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| The Alliance |
| Do we have a problem with the Saudis? |
| 2001-10-31 |
Fifteen of the 19 men who hijacked four airliners Sept. 11 got their U.S. visas in Saudi Arabia, where obtaining the travel document is a pushover, it was reported yesterday. State Department records show that the 15 listed themselves as Saudi citizens, although some may have used phony identification, according to a story on The Washington Post Web site today. Just 3% of Saudi visa applicants were rejected by U.S. consular officers during the past two fiscal years, while about 25% were nixed worldwide. Saudis seeking visitors visas usually go through travel agencies, and U.S. diplomats call in only a small number for interviews. By contrast, travelers from countries like Iran or Iraq — listed by the U.S. as terrorism sponsors — often must wait weeks or months while their applications are scrutinized. Oh, golly. Wotta surprise. The sad part is that we've been at war with Saudi Arabia for 30 years and we're only just now starting to realize it. |
| Posted by:Fred Pruitt |