The House of Representatives last night voted to cut off financial aid to Saudi Arabia – a move symbolizing just how damaged U.S.-Saudi relations have become since 9/11. Congress, unlike the Bush White House which has close ties to the Saudis, is waking up to the idea that the Middle Eastern country has been slow to cooperate in the U.S. war on terror. The 217-191 vote affects military aid and "millions of dollars in discounts on hardware and other military training." Lawmakers described the vote as "critical in reinforcing U.S. demands for more cooperation from Saudi Arabia on terrorism." President Bush will now have to press the Senate to restore money to his friends in the Saudi Arabian government.
...With this track record, many are wary about the one-month amnesty the Saudis have extended to terrorists. Bill sponsors said their concerns about Saudi's commitment to fighting terrorism "were exacerbated yesterday when a suspected al-Qaeda loyalist, Khalid bin Odeh bin Mohammed al-Harbi, surrendered to Saudi authorities under the kingdom's month long amnesty offer to wanted militants and made comments expressing his relief at being under the control of Saudi authorities." Said Rep. Joseph Crowley (D-NY): "Time and again, the Saudis have shown that they are not our allies in the war on terror."
Source: Progress Report
...With this track record, many are wary about the one-month amnesty the Saudis have extended to terrorists. Bill sponsors said their concerns about Saudi's commitment to fighting terrorism "were exacerbated yesterday when a suspected al-Qaeda loyalist, Khalid bin Odeh bin Mohammed al-Harbi, surrendered to Saudi authorities under the kingdom's month long amnesty offer to wanted militants and made comments expressing his relief at being under the control of Saudi authorities." Said Rep. Joseph Crowley (D-NY): "Time and again, the Saudis have shown that they are not our allies in the war on terror."
That's not the first time we've heard about a terrorist being relieved to be in Saudi custody.
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