A PARTNER IN CRIME
By Chuck Baldwin
Posted: December 3, 2002 - 11:45 pm PST
NewsWithViews.comImmediately following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, President Bush declared that the United States would consider any nation that harbors, supports, or finances terrorists as enemies and vowed to enact swift and severe retribution upon them. Obviously, he didn't really mean that, because one of terrorism's most active and generous supporters continues to receive glowing accolades from this administration. I'm talking Saudi Arabia.
Just days ago, Bush declared the Saudi kingdom to be "a good partner in our war against terrorism." The Saudi leader has even been granted special invitations to Bush's ranch in Crawford, Texas. This government has spared no expense or effort to give Saudi leaders aid and comfort, not to mention the most accommodating hospitality.
Despite claims of the Bush administration, however, various media and congressional reports paint a far different picture. The World Tribune reported on November 27, "The CIA has traced transfers of tens of millions of dollars from the Saudis to Al Qaida over the last year, U.S. officials and congressional sources said."
The Tribune report also said, "In July, the Rand Corporation delivered a briefing to the Defense Policy Board which warned that the Saudi royal family has grown dependent on Islamic insurgency groups linked to Al Qaida. The Saudis spend billions of dollars in supporting anti-Western religious activities throughout the world, Middle East Newsline reported."
The Tribune quoted a congressional source familiar with the CIA investigation as saying, "The facts are not in dispute." Even soon-to-be Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Richard Shelby of Alabama said, "I wouldn't look at Saudi Arabia as an ally." He continued by saying, "I think our relationship with them is totally transactional. They have a lot of oil. We need the oil. We've done a lot of things for that." Senator Shelby is being very gentle, to say the least.
The fact is, both Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney are oilmen. Both are reported to have had extensive business dealings with the Saudi royal family through its front organization, the Carlyle Group.
There is certainly nothing wrong with American businessmen doing business with oversees enterprises. However, there is something very wrong with American businessmen and politicians putting commercial or political gain over the security and safety of the American people. That is exactly what this administration appears to be doing.
Saudi Arabia is not "a good partner in our war against terrorism." It is a partner in crime with terrorism. It's time we faced it.
©-2002 - Chuck Baldwin Live commentaries may not be reprinted or republished without permission. All Rights Reserved.
Chuck Baldwin is Founder-Pastor of Crossroads Baptist Church in Pensacola, Florida. In 1985 the church was recognized by President Ronald Reagan for its unusual growth and influence.
Dr. Baldwin is the host of a lively, hard-hitting syndicated radio talk show on the Genesis Communications Network called, "Chuck Baldwin Live" This is a daily, one hour long call-in show in which Dr. Baldwin addresses current event topics from a conservative Christian point of view. Pastor Baldwin writes weekly articles on the internet http://www.ChuckBaldwinLive.com and newspapers.
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