why is saudi arabia US's top ally in the middle east?
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Original post by anarchism101
While this really isn't saying much, Iran is noticeably closer to being a democracy than Saudi Arabia. There are no Saudi elections at all apart from local councils (and prior to 2005, they hadn't even had those for 40 years) and they've only just granted female suffrage. For all that Iranian elections are heavily restricted and controlled by the clerics, they still have elections for legislature and President, which are to an extent actually competitive.
Sure, but what matters to the USA is not whether a country is a democracy, it's whether they are pro-west. This is partly the Cold War mentality (USA or Russia, no option to be neutral).
I can't comment on the Iranian parliament but the presidential candidates are essentially whoever the real rulers approve of.
Original post by Rakas21
Sure, but what matters to the USA is not whether a country is a democracy, it's whether they are pro-west. This is partly the Cold War mentality (USA or Russia, no option to be neutral).
I can't comment on the Iranian parliament but the presidential candidates are essentially whoever the real rulers approve of.
I can't comment on the Iranian parliament but the presidential candidates are essentially whoever the real rulers approve of.
Yes, but within a range. If the clerics were just picking the winner every time, it's unlikely they'd pick an ultra-reactionary like Ahmadinejad one election and then a moderate like Rouhani the next. They restrict the contest to an incredibly narrow debate, sure, but within those narrow confines there are actually competitive contests where the winner is uncertain; it's not the standard dictatorship cliche of elections being a pure formality with 99% in favour.
Original post by MatureStudent36
Muslim punished for criticising islam in a Muslim country.
You know with the exception of Turkey that happens in all Muslim countrys?
You know with the exception of Turkey that happens in all Muslim countrys?
Turkey's not an exception anymore. Erdogan's been clamping down on criticism of Islam.
Original post by Mathsz0r
Oil.
Original post by queen-bee
Black gold AKA oil
Original post by Lionheart96
Cheap oil.
Also lol isreal isn't a democracy and neither is the USA
Also lol isreal isn't a democracy and neither is the USA
Original post by Kadak
Ahh the age-old tsr ethos: type first, ask questions later...
US is the biggest oil producer in the world now, thanks to the shale rollout. Shale is also produced at a lower marginal cost than almost any other type of oil anywhere else in the world. The Saudis need the US more than the US needs them, and theyre rather hoping that the new shale threat gets eliminated by the price war they and their OPEC friends are currently waging. When was the last time you lot read a newspaper? 1999?
(edited 9 years ago)
Original post by MC armani
Ahh the age-old tsr ethos: type first, ask questions later...
US is the biggest oil producer in the world now, thanks to the shale rollout. Shale is also produced at a lower marginal cost than almost any other type of oil anywhere else in the world. The Saudis need the US more than the US needs them, and theyre rather hoping that the new shale threat gets eliminated by the price war they and their OPEC friends are currently waging. When was the last time you lot read a newspaper? 1999?
US is the biggest oil producer in the world now, thanks to the shale rollout. Shale is also produced at a lower marginal cost than almost any other type of oil anywhere else in the world. The Saudis need the US more than the US needs them, and theyre rather hoping that the new shale threat gets eliminated by the price war they and their OPEC friends are currently waging. When was the last time you lot read a newspaper? 1999?
Saudi Arabia hasn't just suddenly become the United States' biggest ally in the Middle East, it's been that way for years, way before the increase in shale.
They're not. Israel is. They share a common enemy and Saudi Arabia provides cheap oil. It's a win win. I still cannot believe they turn a blind eye though. Saudi Arabia is the scum of the earth, and if the U.S. actually imposed trade restrictions on the country then they might amend their ways...
Original post by nearlee
Raif Badawi, 31, was expected to serve a 10-year jail sentence, and a fine of £175,000 for offences related to his setting up of an online forum for public debate, as well as accusations he insulted Islam.
On 9 January, the Saudi writer was lashed 50 times as the first part of his sentence to be flogged 1,000 lashes over a course of 20 weeks. However, subsequent floggings were postponed due to injuries that he sustained.
Mr Badawi's wife, Ensaf Haider, has told Channel 4 News that judges in Saudi Arabia's criminal courts are wanting him to undergo a re-trial for apostasy. If found guilty, he would face the death penalty.
In a statement on Facebook, the family said that they had received information that the case would be referred to the same judge who sentenced Mr Badawi with flogging and 10 years imprisonment. The said: "[The judge's] has twice requested that Raif be charged with 'apostasy'. His request was declined at the time on the ground that the criminal court has no jurisdiction on cases that lead to death penalty.
"However, due to a new regulation issued by the Supreme Judicial Council on 19.09.2014, the penal court has now jurisdiction over major cases, which are punishable by the death penalty, amputation and stoning.
"We have reasons to believe without any doubts that the same judge has again asked the Head of the Court of Apeal to charge Raif with 'Apostasy'.
"We call on the world citizens and governments not to leave Raif dragged by such bigots to death. And we renew our calls to his Majesty King Salman to pardon Raif Badawi and allow him to leave Canada to be united with his family there."
International development minister for the Scottish Government, Humza Yousaf, said that they would continue to monitor the situation:
.......
http://www.channel4.com/news/raif-badawi-blogger-flogging-saudi-arabia-death-penalty
Israel is US's top ally because they are the only democracy...Saudi is not a democracy but still an ally?
On 9 January, the Saudi writer was lashed 50 times as the first part of his sentence to be flogged 1,000 lashes over a course of 20 weeks. However, subsequent floggings were postponed due to injuries that he sustained.
Mr Badawi's wife, Ensaf Haider, has told Channel 4 News that judges in Saudi Arabia's criminal courts are wanting him to undergo a re-trial for apostasy. If found guilty, he would face the death penalty.
In a statement on Facebook, the family said that they had received information that the case would be referred to the same judge who sentenced Mr Badawi with flogging and 10 years imprisonment. The said: "[The judge's] has twice requested that Raif be charged with 'apostasy'. His request was declined at the time on the ground that the criminal court has no jurisdiction on cases that lead to death penalty.
"However, due to a new regulation issued by the Supreme Judicial Council on 19.09.2014, the penal court has now jurisdiction over major cases, which are punishable by the death penalty, amputation and stoning.
"We have reasons to believe without any doubts that the same judge has again asked the Head of the Court of Apeal to charge Raif with 'Apostasy'.
"We call on the world citizens and governments not to leave Raif dragged by such bigots to death. And we renew our calls to his Majesty King Salman to pardon Raif Badawi and allow him to leave Canada to be united with his family there."
International development minister for the Scottish Government, Humza Yousaf, said that they would continue to monitor the situation:
.......
http://www.channel4.com/news/raif-badawi-blogger-flogging-saudi-arabia-death-penalty
Israel is US's top ally because they are the only democracy...Saudi is not a democracy but still an ally?
1. Oil
2. recent falling out with Iran post -Shah
3. USA dont care about islamic doctrine or how it affects people, until it affects them personally
Original post by MC armani
Ahh the age-old tsr ethos: type first, ask questions later...
US is the biggest oil producer in the world now, thanks to the shale rollout. Shale is also produced at a lower marginal cost than almost any other type of oil anywhere else in the world. The Saudis need the US more than the US needs them, and theyre rather hoping that the new shale threat gets eliminated by the price war they and their OPEC friends are currently waging. When was the last time you lot read a newspaper? 1999?
US is the biggest oil producer in the world now, thanks to the shale rollout. Shale is also produced at a lower marginal cost than almost any other type of oil anywhere else in the world. The Saudis need the US more than the US needs them, and theyre rather hoping that the new shale threat gets eliminated by the price war they and their OPEC friends are currently waging. When was the last time you lot read a newspaper? 1999?
I also said Saudi Arabia is an important US ally in curbing Iran,clearing you didn't hear that.Many other countries are not so oil independent including many of the usa allies,so saudi arabia is still important in that aspect.
OIL.
*Cough*
Oh and Israel.
Pretty much the two big draws in the region for America.
*Cough*
Oh and Israel.
Pretty much the two big draws in the region for America.
Original post by Mathsz0r
Saudi Arabia hasn't just suddenly become the United States' biggest ally in the Middle East, it's been that way for years, way before the increase in shale.
I get the impression you didn't understand what I wrote. The importance of Saudi as an ally to the US has diminished since the shale boom.
It's not Israel is
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