American Worker's !9 years experience in Saudi Arabia
Reader comment on item: [Freedom House report on] Saudi Venom in U.S. Mosques

Submitted by Walter Harbert (United Kingdom), Feb 2, 2005 at 08:03

I have worked in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for quite some time and would like to add my perspectives to the article.

First I would like to say that not all of the Saudis agree with or follow the strict Wahhabi doctrine. Although this may be the face that is projected in the literature and preaching by Imams in American mosques, this does not represent all of the Saudi people nor their religion. There are bad apples in any group. This doctrine is mainly regional and there are several regions in the Kingdom.

Second, as an American working in the Kingdom I have observed the sincere efforts of the Kingdom's law enforcement and security authoriies in going after the terrorist threat here locally. Yes, many local people have died at the hands of the terrorists. Many security and law enforcement personnel have also died in their efforts to make Saudi Arabia more secure. They are doing well in protecting us foreigners against the terrorist threat.

Now to the main point of my comments, I do not agree with the Saudi government or any other exporting hatred against religions other than theirs or trying to change the American society or way of life.. We are a sovereign nation and it is not anyone else's business to meddle in our society. Imagine how other countries and their people feel about this if it were done to them? The local people here in Saudi Arabia don't appreciate foreigners (outsiders) trying to interfere with or change the society or religion here.. Anyone (outsider) who tries to do this here in Saudi Arabia is jailed and eventually deported. I agree with this, as we are guests in their country and shouldn't try to change the host country.

At the same time, I think the United States government should reciprocate and put a stop to those (outsiders - non citizens) who try to change the society in America or advocate their religious beliefs over others. It is high time that we as Americans stand up to anyone who tries to influence our society, culture and religious beliefs. Along with this I don't think it is right for us to impose our beliefs or culture on other countries or political systems. If any one would like to have a dialog with me about these comments feel free to discuss with me..

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