Saudis are every bit our enemy as Saddam was. They just do a good job of pretending they are our “friends.”
I have not always been a big fan of Egypt, Syria, Saudi Arabia, and Libya.
Some of the reasons have been pretty obvious.
If we have leaned nothing from the situations in Iran, and these other nations though, it’s a mistake.
Are the situations in these nations better today than they were before their governments were replaced? (those that have been)
I would submit they aren’t. Look at Iran after the Shah. Look at Libya, Egypt, and Syria. We don’t know how those will shake out.
I still believe that Saudi Arabia could turn out to be much worse than it is today, if it were destabilized.
I do not believe Saudi Arabia wants to see the West destroyed. It has large investments in the West. If it truly wanted to, it could have caused a lot more trouble for us then it has.
Back in the days when OPEC proceedings were a lot more public, Saudi Arabia was the moderating voice a number of times on behalf of the West. It’s working relationship with the Bush family should be cause for folks to understand it isn’t our enemy, not that it is.
We believe a number of the 09/11 hijackers were from Saudi Arabia. I think that is more a source of embarrassment for the King, than something he coordinated.
Think about it. Saudi Arabia has tens of thousands of young citizens in our nation on student Visas. If it had wanted, there wouldn’t have only been 25 or so terrorists on 09/11. There could easily have been thousands.
Can we expect the Saudi Leadership to keep every single one of their subjects under control? Hell, we can’t keep our people under control. We have them flying off to join ISIS now.
For the record, I have advocated eliminating the Saudi Student Visa program. I have mixed thoughts on it, because overall it is a symbol of good relations with the Saudis. I still think there’s too much exposure, and we should put an end to it.
We may get to see Saudi Arabia’s leadership change. If we do, I hope I’m wrong, because I see real problems if it takes place.
The sect if Islam in Saudi Arabia is very anti-U. S. The current leadership isn’t. Look out if there is no agent of restraint on the anti-U. S. sentiments that exist there.