The Pensacola shooting has revived memories of the turbulent history between Washington and Saudi Arabia since the Sept. 11 attacks—bringing more scrutiny to the kingdom, including of its close military relationship with the U.S.
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The only surprise here is that these elementary concepts have to be explained to you.
The Sunnis of Saudi Arabia are the main reason why the total loonies of Iran have not killed all of the non-Shiites in Arabia and the Middle East, and taken their territory.
Obama wanted to bring modern socialism to the region, but didn't understand that his dreams were anathema to people living in the 6th century. Obama tolerated Saudi Arabia for the same reason that Trump tolerates them. I can't say the same for Bush, but that's a separate issue.
Are the Saudis our "friends"? Hell no. They are Muslims, and therefore loonies too. They are just slightly less loony than the alternatives. Saudi Arabia's power is required because their balancing force provides a stable environment for U.S. interests in the region.
Allies are not the same things as friends.
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