Like China

Submitted by Pan Hu (United States), Dec 3, 2002 at 18:50

Saudi Arabia is a Middle Eastern version of China -- neither friend nor foe, but with strong leverage over American regional interests, and fundamentally hostile to some of them. The Saudis know the importance of co-opting powerful friends and taking advantage of the greed of American business elites. They capitalize on our country's hypocrisy. That is why they are guaranteed to give us headaches.

But what can America do? Iraq won't be a substitute for Saudi oil for years after Saddam is gone. If we don't buy their oil, they'll find other customers. As long as America's economic stability and international dominance is built upon its access to cheap petroleum, we need Saudi cooperation. That's life.

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