Mi Vida Loca » Should we be selling arms to Saudi Arabia?

Should we be selling arms to Saudi Arabia?

Published on August 8, 2007 By Locamama In International

We seem to look at Saudi Arabia as an ally. They are considered to be the most moderate country in the middle east that is supportive of the United States. The thing is that though the government seems to be more friendly to Americans, the Saudi citizens are not. Fifteen of the nineteen terrorists on 9/11 were from Saudi Arabia. There have been accusations of Saudi's financing Islamic fundamentalist, or are they terrorists? The U.S. government says that 45% of the foreign fighters in Iraq are Saudi. These are our friends? The reasoning behind the sale is to have a strong military presence in the middle east to keep Iran in check. I know that the 20 billion dollars from the sale is no small consideration. Saudi Arabia could buy these arms from Russia or another country besides the U.S.

So what is the real reasoning behind this deal? Does it have anything to do with the fact that we want to keep the oil flowing our directions? I'm cynical enough to think that is at least a part of the equation. We do need allies in the middle east other than Israel. I understand the desire to make sure that Iraq does become a moderate democratic country. The question remains if we will be successful in that endeavor. We don't need more fundamentalist like Iran threatening the world. The sad thing is that the people of Iran are more pro-American but the government definately is not. I hope we are doing something to support the resistance in Iran. The government there is treating their own people horribly.

The stability of the Saudi monarchy is also a cause for concern. It seems they have always had a precarious position as rulers. I know that Al-Queda wants them dead or out of power or both. They are constantly trying to appease the religous leaders in their country. The current rulers are aging. If the monarchy is overthrown, which I believe is a real possibility that must be considered, who will have control of these arms then? And of course Saudi Arabia has a horrible human rights record. They are still beheading people. Women have no rights. My husband has always said that the real reason they hate us is because in our country women have rights. The religous police beat and imprison people for minor transgressions (at least minor to my American eyes). They are virulently anti-Christian.

What is Saudi Arabia doing to help us? They are considering reopening their embassy in Iraq. They have voiced support the U.S. planned Middle East Peace Conference this fall. They have an anti-terrorism program that is intended to weaken Al-Queda ideology. Can they and should they do more? Absolutley. They should be discouraging or stopping their men from fighting in Iraq. They should be rooting out any fudning of terrorists activities by Saudi citizens. This plan will not come before Congress until the fall. It will be interesting to see what transpires on this issue. I am sure the Iraq report and decisions made based on it will be a huge consideration. Also if more and more people start to actively oppose the sale. I did read that a group of American Orthodox Jews are opposing the sale. We'll have to see if many more follow their lead.

Comments

Moderateman

on Aug 08, 2007

I am torn over this one, the Saudis are no friends to America, they NEED US AND WE NEED THEM, but friends, NOPE! I worry about new weapons falling into the wrong hands and the house of Saud is already on shaky legs.

Locamama

on Aug 08, 2007

I am torn over this one

I feel the same way. I understand that they can get the weapons elsewhere and that we need allies but at the same time there are many, many concerns.

Dr Guy

on Aug 08, 2007

they NEED US AND WE NEED THEM, but friends, NOPE!

That is really only what a nations friends are. A community of need. But they are on shaky legs, and that is worrisome.

cactoblasta

on Aug 08, 2007

America should dump them and/or occupy them. They are behind the worst terrorist ideologies of the last hundred years. They're the ones converting westerners to militant and aggressive Wahhabism. They're an enemy of the west, anti-democratic and corrupt to their eyeballs.

Before any progress can be made anywhere in the war on terror Saudi Arabia is going to have to be taught the error of its militant ways.

Jythier

on Aug 08, 2007

"Should we be selling arms to Saudi Arabia?"

Trafficking in ANY body parts is a big nono in my books.

What are they going to do with all those arms, anyway? Give the world a hug?

Moderateman

on Aug 08, 2007

(Citizen)cactoblastaAugust 8, 2007 17:12:29

Yikes! Lemmee write the time and date down, Cacto and I agree.

Locamama

on Aug 08, 2007

Yikes! Lemmee write the time and date down, Cacto and I agree.

It's an August miracle. How heartwarming - lol.

MasonM

on Aug 08, 2007

I think we should sell them all of the arms they want. As long as we aren't selling them legs it's cool.

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