Saudi Arabia: Why America Cares
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- Opinions And Editorials
Author: Dr. Paul J. Nance
Released 9 June 2003
Reference is made to May 18 front-page article in the Kansas City Star questioning ambivalence toward terrorism that frustrates the U.S.
First, ambivalence toward Saudi Arabia, Palestinians and other Arabs and Muslims needs also to be addressed. Since 1945, by agreement between FDR and the late King Ibn Sa‘ud there has been a “special relationship” between Saudi Arabia and the U.S. The U.S. was to provide security and SA was to provide oil. This has been accomplished for some sixty years.
However, the U.S., Israel and much of the world has ignored the necessity for enforcement of UN resolutions to end occupation of Palestinian lands. The devastation of this people by Israel through support by the U.S. with money and arms (intended only for defensive purposes) is one of the main factors fuelling hatred toward the US and giving rise to terrorism among those without hope for justice.
With respect to terrorism, the U.S. has supported whatever form of fighting, which occurred by Afghanistan against Russia and by Iraq against Iran. Then by its pre-emptive strike without UN support, the U.S. has removed a regime against the wishes of the Arab neighbors who were trying to achieve a “peaceful” resolution of Saddam Hussein’s tyranny.
The U.S. is suspected of little regard for the rights of Arabs to choose their own leadership and respect for their culture and religion. The Iraq War was commenced without adequate thought to its aftermath and is still wavering with changes in people chosen to accomplish the task of nation building, which for a long time the Bush administration has shown no interest to accomplish.
What about the support of the Al Qaida by Saudi Arabia? Yes, Saudi Arabia has supported Muslim causes, but extremism is another matter, just as it is in the United States when fringe individuals lose respect for the law and human rights.
The blame for the Wahhabis may well be considered in light of their origin, what good they have done in restoring faith in one God in the 18th C with their partnership with the Sa’ud family, which continues today. Yes, there have been occasional abuses, such as in Mecca when religious leaders drove back Saudi girls without proper dress into a burning school. But the culprits were arrested and Crown Prince Abdullah removed the schools from religious leaders’ direction and placed them under the Ministry of Education. He also ordered the review of the curriculum and is implementing changes to remove objectionable material.
The continued allegation that women’s status has not improved is unfair. There is much to show that choice of extent of veiling is left to individuals. Community groups in every town and village give women a chance to air their views and seek improvements in their society. Equal education opportunity through college has brought many women into professions and their own businesses. Saudi Arabia is faced with a burgeoning population growth and unemployment and needs additional economic opportunities. Steps are being taken to control the flow of funds to terrorist activities. But what support has the U.S. given to Crown Prince Abdullah when he boldly offered a Palestine-Israeli initiative last December, supported by all Arab countries? The Bush administration with the Quartet fashioned the Road Plan with Israeli and Zionist inputs. This indicates political timing and not a sincere desire to work with the Arabs. Even now, it is questionable that the Road Plan can succeed in view of the continued ignoring of the UN resolutions to end occupation and a somewhat more level playing field for negotiations.
There may be some conflict within the Royal family in view of the imminent death of King Fahd and his succession. But the Crown Prince Abdullah would normally be expected to replace Fahd as he has since 1996 with Fahd’s illness. The Saudis also have a practice of consensus in the Royal family in the final choice. Three Sudayri brothers and one son of Fahd and possibly other sons are contending. This has not made it easier for Abdullah to govern. But succession has been smooth for the last fifty years, when the founder of modern Saudi Arabia King Ibn Sa‘ud died.
At the Riyadh compounds, had National Guard security stopped vehicles outside the entrance and with trained weapons, searched the occupants and vehicles, would the catastrophe have been avoided? Possibly. But we have to remember that suicide bombers have been known to ram through and murder security personnel when they barge into compounds.
Why I care about Saudi Arabia is that I spent three decades living and working there, made many friends and learned about the culture. Two decades ago, I established the Nance Museum to better inform the American public about the Arabs’ traditions and their commitment to their faith, tribes and families. I also care about what happens in the U.S. to our civil liberties and a foreign policy that is just.