Art of the Saudi deal: Body language signals, political theater and a delicate dance with the Wahhab

[livingston]

Art of the Saudi deal: Body language signals, political theater and a delicate dance with the Wahhabi clergy

public overture by the Saudi king to the U.S. president’s wife “signaled that the restrictions declared by the Wahhabi clergy are no longer the ultimate arbiter of personal behavior,” in Saudi Arabia, said an analysis of the president’s Middle East trip and his much-heralded deal with the kingdom.

“President Trump’s spectacular reception in Riyadh is a signal to the world (and to Saudi subjects, in particular) that big changes are coming,” Thomas Lifson wrote for American Thinker.

Saudi King Salman shakes hands with Melania Trump.
“Elderly and frail King Salman ventured out onto the apron in 110-degree heat and actually shook Melania Trump’s hand as she deplaned Air Force One, thereby touching a female infidel.

“Perhaps even more important in terms of Saudi daily life, the women in attendance at functions did not wear head coverings and abayas. The entire nation saw this on television and understands that the fracking-created global oil glut changes everything, that the infidels no longer cower in fear of a cutoff of the oil Allah granted to the protectors of the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. The old arguments of the fanatics hold less water.”

The king’s handshake gesture “can seem trivial, quaint, or even humorous to Americans, but it is very serious business. The role modeling of the women at the highest and most formal level reaches deep into the culture,” Lifson wrote.

“It is now clear that the king and his two designated successors (Crown Prince Muhammad bin Nyef and Mohammad bin Salman) have made a deal to liberalize Saudi Arabia. The deal-maker president has told them that there is a price of continued American support.”

Art of the Saudi deal: Body language signals, political theater and a delicate dance with the Wahhabi clergy

 

[Drinkthekoolaid]

It is a very interesting trip. I did not expect the Saudis to go all out with the pomp and red carpet but they did. Apparently they view trump FAR DIFFERENTLY than they did Obama. That's a good thing.

 

[meketrefe]

Make no mistake, the Saudis make Saddam Husein look like Mother Theresa of Calcutta.

 

[Podmonkey]

Make no mistake, the Saudis make Saddam Husein look like Mother Theresa of Calcutta.

All the more encouraging these small initial concessions are then. Islamic radicalism is flourishing with mainstream support but without it will wither. We will see, but I sense a path towards the reversal of the "Arab Spring" has perhaps been hinted at here.

 

[kev74]

Make no mistake, the Saudis make Saddam Husein look like Mother Theresa of Calcutta.

That's true, but if they're dealing with us instead of dictating to us (Obozo) or flying planes into our buildings (Bush), that's a good thing.

 

[meketrefe]

All the more encouraging these small initial concessions are then. Islamic radicalism is flourishing with mainstream support but without it will wither. We will see, but I sense a path towards the reversal of the "Arab Spring" has perhaps been hinted at here.

Saudi Arabia are a huge part of the problem.
The royals have secured all their possessions in case they have to jet out of there.
They own banks in Switzerland and entire states and even towns all over.
They own the media in the USA.
The control they have is beyond believe yet continue to practice slavery to this day.

 

[Podmonkey]

Saudi Arabia are a huge part of the problem.
The royals have secured all their possessions in case they have to jet out of there.
They own banks in Switzerland and entire states and even towns all over.
They own the media in the USA.
The control they have is beyond believe yet continue to practice slavery to this day.

And if they are being cowed into change what does that say about the ones doing the cowing then?

 

[meketrefe]

And if they are being cowed into change what does that say about the ones doing the cowing then?

Nobody articulated this better than Tarek Fatah at Idea city in Toronto...

 

[islandman]

In no way should we even entertain a delicate dance with the home Wahhabism. The Saudi Monarchy is hell bent on forcing their religious views on everyone, including their fellow Muslims. When I saw they opened a center to combat extremism, I laughed out loud. That is akin to the KKK opening a center to combat racism.
What should be done and I will not hold my breath for this, is no arms deal, no aid, nada. Put the Saudi Monarchy on notice that their gig is up, no more assistance with destabilizing the Middle East. Who was the country that scheduled a conference on carving up Syria? Saudi Arabia. What country is currently attacking Yemen, causing a major Humanitarian crisis, which by the way will never be talked about over here. Yeah, Saudi Arabia, with the help of the US.
By the way where is the outrage that we all felt and saw when the last King bowed? Trump bows and gets a medal and no outrage? Gee, it makes me think that the kool aid was passed around and everything is ok since it is "our" guy in office.