Strong Signs of a Saudi Power Play

You know how Saudi Arabia, channeling its inner Groucho, declined to become a member of an exclusive club that would have it as member? It appears that it's part of a Wahhabi stratagem--a bid to reassert its role as the strongest stallion in the Ummah stable. How do we know that that's what's up? Well, concurrent with the snub, this story appeared in the Wahhabis' Arab News:

In his annual Haj message, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah urged Muslims to stand together and be tolerant with each other and the rest of the world. 

However, he also warned that the Ummah would not allow others to interfere in their affairs, undermine their security and disrespect Islam.

Crown Prince Salman delivered the King's speech at the annual reception for leaders of Islamic countries, dignitaries, guest pilgrims of the king and heads of Haj missions at Mina Palace on Wednesday. 

The king urged Muslims to unify and deal with others “with a forgiving humanity that does not reject others just because they believe in different religions.” 

He said Muslims should honor agreements based on Islam's values, ethics and principles.  

“What we disagree on, the decisive words (on this) is stated in the Holy Qur'an: 'To you be your way, and to me mine.'” 

King Abdullah said Muslims around the world “share the same worries and hopes” and would only be successful by “holding tight to our belief.” 

He said Islam encourages Muslims to try to understand and engage in dialogue with others. It is a religion of “moderation, clarity and forgiveness” that respects the “freedom of religions, cultures and beliefs.”

Yeah, right. So why does this part sound like a threat?

However, the king also urged others to respect Islam and Muslims.

“From the prophetic land, cradle of revelation, we say to the world that we are an Ummah that does not bargain with our religion, ethics and values and does not allow anyone to interfere in our internal or external issues.”

“It should be clear to the whole world that we respect them and value their humanitarian contribution throughout history, but there would be no option left (but to take action) against whoever tries to manipulate us with their narrow views or interests.”

That same day, the Saudis told the UN (which they obviously believed was trying to manipulate it with narrow--i.e. un-Islamic--views and interests) to bugger off.

Update: Groucho comments on yours truly:



Update: TIME magazine, none of whose employees, apparently, know how to use that new-fangled invention GOOGLE, is sooo confused.