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Sun. Nov 24, 2002

Statesmanship, Saudi Style

Statesmanship, Saudi Style – A fine, fine column from Colbert King, spurred by a meeting with eight Saudis trying to ”spin” their country’s position, amid complaints about changes in US visa policies towards Saudi’s, and intemperate comments by people like Jerry Falwell. Mr. King rightfully turns the tables on them; in order to be completely fair and reciprocal, how about if we adopt your country’s policies on visas and religious freedom?

“Which brings us back to our visitors and a reality that they were too polite to throw in our faces: At the core of current U.S.-Saudi interaction is a relationship that, despite professions of mutual friendship and support, cuts only in one direction. And the kingdom—with all of its piety and with a sharp eye on its own religious fundamentalists—is all about keeping it that way.”

Real friends don’t ask you to do things they are unwilling to do themselves.