In its perverse way, this makes perfect sense. The Saudis are threatened by a pincer movement within their own borders: the religious militants of Wahhabism on the left, and the longsuffering, oppressed, covertly secular portion of their populace on the right. The vise threatens to squeeze the House of Saud out of power and into the dustbin of history.
But the Saudis cannot afford to propitiate either group without precipitating a civil war. As is usual for oligarchs, they've provided an explanation for their troubles, a devil-figure toward which to point the noses of their malcontents. As is usual for Muslims, they've picked the Jews.
If we strike Iraq -- soon, please -- Saudi Arabia's monarchy will not endure long afterward.
Francis,
I agree completely. I just hope you're right about the imminent demise of the Saudi monarchy. Unfortunately they have major allies in our State Dept. I think we need a housecleaning amongst our diplomats to clear the way for regime change in Saudi Arabia.
Stephen
In its perverse way, this makes perfect sense. The Saudis are threatened by a pincer movement within their own borders: the religious militants of Wahhabism on the left, and the longsuffering, oppressed, covertly secular portion of their populace on the right. The vise threatens to squeeze the House of Saud out of power and into the dustbin of history.
But the Saudis cannot afford to propitiate either group without precipitating a civil war. As is usual for oligarchs, they've provided an explanation for their troubles, a devil-figure toward which to point the noses of their malcontents. As is usual for Muslims, they've picked the Jews.
If we strike Iraq -- soon, please -- Saudi Arabia's monarchy will not endure long afterward.
Posted by: Francis W. Porretto on February 24, 2003 02:02 PMFrancis,
Posted by: Stephen Rittenberg on February 24, 2003 06:37 PMI agree completely. I just hope you're right about the imminent demise of the Saudi monarchy. Unfortunately they have major allies in our State Dept. I think we need a housecleaning amongst our diplomats to clear the way for regime change in Saudi Arabia.
Stephen