Despite call for reform, Saudis slow to deliver

[Nottingham]

Despite call for reform, Saudis slow to deliver
Associated Press
JIDDAH, Saudi Arabia -- Political reform, desired by many in Saudi Arabia and publicly championed by the kingdom's de facto ruler, is stalled by powerful forces.

The Muslim religious establishment has traditionally resisted granting freedoms that Saudis might use to debate the country's ultraconservative version of Islam. And some in the Saudi royal family seem to equate democracy with surrendering power and privilege.
Nonetheless, the Sept. 11 attacks on the United States carried out by 15 Saudis and four other hijackers -- and more recent terror attacks in Saudi Arabia itself -- have Saudis asking whether some among them are turning to violence as the only way to bring change in a rigid, intolerant society.

The U.S.-led war to topple a dictatorship in neighboring Iraq has raised another question: Even though Saudi Arabia is a close U.S. ally, could it be next in line for regime change?
Critics in the United States have accused the kingdom of being a fundamentalist dictatorship and of not doing enough to combat terror. U.S. Treasury Secretary John Snow, currently on a Middle East tour, is scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia today to discuss ways to choke off terrorism financing.

more...
"There is internal pressure for reform and external pressure from the United States especially after Sept. 11 and the fall of the regime in Iraq," says journalist Mansour al-Nogaidan of the Al-Riyadh newspaper. "If the situation in Iraq improves and a democratic government is set up, it will be a role model and people here will demand more reforms."



http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/world/2104040

So this is why the Saudis don't want us in Iraq they want Democracy to fail! No wonder the Saudis Monarchs are having a fit!

[no one in particular]

1. I'm sure.

Bush to the Saudis:

"Dammit Abdul, you're makin' us look bad. Can't you hide your shit better than this? Don't make me get daddy after you!"

[Nottingham]

2. HA HA HA! Ya will ya quit writing checks to AlQuida!

Your making it look to Obvious!