Saudi Arabia Backing Away From Bushco

      The Saudis are returning to their true form it would seem.

New York Times

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, March 28 — King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia told Arab leaders on Wednesday that the American occupation of Iraq was illegal and warned that unless Arab governments settled their differences, foreign powers like the United States would continue to dictate the region’s politics.

The king’s speech, at the opening of the Arab League meeting here, underscored growing differences between Saudi Arabia and the Bush administration as the Saudis take on a greater leadership role in the Middle East, partly at American urging.

The Saudis seem to be emphasizing that they will not be beholden to the policies of their longtime ally.

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       Douglas Farah makes note that

Saudi Arabia has recently reasserted itself by brokering the Fatah-Hamas, hosting the Iranian president and threatening to arm the Sunni insurgents in Iraq.

This seems to me to be a reversion to true Saudi form, as their hearts have never been in the U.S.-led, sporadic efforts to encourage confrontation with jihadists and the wahhabi clergy. The governing system is simply too intertwined with the wahhabist stream of insular, aggressive and violent Islam to make a break and survive.

Saudi Arabia has also apparently moved to rehabilitate even the few terrorist financiers it agreed to designate, notably Wael Julaidan, an al Qaeda founder. He is apparently now under no restrictions at all, and is free to work, speak and write as he sees fit.

 

Saudi Arabia Iraq U.S. Bush administration  King Abdullah

 

 

What you Think About Homosexuals In The Military, Should Congress Use Power Of The Purse To Set Iraq Deadlines

  I'm one of those people who get emails from most of the political Websites and such who are always polling their members and readers on certain issues.

   I like to know how the Representatives and Senators in my state and district vote so I visit with congress.org quite a bit. Of course, I also receive their email updates and what have you, and this is where the following info comes from. I couldn't find the info at the website but I'm sure that it is there somewhere. 

 

SHOULD WASHINGTON, DC GET A VOTE IN CONGRESS?
A bill is under consideration in Congress to give voting rights to the Congressional delegate from Washington, DC.  The bill would also give the state of Utah another Congressional representative. Currently, the representative from Washington, DC may vote in committee and on amendments on the floor if their vote would not change the outcome.  Do you support a bill to give Democratic leaning Washington DC a voting member of Congress balanced by a new Congressional seat for GOP friendly Utah?

Yes, I support the bill to give Washington DC the right to vote in Congress

No, I oppose the bill to give Washington, DC the right to vote in Congress

UPDATE:  PRESIDENT BUSH SUPPORTS ATTORNEY GENERAL GONZALES
The President reiterated his support for his Attorney General after new information indicated that Gonzales may have been more involved than previously thought. Should the President fire him and advisor Karl Rove? Thus far you have told Congress and the President:

- 52% said Yes, the firings were political and make us question the process
- 48% said No, they have the right to fire employees without interference

UPDATE: HOUSE APPROVES RESOLUTION TO END THE WAR IN IRAQ BY SEPT. 2008
The House approved a budget for the Iraq war with conditions to end the war by the September 2008 deadline.  Do you support their vote to use spending bills to set deadlines for Iraq?  Tell Congress how you feel about their vote.
- 41% said Yes, Congress should use it's budgeting power to set deadlines
- 59% said No, managing the war should remain with the President
Gays in the Military - Immoral Practice or Antiquated Policy?
Do you agree with General Pace and the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy on gays in the military? Congress is expected to vote on a resolution this year to end the policy. This is what Congress has heard thus far:
- 58% said Yes, homosexuality is immoral and incompatible with military service
- 42% said No, the policy is antiquated and the General's comments are demoralizing

 

Technorati tags: Congress, Alberto Gonzales, Karl Rove, Iraq