Infinite MonkeysOne of the infuriating inconsistencies about Bush's freedom program for the Middle East is his tolerance for Saudi Arabia's not-very-free state (just ask the women) and the kingdom's barely veiled support for the sort of Islamism we're fighting. So it is good news that the House today cut off all aid to Saudi Arabia. It's always been puzzling to me why one of the richest countries in the world, per capita, needs any financial aid at all from the United States.
Be that as it may, the House attached the no-aid to the radical madrasas factory to a foreign aid bill. Why this wasn't done on Sept. 12, considering the makeup of the attackers, is a national political shame. Anyway:
In the past three years, Congress has passed bills to stop the relatively small amount of U.S. aid to Saudi Arabia, only to see the Bush administration circumvent the prohibitions.Now, lawmakers are trying to close loopholes so that no more U.S. aid can be sent to the world’s leading petroleum exporter. ...
“By cutting off aid and closing the loophole we send a clear message to the Saudi Arabian government that they must be a true ally in advancing peace in the Middle East,” said Rep. Anthony Weiner, a New York Democrat.
That it takes a Democratic Congress to show moral courage and clarity on Saudi Arabia should shame the Republicans — and Bush.
Posted by Dr. Zaius at June 22, 2007 09:46 PM