I think because the Saud family is huge (hundreds) they can't possibly monitor every member so there's really no telling who might operate independently or if or not anti-American, I tend to think some are lower doeeen in the rank and file.
...Even so, I agree that those higher up, and certainly closer knit, have not indicated from what I've seen and heard they are anti-American........ I suppose it could also depend on how close each member adheres to the call for Jihad against non-Muslims or the infidels........ The Imam clerics consistently cry that it's the "duty" of all Muslims to abide by Mohamed's directives regarding non-Muslims..... they all 'believe' Islam must conquer the world...the only difference is how they see that might be accomplished. Additionally One can't ignore the Saudi Government does indeed spread their brand of Islam worldwide, weather they believe in it or not they do believe their form of 'Islam 'controls' the masses'.
I agree with Cronos that attempting to understand how the Clergy and the Governance work between themselves is no easy task to figure out....THEY even have issues communicating their intentions between themselves....how could it be any other way when their religion permits deception and lying as acceptable, especially when the bigger picture is in mind that Islam must one day rule all....they all fear one another in one form or another.
As for 9/11 ....clearly the planes caused the towers to fall. I think it's just pointless to try and say explosives etc. that regardless of how it's been presented......and I doubt very much the Saudi leadership knowingly financed that....but that doesn't mean possible someone on down the line didn't....or/and some in the clergy. Muslim loyalties can change on a dime and for numerous reasons each can justify themselves for doing so....even if just temporary.
In fairness, I don’t think Cronos is quite as convinced the government didn’t know about it as you and I are. I’m not trying to put words in his mouth, and if he differs from my perception, I welcome him correcting my perception.
I appreciate your response. I think we’re in agreement, and in truth Cronos may agree too. I’m not quite sure either way.
I watch folks go nuts attacking Islamic entities. Some of them are very valid targets for ridicule.
The leadership in Iran is certainly worthy of taking to task. The rank and file that wanted to topple the current government of Iran, not so much.
I think there is plenty to criticize in Saudi Arabia too, but I’m not comfortable with the idea the King and the top echelons of government are anti-U. S.
Take care.
>>>”Even so, I agree that those higher up, and certainly closer knit, have not indicated from what I’ve seen and heard they are anti-American.”<<<
We tend to use the term “Anti-American” liberally, generically, and without qualification. The slightest criticism can be labelled as “Anti-American”; just as one can label Any criticism of others or specific issues as “racist” and “Anti-Islam”.
What many, within Saudi gov’t & royalty, even people like OBL primarily oppose are certain U.S. government foreign policy, as well as exporting (be it indirectly) “American values” (western or american style democracy and freedoms), which don’t sit well with their Islamic gov’t, Islamic values, and Islamic teachings they fund outside Saudi Arabia.
For the latter, ie exporting American values to Saudi Arabia, obviously it will never be well-received, even by the highest levels of Saudi gov’t and the king; otherwise, they wouldn’t be actively curtailing freedoms and silencing pro-democracy & freedom opposition groups (no matter how small in size) inside Saudi Arabia.
Of course, the Saudis have no problem should Others, other gov’ts in the M.E. region, be overthrown under the banner of democracy, only to be replaced by an Islamic-style gov’t (or an absolute theocracy such as their own), particularly the Saudi brand of Islam. In fact they’d support it.
I think it is more accurate to say the Saudi gov’t is more pro-Islam & Islamic (wahhabi) values, than generically “Anti-American”, at least publicly and for now.