The Saudis have always have their own internal political issues, and the structure of their society has been stable for a long time. If their feudalistic society is "wrong", it has been "wrong" for a long, long time, and one wonders why the complaining starts now.

The perception of many in the world that the US has been conducting a war against Islam is heightening their internal strains. They aren't alone in that. The idea goes back a long way. The overthrow of the Iranian government and the installation of Shah of Iran, with his repressive regime, the way the Israelis have treated the Palestinians using US equipment, and support of wars against Muslims ain't regarded as Muslim friendly. Even though they do not have a democracy, the rulers to have to be cognizant of the mood of the people.

The Saudis aren't all bad. They spent more money than the US supporting the Afghan resistance against the Russians, have been willing from time to time to increase oil production to help the US, and did support the action in the Gulf War.

In my cynical way, I think the population of the US is being set up by something. These drums don't need to be beating. And, it's not comfortable seeing the US having problems with about everyone.

Y'know, if a person on this board had a "for us or against us" attitude, it would be tough. We seem to agree on some issues, disagree on others.

It would be silly to say ONE disagreement and you are an enemy forever. We each have different issues, and different priorities. Anyone who expects any of us to share priorities is in for some lonely times, somewhat the way the US is seeming to get.

Arf