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Educate me about the history of this country. Why are they so properous (don't just say “oil”). Why are they friendly to the US? Why is Dubai such an “Americanized” city? What's the possibility of other Arab countries (like Iraq) becoming similar to them? Is it all about Capitalism and a free economy?
This is a good question. The answer might lie with freedom of religion; in Saudi Arabia Islam is the official religion and the practice of other religions, including Christianity, is against the law. In the UAE Christian and other churches exist.Since cities like Mecca are in Saudi Arabia, the religion is probably more entrenched in Saudi Arabia and militants therefore probably have a greater stronghold there. Since the UAE is the third wealthiest nation on earth and has its fortune tied to the international market, Islam probably doesn't have as great of an influence there on daily or political life.
This might seem a little pessamistic but being exposed to wealth and materials can make religous matters not so important. So maybe their wealth and possesions and the ability to get them have become something in common with us.
Stumpfoot, I think that if that were true Saudi Arabia would be less of a center base for terrorism and/or Islamo-fascism. I think this was at the heart of Skiguy's question. I'm not sure that it's the wealth that causes nations to be friendly to the West, but rather the socio-political structure that does this. The economy, though, likely has some influence on nations' friendliness to the West.
Phid, interesting point about the religious freedom. Stumpfoot made a good point too about wealth taking priority over that. I read there's quite a few strip clubs and casinos in Dubai…although that doesn't exactly make a righteous nation, I bet it keeps a lot of people happy. That's very liberal for a predominantly Muslim nation. Although Saudi Arabia is rich, isn't a majority of the income just going to the regime and oil cartel instead of being invested in the country? (similar to Iran).
Well, the terrorism comes from radical factions among Islam, not necessarily from the Saudi's themselves. Broadening that statement, it's happening all around the world, the westernization of society, especially in the east (china). I think thats what they want, because when you boil it down were all the same, we all want to be comfortable and happy. I am not too familiar with the economy there, so Skiguy the only source for wealth I know of is oil, I'm sure there are other sources, but I'm also sure that oil is the majority.
