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Posted on 06/26/2002 11:13:31 AM PDT by GeneD
U.S.-Saudi relations understandably have come under a great deal of scrutiny since Sept 11. It is natural for us to ask hard questions about why so many Saudis were among the hijackers and among those apprehended in Afghanistan. Our cultures couldn't be more different. There is much that separates us.
If enhanced public scrutiny of our relationship leads to better understanding and a strengthened commitment to work together to confront challenges to global peace and security, we will be able to prevent future acts of terrorism. But if we strike out blindly against perceived enemies and undermine the ability of our friends to work with us against the scourge of global terrorism, we will have a lot to answer for.
As the U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia, I feel I have no greater responsibility than ensuring that the U.S-Saudi relationship serves our country's strategic goal of combating terrorism and securing our children's future in a peaceful, prosperous world.
Saudi Arabia has been a reliable friend of the United States since the 1940s. After meeting with Franklin Roosevelt, King Abdul Aziz bin Saud, founder of modern Saudi Arabia, told his sons that the future of his country lay with the United States. Ever since, that perception has provided the basis of Saudi relations with America.
We were shocked by the events of Sept. 11; so were the Saudis. For generations, thousands of Saudis have considered America their second home. Many were educated in the United States, living here and learning about its people and its values. Thousands of children born here bear both American and Saudi passports. At the same time, tens of thousands of Americans, a large percentage from Texas, have lived and worked in Saudi Arabia, helping the country to take a giant leap from a pre-industrial society to a modern state.
Do we agree with the Saudis on every issue? No, of course not. If that were the criterion for friendship with the United States, we wouldn't have a friend in the world. We have serious concerns about human rights issues in Saudi Arabia, particularly regarding religious freedom and women's rights. And we talk to them about our views. But we must focus as well on what we agree on.
The Saudis and we agree that peace in the Middle East is a vital objective that demands the support of all responsible governments. The Saudis and we agree that the threat of global terrorism must be fought with every tool at our command. And the Saudis and we agree that governments in the region should focus on internal reforms so that the people of the region can live prosperous lives, free of the threat of war and terrorism.
In the months since September, the Saudis have offered very substantial cooperation to the United States. Groups from the FBI, the Treasury Department and the like have been to Saudi Arabia to gather and share information. The Saudis have assisted us every step of the way. Saudi Arabia has provided vital diplomatic, intelligence, law enforcement and political support to our efforts. The Bush administration is pleased with that cooperation.
Since Sept. 11, the Saudis have let scores of Western journalists travel throughout the kingdom. The journalists have spoken with Saudi officials, met with average Saudis and, for the most part, written thoughtful articles that give a sense of the problems and issues the Saudis are grappling with and what that means for the important relationship with the United States.
We need more of that type of interaction. I encourage more journalists to see Saudi Arabia for themselves. Firsthand reporting promotes mutual understanding by dealing with our differences realistically. It also has the advantage of being factual.
Robert W. Jordan is the U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia.
When I read his Saudi apologetics in today's Dallas Morning News, I did a double-take at Robert Jordan's credit. Are they sure he's the U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia, not vice versa? Why spend petrodollars on stupid ads when you can get the U.S. taxpayers to pick up your p.r. bill?
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Dude.
Islamic terrorists have been getting $$$$$BILLIONS$$$$$ of dollars in funding from... somewhere.
Who has $$$$$BILLIONS$$$$$ of dollars in the Islamic world?
It's a very short list.
We need more of that type of interaction. I encourage more journalists to see Saudi Arabia for themselves. Firsthand reporting promotes mutual understanding by dealing with our differences realistically. It also has the advantage of being factual.
The interviews with the families of the 15 "average Saudis" who murdered 3000 Americans last September are certainly factual, but they don't make me feel any more positive about this despicable, evil, hellish country.
gotta tell you I love your little scene going up in flames. Couldn't have done it better.
WWGKD? I like it.
Oops, wrong Robert Jordan. :^)
Yours in Truth,
Jordan realizes that if he's a good boy, he has a great career open to him with the Saudis after he retires as ambassador.
In other words, we know what he is; now it's just a matter of negotiating the price.
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