The US and Saudi Arabia have had close relations due to the amount of oil needed to keep America going.

The US and Saudi Arabia have had close relations due to the amount of oil needed to keep America going.

First, discuss how it makes you feel knowing that an ally we purchase oil from, funds numerous terrorist activities, and why?

Second, should the US distance themselves from Saudi Arabia? Why or why not?

Full Answer Section

   

Another reason is that the Saudi government is deeply religious and conservative. The government supports terrorist groups that are fighting to establish Islamic rule in the Middle East.

Finally, the Saudi government is also motivated by a desire to project its power and influence in the region. The government supports terrorist groups that are fighting against its enemies, such as Iran and Yemen.

Should the US distance themselves from Saudi Arabia?

Whether or not the US should distance themselves from Saudi Arabia is a complex question. There are a number of factors to consider, including the following:

  • Oil: Saudi Arabia is a major oil producer, and the US is a major oil importer. The US relies on Saudi Arabia for a significant portion of its oil supply.
  • Security: Saudi Arabia is a key US ally in the Middle East. The two countries cooperate on a number of security issues, including counterterrorism and counterproliferation.
  • Human rights: Saudi Arabia has a poor human rights record. The government routinely suppresses dissent and imprisons human rights activists.

The US has a number of options for distancing itself from Saudi Arabia. One option is to reduce its reliance on Saudi oil. This could be done by investing in renewable energy sources and increasing energy efficiency.

Another option is to reduce security cooperation with Saudi Arabia. This could be done by withdrawing US troops from Saudi Arabia and reducing the amount of military aid that the US provides to Saudi Arabia.

Finally, the US could also put more pressure on Saudi Arabia to improve its human rights record. This could be done by imposing sanctions on Saudi officials who are responsible for human rights abuses.

My opinion

I believe that the US should distance itself from Saudi Arabia. The Saudi government is a brutal and repressive regime that supports terrorism and human rights abuses. The US should not be allied with a country that is so fundamentally opposed to our values.

I understand that distancing ourselves from Saudi Arabia would be difficult and costly. The US relies on Saudi Arabia for a significant portion of its oil supply, and Saudi Arabia is a key US ally in the Middle East. However, I believe that the costs of continuing our alliance with Saudi Arabia are too high.

We need to find ways to reduce our reliance on Saudi oil and to build new partnerships with countries in the Middle East that share our values. We also need to hold the Saudi government accountable for its human rights abuses.

It is important to note that there are a variety of perspectives on this issue. Some people believe that the US should maintain its close relationship with Saudi Arabia, while others believe that the US should cut all ties with Saudi Arabia. There is no easy answer to this question, and it is important to consider all of the factors involved before making a decision.

Sample Answer

   

It makes me feel deeply troubled to know that an ally we purchase oil from, funds numerous terrorist activities. I feel a sense of betrayal and hypocrisy, knowing that we are supporting a country that is actively working to harm innocent people.

There are a number of reasons why Saudi Arabia funds terrorist activities. One reason is that the Saudi government is a totalitarian monarchy that suppresses dissent and human rights. The government uses terrorism as a way to maintain its power and intimidate its opponents.