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Arabia
Obama's Saudi predicament
2011-04-08
Posted by:ryuge

#5  It should be a long-term goal. Right after energy independence.
Posted by: Anguper Hupomosing9418   2011-04-08 18:54  

#4  The deep structural tensions generated by a 21st-century Westernized elite existing within a 15th-century Saudi social structure have been papered over for decades by oil wealth. If this strange social contract begins to fray, it might tear completely. And over in the eastern quarter, adjacent to Bahrain, where most of Saudi ArabiaÂ’s oil reserves are located, sits a restive Shiite minority who have been treated as second-class citizens for decades.

You know what? Let the Pakistanis be the ones who get all "Front line fire!" on angry Shia and teenagers who just want to watch porno without going to prison. I don't want us to have anything to do with that. In fact, I would rather we had nothing to do with the House of Saud at all... though it's difficult to see how right now. It should be a long-term goal.
Posted by: Secret Master   2011-04-08 14:59  

#3  The Sauds used to have about a division's worth of Pak troops at one time. They've cooperated for a long time.
Posted by: Zebulon Thranter9685   2011-04-08 14:35  

#2  Abdullah is reportedly making arrangements for Pakistani troops to enter his kingdom should the need to suppress popular demonstrations arise.

Now there's a sobering thought. How desperate would you have to be to even consider such a thing?
Posted by: Ebbang Uluque6305   2011-04-08 13:43  

#1  Historically, in times of trouble, Saudi kings have depended on American presidents to guarantee their external security. But at this moment of crisis, Abdullahviews President Obama as a threat to his internal security.

Obummer ticked off the king and now he is going to Russia and China for trade and security. More Amateur Hour from the One. Never was ready for prime time.
Posted by: JohnQC   2011-04-08 13:22  

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