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| Saudi Arabia - Friend Or Foe? |
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| According to Webster's New World Dictionary, the definition of the word 'ally' is, "To unite or form a connection between."� Why then, does this not seem to hold true for one of the United States' supposed Middle Eastern allies, Saudi Arabia?� This kingdom, rich in oil and home to two of the holiest Islamic cities, Mecca and Medina, entered into peaceful relations with the United States in 1945, when Franklin Delano Roosevelt was president, and these official relations are supposed to hold true today.� It seems that after September 11, 2001, however, Saudi Arabia, an ally of ours, has become more like one of the many countries in that region that hate us so greatly. |
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| Let us begin with the events of September 11, 2001.� Fifteen of the nineteen hijackers on Sept. 11 were Saudi nationals, and according to a July 24, 2003, congressional report detailing many of the events surrounding and leading up to 9/11, these men "received visas in Saudi Arabia."� The report goes on to say that prior to 9/11 Saudi Arabia was quite "uncooperative" when it came to terrorism investigations by the United States, which makes one wonder about this alliance we supposedly have.� I would like to think that countries who are referred to as allies of one another would help each other out and make sure that all requests, within reason, are met, but unfortunately it does not seem that way here. |
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| Now the plot really thickens.� The aforementioned recent congressional report contains several blotted out portions, as do many government documents that have not been fully declassified, but that is not to say that certain people have not read what is beneath the black ink.� A U.S. government official who has read the classified portion was quoted last month saying it describes "direct involvement of senior [Saudi] government officials in a coordinated and methodical way directly to the hijackers."� That sure raises an eyebrow, if you ask me.� The government official goes on to say that the classified portion also contains "very direct, very specific links that cannot be passed off as rogue, isolated or coincidental."� Quite a bizarre way for a supposed ally to treat another, wouldn't you say? |
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| Saudi Arabia has questionable practices in other areas besides politics, however, as the country demonstrated just this past week when it declared a ban on Barbie dolls, the popular Mattel toy.� According to Saudi Arabia's religious police, Barbie dolls constitute a "threat to morality," not to mention it being a "Jewish doll."� Uh oh, here come those big bad Jews again!� Seriously though, since when did typical Jewish women become tall, blond, Playboy playmate look-a-likes?� I would like to know what synagogue the Saudi Arabian religious police go to, and if it is still accepting membership!� The Saudi religious police commented further on this ban on their website, where they posted the following message: "Jewish Barbie dolls, with their revealing clothes and shameful postures, accessories and tools are a symbol of decadence to the perverted West.� Let us beware of her dangers and be careful."� The perverted West, huh?� What a pleasant thing for an ally to say!� I do find it quite ironic that in a country where women have virtually no rights whatsoever, the religious police are concerned about a plastic toy corrupting the masses. |
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| So, is Saudi Arabia really one of our more loyal Middle Eastern allies?� In light of its recent record, I would say this alliance is questionable.� Don't get me wrong - I would love to be able to understand their mentality, but alas, I do not think it is possible.� After all, I am just a "perverted" Westerner. |
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Copyright Gerry Wachovsky, 2003, and Yahoo! Inc. All rights reserved. |
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Letters To The Editor Regarding This Article: |
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Right For Once? |
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(from September 22,2003) |
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