Volume 2 Issue
17All articles linked to this newsletter are for reference only.
Volume 2 Issue
17The Way Saudi Arabia
Says Thank You
By Randy Loudenslager
Saudi Arabia has proven her gratitude, or shall we say lack of gratitude, to America and allies for their efforts in staving off an invasion by Iraq in 1991. The Saudi kingdom has become the most vocal opponent to an American attack on Iraq. Most would reason that of course Arabs will stick up for Arabs, but Saudi Arabia has gone a step further by normalizing relations with Iraq, her former enemy. This move has startled Kuwait and Iran, the latter having fought an eight year war with Iraq, but Iraq has also made offers of reconciliation to Kuwait, and Kuwait may be considering it.
U.S. forces, to the tune of 5000 personnel, are still based in Saudi Arabia since the Desert Storm conflict of 1991. Although U.S. relations with the Saudi monarchy have been reasonably good, there is concern that the relationship may be fracturing as the monarchy begins to bow to some of the pressures of an increasingly disgruntled population, with whom the U.S. presence is unpopular. Osama Bin Laden made the removal of American troops from the kingdom a high priority in his rhetoric, and his popularity is growing, causing unrest and thereby an unsettled monarchy.
Often portrayed, since Desert Storm, as a 'good' example of an Arab nation by the media, no one was prepared for the stunning news revealed by separate American, Israeli and Palestinian intelligence. They found that funding for the Palestinian bound ship, Karine-A, seized by Israel and loaded with heavy weapons was provided by Saudi Arabia. Iran, although denying the charge, was proven to be the provider of the weapons. Is there a secret confederation among these nations?
The Bible never really mentions Saudi Arabia as a nation listed among Israel's invaders, but merely as a tag-along to take what spoils she can. She is mentioned (Ezekiel 38:13) by the name 'Dedan' along with 'Sheba' which is present day Yemen and merchants from 'Tarshish,' known today as the southern coast of Spain.
Not openly hostile towards Israel, Saudi Arabia is quietly aligning herself with the forces who wish Israel harm, and in the last days will cause her much grief and woe. We don't know if Saudi Arabia will send troops some day into Israel, but if her actions today are any indication, then she will probably play dumb while helping to bankroll Israel's enemies and ultimately the invasion of Israel itself.