Saudi

[Grasshopper]

Ultra-conservative Wahabbist theological disposition.

Constitutionally prejudiced against women and Jews.

Home to ninety percent of 9/11 terrorists

Staunch ally of the United States.

Anyone else confused?

 

[simmo]

possesses 17% of the worlds petroleum reserves and is the largest exporter of petroleum.

Confused no more.

 

[clivex]

read a pretty good book on saudi a year or so back. balanced reportage but it cant hide the face that it is a pretty vile place. Having said that, the authroities are no supporters of AQ despite the near shared philosiphy and have taken some surprisingly effective non violent steps to counter its influence

 

[harry]

They ban women drivers: they have some sense

 

[trackside528]

Why are you surprised, Grasshopper?

Since when have the Americans had any difficulty strategically aligning themselves with countries with starkly contrasting political or moral dispositions?

Strategically, the countries geopolitical interests are relatively aligned. Put simplistically, both are against Assad in Syria and against a nuclear weapon in Iran. Indeed, given the depth of Saudi hatred and/or paranoia towards Iran, the Americans are surely reasonable in keeping the Saudis onside in Syria. Better that than they dump a pile of weapons into the hands of Islamic extremists.

 

[Grasshopper]

I never said I was surprised, Tracks.....only confused.

You miss my point anyway.

The 'extremists' tend to be Sunni's insofar as AQ and affliates are concerned. Shia-dominated communities are even more at threat of Sunni/Wahhabist/Salafist lunatics than the Yanks are.

My enemies enemy is my friend is turned on it's head, as far as US engagement with Middle-Eastern states are concerned....hence my confusion.