|
|
Paul Perry writes a weekly opinion
column for his local daily paper. Following is a sampling of those
articles. All were originally published in the Waxahachie Daily Light, although some were subsequently published elsewhere, such as in DallasBlog.com.
|
Paul D. Perry
Published July 13, 2008
The Saudi Hypocrisy
Friends of mine have traveled to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia over the years, engaging in various types of business. From working in the oil biz to installing golf courses to pursuing various government-related matters, they all have made a similar observation: The Saudis' ruling hierarchy maintains its power by making sure that a lot of goodies flow to its people.
Since Saudi leadership is basically hereditary, it is probably a good thing that what is in effect a family oligopoly shares its oil wealth. Historically, it all sounds very Roman, ancient Roman; the gladiatorial games were used to distract Romans from the deeds of their government, not to mention the lifestyles of their rulers. The Roman leadership also bought off the locals with food and wine. In truth, the Saudi royal family is far more generous than families in similar circumstances throughout history, but does that largesse create more problems?
The ruling Saudis, while extremely well-to-do, know that they are greatly outnumbered by those members of their society who are not entitled to share in the oil wealth that the ruling family controls. It can be argued that the royals are buying off the local folk. The ruling clique likes its power and privilege, and its members know how to stay in power. A byproduct is that a large number of Saudi citizenry resent their leadership.
The Saudi people often are overly dependent and not as industrious as they might be without the handouts. This set of conditions has created problems. Domestic terrorism, committed by radicals, is a problem. Indeed, many argue Saudi society is providing a recruiting ground for al-Qaeda.
There is another wrinkle. Many of those who inhabit this pool of oil that supports the great sand trap are very religious - and we are not talking devout Methodists. They adhere to an extreme interpretation of Islam called Wahabi. It is no coincidence in my mind that Osama bin Laden and the majority of the 9-11 bombers were Saudi and followers of the more extreme Islamic sect. As everyone knows, 9-11 bombers were under Osama bin Laden's control.
These folks are supposed to be our allies? Where does Osama get his money? He received a lot of it form his family. His family is firmly ensconced in the ruling clique of Saudi Arabia. Michael Scheur, a former CIA analyst and the author of Imperial Hubris (Brassey's, 2004, formerly published under the authorship of "anonymous"), makes the point that Saudi Arabia helps to finance militant Muslims of the Sunni sect in Afghanistan.
What is going on? I think the Saudis are playing a very complicated game. The average Saudi has become accustomed to cradle-to-grave benefits financed by oil revenue. Those same people are often militant and opposed to the West as well as their own ruling family who are providing the goodies. The royals have more secular tastes and attitudes and sympathize more with the West. They also have concerns about who runs other countries in the Middle East. They wish to see governments friendly to their interests who will not anger their religious extremists, all while members of the ruling clique use private jets to travel to the fleshpots and gambling halls of the world swilling the best liquor - a big no-no among conservative Muslims, in fact an insult to the average citizen of the Kingdom.
Most Americans do not have to worry as much about appearances; witness the national embarrassment that is Paris Hilton. We really aren't ashamed of much as a society. Saudi radicals see their leadership's high life as a huge religious problem. There is concern about appearances. There's a weird consistency in this society, where a rape victim can be ordered physically whipped (200 lashes) for a previous adultery by what Saudis call a court.
OK, so now everyone's hypocrisy alarm is at high buzz.
The key question is not appearances, but how far does Saudi hypocrisy go? Osama bin Laden is still a hero on the Arab street. Would the Saudis be willing to provide a little under-the-table money to bin Laden to keep al-Qaeda from stirring up their own population? Who knows?
Certainly the Saudis are willing to provide cradle-to-grave security for what has increasingly become a sullen and militant population. One could argue that the handouts started because of concern for the citizens of the kingdom, but does it continue because of fear?
Whatever the motivation, high oil prices work to the royal family's benefit. What would happen if the price of oil dropped and the growing Saudi population still expected cradle-to-grave benefits? What there is of the Saudi working class is not known for its entrepreneurship, probably because of a very generous welfare system. Work hard? No thank you, Prince - give me my check or I'll join the radicals.
Is this really the society of an ally we can depend upon? There are more questions than answers in the kingdom.
|
|
