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The Saudis: US Allies / Terror Sponsors
After 9/11, the US administration (and pretty much the whole of America) began lumping together terrorists into the same basket with those countries and groups that support terrorist organizations. In this equation, the Saudis were always the most problematic since the kingdom is a major sponsor of various kinds of terror, not least of which includes that directed at their own people (sound familiar?). Yet the Saudis are also staunch allies and friends of the US.
Well, here's yet another example of this profound irony.
At the close of the recent Israeli-Hamas "conflict," the Saudi king Abdullah pledged US$1 Billion to rebuilt Gaza. After seeing the horrific images of death and destruction that flowed out of the Palestinian territory over the past several weeks, few would object to such a gesture. But let's think about this a little deeper. How will the Saudi's donate this money to Gaza? Do you suppose they'll drop it from helicopters? Probably not. How about sending in Saudi diplomats to pass it out from door to door? Nope! Perhaps some NGOs will get a cut, maybe even the Red Crescent, to be sure. But almost without a doubt, the ones who will be entrusted with the largest portion of that huge sum of cash will be the territory's legal and democratically elected government: Hamas. Yes, the same Hamas that the Israelis and the US tell us incessantly is a terrorist organization.
The Saudis are close allies and friends of the US.
The Saudis give money to terrorist organizations.
Any questions?
Thanks for commenting and recommending.
Well, here's yet another example of this profound irony.
At the close of the recent Israeli-Hamas "conflict," the Saudi king Abdullah pledged US$1 Billion to rebuilt Gaza. After seeing the horrific images of death and destruction that flowed out of the Palestinian territory over the past several weeks, few would object to such a gesture. But let's think about this a little deeper. How will the Saudi's donate this money to Gaza? Do you suppose they'll drop it from helicopters? Probably not. How about sending in Saudi diplomats to pass it out from door to door? Nope! Perhaps some NGOs will get a cut, maybe even the Red Crescent, to be sure. But almost without a doubt, the ones who will be entrusted with the largest portion of that huge sum of cash will be the territory's legal and democratically elected government: Hamas. Yes, the same Hamas that the Israelis and the US tell us incessantly is a terrorist organization.
The Saudis are close allies and friends of the US.
The Saudis give money to terrorist organizations.
Any questions?
Thanks for commenting and recommending.
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Nothing's ever really simple, is it?
Many Saudis also provide funding for al-Quaida, and yet they provided basing and resources (fuel, most notably) in Gulf War I. They also put a peace plan which includes recognition of Israel within 1967 borders in front of the Arab League.
Me? I think Pakistan is the "ally" to mistrust. And they have nukes at the moment, unlike the Saudis, who are only making quiet moves in that direction.
January 27, 2009 10:37 PM | Reply | Permalink
The Saudis are US/Israeli allies and certainly will not be funneling any funds to Hamas. Israel is pushing hard to have complete control over reconstruction aid for Gaza, including demanding approval of every single building project.
It's a goal of US/Israel/Saudi policy that Hamas not be credited for anything and that Abbas be the ostensible channel for all goodies.
The pledge for aid was a CYA action on the part of the Saudis in order to mitigate all the flack they were getting for their approval of the attack on Gaza.
January 28, 2009 7:38 PM | Reply | Permalink