Saudi Arabia is controlled by totalitarian King Abdullah, who forbids any political parties, and only last year allowed free elections of some regional officials. Saudi Arabia deems denouncing Islam and homosexual acts as offences punishable by death. Most people, both men and women, are executed by beheading, which usually occurs in public. Amputation and flogging are common punishments practiced by the government. In 1997, someone was executed after being accused of practicing witchcraft by his employer. Saudi Arabia also forbids criticism of government policies as "un-Islamic", and these actions are punished also. Women are also kept in segregated facilities, and are forbidden from doing activites such as driving. Saudi Arabia also helps support terrorists. Between 1998 and 2003, 4 billion dollars was given to Palestinian terrorists who murder Israeli children. Through much of the 80s, the Saudi government also financed Arab terrorists who left for Afghanistan.
2006-06-22
13:40:44
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8 answers
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asked by
Peter
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in
Politics & Government
➔ Politics
Saudi Arabia also has the world’s largest known oil reserves, at 261.9 billion barrels(2005 estimate), over a quarter of world oil reserves. Yet despite all of the crimes of the Saudi government, the US deals with the Saudis in business often, and we give economic and military aid to Saudi Arabia. Despite their record on human rights and terrorism we still choose them as a major ally. Why?
2006-06-22
13:40:57 ·
update #1