Volume I No. 37
 11-26-02
 Duplicitous Allies 
 author: Vance Cureton
 © Copyright 2002

 Oh what a fertile ground for deception is the one where "allies" of 
 differing cultures, religions, and histories must work together to
 achieve a common goal. Two prime examples of such duplicitious 
 types are Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Neither of these nations are 
 deserving of the trust that the present administration must display 
 "publicly" in order to keep them on-board in the American war 
 against global terrorism.

 Pakistan is ruled by a general that originally seized power in a 
 military coup. Saudi Arabia is a country governed by a priviledged
 monarchy that time and time again, appears to be playing both 
 ends against the middle. In other words, presenting itself as a 
 staunch ally of the United States, while turning a blind eye { if 
 not actually extending a helpful hand } to those within its borders 
 that are sympathetic to the evil Osama Bin Laden and Al Qaeda.

 The big news this week has been the revelation that a Saudi Royal 
 Princess { the wife of  Saudi Ambassador Prince Bandar bin Sultan }
 indirectly sent funds to two Saudi students - since deported - that 
 have links to some of the 911 hijackers. This type of situation has 
 been all too common regarding wealthy Saudi citizens and shady 
 characters with terrorist sympathies. And this in a country where 
 the monarchy stands unchallenged, firmly in command, and yet when 
 it comes to controlling the actions of some of its wealthiest citizens, 
 the Saudi regime seems hapless, incompetent, and ineffectual.

 It is a reality that innocent coincedences do indeed occur. But there
 is a pattern emerging here regarding Saudi Arabia. Is this only the tip 
 of the iceberg? In the weeks and months to come it would not be at 
 all surprising that more of these types of situations become public 
 knowledge. { no doubt there is a lot more specific information known 
 to the authorities that is not in the public realm right now } 

 Is this a sign that the United States is still the untrustworthy "other" 
 to even the wealthiest and most well-educated of Saudi's? And that 
 an occasional black eye given to arrogant America is not at all a bad 
 thing.  -- Thus these numerous "links" between terrorists and wealthy
 Saudis that pre-date 911. 

 And these people are our allies?

 Gen. Musharraf's Pakistan is little better. All the while acting as the 
 U.S.'s good friend and base of operations for the battle against the 
 Taliban in Afghanistan, Pakistan was looking out for its own interest 
 in dealing in secret with Kim Jong II and North Korea. In return for 
 missle technology, Pakistan apparently helped North Korea with 
 some of the equipment necessary for refining uranium and producing 
 actual nuclear weapons. 

 All of this was taking place as North Korea was publicly proclaiming 
 that its nuclear program was inactive. At that same moment, Pakistan 
 was acting as a good international citizen - after having successfully 
 initiated its own nuclear weapons program - and was proclaiming in 
 diplomatic circles that it was doing nothing to help the spread of such 
 technology to the rest of middle Asia, and elsewhere.

 What a crock.

 Musharraf is clearly not to be trusted. He is a wily operator, very 
 poised and well-spoken in front of the Western media. But he is a 
 man with an agenda of his own, and a manner not at all unlike other 
 past dictators that were ruthless in their actions against those that 
 would oppose them. 

 But, what about the recent "elections" in Pakistan?

 Pakistan is a nation under the thumb of the military class. - Of which 
 Musharraf is the most prominent member. Pakistani democracy is 
 not Western democracy. Did not Gen. Musharraf prevent former 
 Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto { currently living in exile } from returning
 to her homeland and participating in the elections? All on the basis
 of corruption charges that many in the international community 
 do not regard as credible. The charges could have been dismissed 
 outright, if the Pakistani judiciciary were truly independent. In other 
 words, allow the former prime minister to win or lose at the polls. -- 
 And on the merits of her candidacy. Not anything else.

 Let the people have their voice.

 Alas, there exists no true democracy in Pakistan.

 The war on terrorism is important. But as it drags on to a conclusion
 that may be years if not decades away. It is important for whomever 
 is in the White House to walk carefully. For as we work with nations 
 for whom the purity of American ideals about democracy and the rule 
 of law are something to be scoffed at in private. We may discover to 
 our distress that our "allies" are guilty of ugly crimes that are not only 
 against the people of the United States, but against the best interests
 of all humanity. 

 And that those same allies may silently cheer the next horrible 911. 

 -- When and if it happens.
 

 ReadingPost.Com
 © Copyright 2002

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