DiamondGooner wrote:People slag off Saudi Arabia yet they have been one of America and Britians most staunch allies allowing them to host Airbases etc on their lands and they co-ordinate together.
Yes their Gov't has a medieval element in the form of the Whahabi, that's religion for you, but just because their Gov'ts are a bit behind the times, don't think the general populace aren't pushing to get there, even the Prince of Saudi has been trying his best to modernise rights etc.
You can say the same thing about Iranians tbf. I'd even argue Iranians as a whole are more liberal than Saudis.
The KSA has been ally for both of us for a long time, but that shouldn't excuse them from being called out and reprimanded for being one of the main players in the region's instability and terrorism around the world.
But I agree with you that the Middle East can be a pleasant place. I've lived there and traveled all throughout the region, and even though people knew I was American, they didn't treat me any differently from their own friends and family since I didn't roll up brandishing an M16.
btw I visited Manama and it's a boring Abu Dhabi tbh although that famous (I think it's famous?) Hindu temple was cool to see.