropped like a bad habit. It's the American way.
this is smart--I agree with this

The Saudi Government is a friend of American Business, the Saudi people however have a less than friendly attitude torwards all things American.

They have oil. Untill this runs out they are the US's buddy buddies. Once they have outlived their usefullness they will be dropped like a bad habit. It's the American way.
Yup, you got it! Of course, YOU have outlived YOUR usefullness, so prepare to be dropped, you bad habit, you.

The Saudi Government is a friend of American Business, the Saudi people however have a less than friendly attitude torwards all things American.
the saudi people are mindless slaves

Yup, you got it! Of course, YOU have outlived YOUR usefullness, so prepare to be dropped, you bad habit, you.
In order to do that I would have to be a "friend" first.

In order to do that I would have to be a "friend" first.
this is logical rebuttle

the saudi people are mindless slaves

You should consider that they don't have the kind of free media and exchange of thoughts that we do in America (I know America's not COMPLETELY free, but I mean in comparison to Saudi). I think that can make it very hard on people to make decisions or to dissent.

You should consider that they don't have the kind of free media and exchange of thoughts that we do in America (I know America's not COMPLETELY free, but I mean in comparison to Saudi). I think that can make it very hard on people to make decisions or to dissent.
good point--this could happen in america too if the people dont overthrow foxnews, deport rupert murdoch and liberate the airwaves

I'd say that they are your friends, considering they own roughly 7% of America.

good point--this could happen in america too if the people dont overthrow foxnews, deport rupert murdoch and liberate the airwaves

Personally I don't like CNN and MSNBC because I think they're too leftist, but I would not ever want to overthrow them. One advantage of the American system, where there are multiple networks, is that you have the choice between multiple perspectives. You can then decide for yourself what you think is right. You and I are obviously making different choices--but the fact that we HAVE the right to choose is essential. In some places there is no such right, or if there is, it's very limited.