Trump's Commerce Secretary: Saudi King So Great Nobody Even Protests! In a recent clip from The Young Turks, host Cenk Uygur delves into the comments made by Wilbur Ross, former Commerce Secretary under Donald Trump, during a trip to Saudi Arabia. Ross's remarks, highlighting the absence of protests and his fascination with the hospitality shown by the Saudis, have raised eyebrows and sparked discussion about U.S. perceptions of authoritarian regimes. During his visit, Ross remarked on the lack of visible dissent in Saudi Arabia, claiming, “There was not a single hint of a protester anywhere.” He seemed genuinely surprised by the absence of negativity, oblivious to the reality that dissenters in Saudi Arabia face severe repercussions, including imprisonment and execution. Uygur counters Ross's naive interpretation, emphasizing that the silence of protesters may be more a reflection of repressive control than a genuine lack of dissent. In the video, Ross also expressed his enjoyment of the extravagant gifts he received, specifically mentioning huge bushels of dates presented to him by local authorities—a gesture he seemed to find quite impressive. This has led to debates regarding the nature of diplomatic engagements with nations that have a history of human rights abuses and terrorism. For context, 15 of the 19 hijackers involved in the 9/11 attacks were Saudi nationals. Uygur critiques the simplistic nature of Ross’s praise, reminding viewers of the complex socio-political issues at play, particularly the historical context of Saudi Arabia's funding of terrorism and extremism. He suggests that Ross and the Trump administration’s eagerness to engage with Saudi leadership underscores a problematic prioritization of business interests over moral responsibility. This commentary raises important questions about American foreign policy, especially regarding partnerships with countries led by authoritarian figures. The conversation around Saudi Arabia remains vital in the context of ongoing global discussions about human rights and geopolitical strategy.
Discussion Points
- What are your thoughts on the U.S. relationship with Saudi Arabia?
- How should American leaders navigate partnerships with countries known for human rights abuses?
- Do you think that business interests should take precedence over ethical considerations in international relations? Feel free to share your opinions or experiences in this thread!