Posted on 03/27/2015 2:22:48 PM PDT by Lorianne
I think there is another reason which is related to your point about “Most of their army is National Guard, which I think we will find to be under trained”. Saudi rulers are certainly not under-equipped. They’ve bought tons of equipment from the U.S. and elsewhere - they’re well-stocked.
A main reason is the top echelon of Saudi royals (the ones Western gov’ts deal with ie ‘pro-west’ ones) are deeply unpopular even within the House of Saud. Not to mention the average Saudi, who by and large is not pro their rulers. In a way similar to current regime in Iran, but more so. Therefore, the Saudis are very selective who they train, equip in-house and send to fight for them.
I’m rootin’ for both sides...
Very true. Their NG is the actual labor of their forces. Still, how well trained, disciplined, and equipped are they? I’ve never considered SA to be a force of any significant value. Recent flight training with them suggests they are still more show than anything else.
“Therefore, the Saudis are very selective who they train, equip in-house and send to fight for them.”
Totally agree. Had a flight instructor leave short of contract completion because of that issue. He couldn’t get approval to train everyone sent for training. They were sent but some were restricted on what they were allowed to be taught. It became an unwinnable situation.
BTW, when I said “In a way similar to current regime in Iran (regarding internal opposition), but more so.” forgot to add, “and for different reasons”.
Yes, Saudis only approve of training and providing equipment to those other Saudis they absolutely trust. They’re different opposing factions within the House of Saud too.
Although even the so-called pro-west Saudi rulers have long had a policy. 1. is to fund Sunni ‘Jihadists’ (I use the term rather loosely) outside KSA. 2. fund and propagate Islam outside KSA. Both are very dangerous; imo, especially the second one. However, for the 1st, it’s a double policy; meaning so long as it is *outside* KSA, they’re fine with it. Needless to say these actions have consequences, sooner or later.
Re: “1. fund the Jihadists” : can be direct or via one of their Gulf satellites.
[and 85-90% of the world's Muslims are Sunni, IOW, Shiites kill twice as many per capita]
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