Is the premise that Donald Trump will read this? Or having heard about it on Fox & Friends, that he would either care orr understand?
Seriously, what’s the point of the column?
4
Thank you, Mr. Friedman
So Donald Trump is supposed to lecture somebody else on keeping your own family and wealth out of your decision-making, empowering women, respecting the rights of your political enemies, recognizing the rights of other religions, and dialing back the knee-jerk reactions to Iran. Are you sure you've thought this all the way through?
8
Tom’s thoughtful memo is written as though its intended recipient has any clue about Saudi Arabia or the Middle East, and as if its intended recipient has any idea how important diplomacy is in global politics. Regrettably, demonstrably bad assumptions.
3
Dear Mr. Friedman,
I applaud to you for writing this letter based on a clear analysis, with all the best interest of USA, Saudi, and the world. But.....
You need to condense your letter into three short bullets. Our president does not read anything longer than a quarter of what you wrote. Big question to you: If our president appointed you to become the ambassador to Saudi Arabia, would you take it?
I recall that you wrote an Op Ed piece before the presidential election begging voters not to vote for him. Knowing how revengeful he could be, why do you think that our president will listen to you this time? Or do you believe that it is your duty to lay out the recommendation? I thank you for being a true scholar.
1
"But, if I may, President Trump, M.B.S. is a young man, and two-thirds of Saudi Arabia is under 30. They look to America for more than just weapons. They look to us as an example. They watch what we model — so it is more vital than ever that we continue to model the rule of law, respect for institutions, tolerance and pluralism."
How many times have we heard this before, with Ferdinand Marcos, the Shah of Iran, Ngo Dinh Diem and God knows how many other "fair haired boys" whom America hoped to school in democracy and openness? We need to get out of meddling in other countries' internal politics and the dangerous delusion that all foreigners really want is to emulate America. We ought to have wise policies in dealing with the Saudis, the Chinese, the iranians and everyone else: but we will never convert them to our own homegrown mix of rampant individualism, predatory capitalism and no holds-barred politics.
10
Do we think either Trump or M.B.S. is a man of principles who care about the people they rule (as opposed to govern or lead)? With Trump, it's clear he isn't. He's all about his personal brand and appearance. He appeals to a shrinking political base that might elect him again, which is his only motivation. As to M.B.S., I don't think we really know. Saudi Arabia is a wealthy kingdom in the oil business. Their motivation is to stay in that business. What principles guide their rule? I don't think we know, and not having an ambassador isn't helping.
5
You do realize, Mr. Friedman, that supporting MBS is the contemporary equivalent of supporting the shah? The shah was also progressive on women's issues....as almost every Middle East modernizer (such as Ataturk and Saddam) has been, in an effort to weaken (on behalf of the centralizing state) the tribal patronage systems that often prevail in rural areas. The difference is, that MBS is not as progressive as the Shah (in the sense of secularizing whether you like it or not) and nowhere near as credible as the leader of a nation that will act as the fulcrum of US policy in the Middle East. The MBS option is a symptom of the collapse of any coherent U.S. strategy at all. And I'm not sure there is a coherent strategy.
9
Well said. I don't always agree with Friedman, but he offers a pragmatic and reasonable assessment of how we can help shape the Crown Prince. If Trump looks like his usual self, the Prince will have no respect for him and may go looking elsewhere, which would diminish our influence in the Middle East. The one elephant in the room is that the current extremist form of Islam will surely work on having him assassinated or replaced with the help of other parts of the ruling family. We need to be cognizant of this possibility and plan for what happens as a likely contingency.
So True. Thomas friedman has the capacity to filter the essence and put it in very clear and understandable terms. I hope Trump reads this and takes the advise. Saudis would love nothing better than Dave Petraus as the Special Counsel for Saudi Arabia. Petraus is the man MBS can and will respect and listen and this great scholar soldier can help not only the Saudis but the whole world by setting MBS on the correct path.
With the possible exception of SecDef Mattis, there is no one in this administration that MBS would bother listening to for advice on governance. Plus, MBS will be motivated almost exclusively by domestic concerns, as well as by the Iranian/Shi'a threat to Saudi Arabia's claim of leadership of the Muslim community. In truth, there's little the US can offer by way of advice. All we can do is hope for the best, and avoid becoming embroiled in misadventures.
MBS will demonstrate transformation when he allows a church to be built and operate in his country. Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Qatar all have them.
3
Everything is relative. MBS is for modernizing the saudis, presumably he is already taking steps that allows women to get driver licenses.
Hopefully they can examine also the parts of their law that involves amputation of hands, public flogging for indecency, and one day perhaps they won't tolerate throwing alleged LGBTs off rooftops.
One step at a time, each progress will be a cherished one as long as it can become embedded in Saudi society and in our lifetimes, we can see the day when everyone can just get along without this need to always defer to some ancient books for every facet of society.
2
Saudi Arabia remains the #1 source of anti-western terror funding and ACTION.
They spend millions in US campuses propagandizing against the US and Isr.
they recruit terrorists in us prisons hoping for agents to do their work
There is no reason in the Current environment to treat them as anything other than terror central aside from the fact that they won the bush family and others.
Why do you think we went to war on their #1 enemy after 911. SAddam was their only credible sunni competitor
5
Good insightful column T.F. but you might as well be talking to a wall. M.B.S. and the Saudi young generation had better resign themselves to a U.S. today in an aberrational period (hopefully) and not look to the Trump Administration as an example.
So you mean Rex Tillerson's sword dance did not work magic?
1
It sounds like the English Civil War which never ended in the USA where the Roundheads under Republican control seek to reinvent Cromwell's dystopian Theocracy.
2
This would have been a lot more effective if it were shorter. And had pictures. And mentioned Trump's name more than once. As it is, his audience's eyes were glazing over by "It's only a matter of time..."
4
This is a test.
3
Dear Little Tommy:
First of all, if you wanted me to be aware of your little so-called facts and opinions, you would send them to Fox to be read on-air.
Actually, don't bother. I'm not interested. I have really good instincts.
Donald
Your really big President
7
Saudi Arabia is profoundly mistaken if it believes it can build a modern civilization by merely purchasing the latest science and technology.
Modern science and technology are themselves the fruits of hundreds of years of European social progress: Freedom to inquire, to dissent, to express freely, to be rid of the cruelty and fanaticism of theocrats along with the tyranny of autocratic rulers.
10
All the groundwork for science and technology was laid while Europe was ruled by monarchs. Where freedom was not found and theocrats ruled.
2
"Our job: help curb his bad impulses and nurture his good ones." Really Mr. Friedman? This is precisely what has been so wrong about our Foreign Policy for years. Why is it our job? Who are we to instruct the rest of the world's leaders about how they are to govern their countries. We see how well it worked in Vietnam, Iran, Iraq, Chile, Ukraine, Libya just to name a few before running out of space.
Why are we responsible for the fate of Saudi women, when we seem to have so much difficulty working out the male female thing right here at home. Maybe they don't want their women parading around in short skirts and displaying their cleavage. Maybe the Saudi women like being protected from leering eyes. In any event, what is it the business of ours.
Perhaps our Policy ought to be directed at Saudi support of extreme Islam through their funding of Sunni Madrasas all over the world. Remember 15 of the 19 suicide attackers on 9/11 were Saudis. Or maybe we should try and get the Saudi's t stop the attacks on Yemen.
5
Every American President has been looking for a James Baker ever since James Baker.
3
anyone who can purchase a $500 million yacht on a whim has no right to resent his obscenely rich relatives.
5
"Our job: help curb his bad impulses and nurture his good ones"
And you think this is a task for Donald Trump?! Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha! That's a good one!
3
Friedman is the example par excellence of someone who can dole out advice because he has never had to implement anything. Like the stock broker who won't buy a single share of the stock he is hyping.
4
"Are you nuts?" We need a special envoy to the president's brain.
1
Mr. Friedman, you are supposed to be an educated man of the world and yet you intentionally make the error of calling Persian Gulf, Arab Gulf. What a damn thing to do.
3
Like any part of religion will save the day for any of us. You mean like the religions that bless the soldiers when they go on the battlefield to kill and then bless them again when they come back dead? Or how about the religious nut cases that murder abortion doctors and folks giving smallpox vaccinations? Let's not overlook priests and evangelicals who like to diddle children while they condemn anyone who laughs at them or disagrees with them to their espoused version of hell. The more MBS pushes for his version of change the more likely he will be assinated. That's the human side of religion.
2
Interesting article for all those interested in Saudi Arabia and the many difficulties it poses for the rest of the world. Sadly, our president has no interest or thoughtful nature, so I would not hold my breath hoping he will pay it heed. If and when we move to a more engaged president and congress, these are important issues and it remains to be seen how many of them we can get US consensus on and how many of them we can effectively support from outside.
My expectation from Trump dealing with M.B.S is zero because the ignorance of our POTUS and lack of experience diplomats in State Department and in administration. M.B.S. is young and energetic leader and has vision to change the kingdom. He has jailed lot of princes for corruption in luxury Ritz Carlton. But he has to stay free of corruption and lavish life style. KSA is a rich country but has so many real poor citizens. He imposed VAT which is TAX on ordinary people and also visitors. He has to stop spreading SALAFI and WAHABI extremism. HE has to make sure no rich Sheikh finance ISIS, AL-Queda or any terrorist organizations. He has to think for the future economy of his country when there will be no more oil or some other alternative energy source get cheaper and popular. In short future America will be oil exporting country. He has to stop killing Yemeni innocent people, meddling Qatar business, indirect fighting with Iran and also back stabbing Palestinians. I believe this young leader M.B.S. can change his country for better because he is a visionary leader. Best luck.
At its core MBS must orchestrate a religious reformation. Internationally he needs to stop funding Wahabi madrassas abroad and limit their anti-Western gospel. He must also show compassion for Yemen. He cannot afford a polarized, failed, water stressed boarder state ripe for the worst kind of radicalism. Saudi $$ can be put to better use than waging an unwinnable war that alienates the populace. Use resources to win hearts and minds. Finally, embrace Qatar as conduit and possible model for addressing Iran because it cannot be bested by confrontation.
Over the longer run, traditional Shiite:Sunni hostilities and disagreements on religious dogma must be moderated and new ways found to collaborate. Set aside the competition for hegemony and recognize that Islam has room for divergent views. Because intolerance is an ancient cancer eating away at the ME's future.
Domestically the Saudis need to eliminate religious oppression and a myriad of laws and practices subordinating women to men. It needs to unleash the incredible energy of 50% of its population held in bondage. Economically. the free ride afforded Saudis is not sustainable and more merit-based competitiveness in employment. The rule of law is rightfully identified as a "must" for international investment and diversification.
It's a huge agenda. And at its core it is a religious reformation. America needs understanding, compassion, partners and a plan. Inshallah we succeed.
1
One could imagine this letter to Henry VIII or Louis XIV. Henry sure changed Religion in England and kept a good hold on his Lords. Louis showed the then world what power from the throne really could accomplish. All despotism is so similar. This letter will be a joke at the Saudi Court and its underlings.
1
If your suggesting he look here for leadership, not to mention " clean, modest, conciliatory" behavior, he'll find the room empty.
3
Memo to: President Trump (as if he cared).
1
For how many years has Friedman been writing columns advising US presidents on Mideast policy? Has any of these presidents ever taken his advice? Not that I can recall. Maybe he should take a break and ask himself why that is. Or he could just keep spending his time shouting down a rain barrel.
and how has that policy been going?
One correction: the memo should be addressed to the President’s preferred moniker, David Dennison.
1
Friedman’s lecture to Trump is a waste of time. Trump is just as likely to engage in militaristic overreach as MBS. Trump is also surrounded by cabinet members who are “in over their heads.” Trump is also estranged from every competent person in the government. Trump doesn’t like Tillerson any more than MBS does.
Trump and MBS are allies because the Saudis staged a sycophantic spectacle for Trump that would have embarrassed a less narcissistic grown up. They are also allies against Qatar because people (Broidy & Nassar) peddling UAE money made it worthwhile for Trump to line up on that side of the argument.
In short, the chances that either of these men will ultimately do anything other than what makes them richer, or look and feel good are ZIP. Mr. Friedman, your audience is NOT Trump. Your audience should be the American people with an ounce of sense who would benefit from your deep knowledge of the Middle East. Speak to us.
By the way, I don’t share Friedman’s optimism about the ultimate outcome of “bringing Saudi Arabia into the modern world.” That bet didn’t work out with China or Russia. It is more likely to result in an equally corrupt and autocratic regime in which people have a bit more personal freedom that prevents them from complaining.
2
Memo to the numerous numerous people making snide remarks about Trump's capacity to read: He is the President for the next 7 years and you are not.
1
In order to have a rational program for dealing with problems on the Arabian peninsula we must convince Trump that he can make untaxed millions by promoting reforms in Saudi Arabia. Only then will he show some interest.
Isn't it a bit patronizing to think MBS needs to learn from us? What great things have we done for our country since 9/11? Yes, we made progress on the LGBT front, but went backwards on rights for women over their own bodies. We have great universities but leave blue collar worker's children without affordable education options. We build glitzy condos but neglect our infrastructure. So all profit + progress goes to the top - just not quite as extreme as in Saudi Arabia.
I think MBS knows his country better than we do, and if he'd release all the people he now angered as you suggested, it certainly would be 'correct' but he'll be a dead man + reforms are over.
1
Great advice and counsel, but we need a short version with what’s in it for me (President Trump) to have a chance of being read.
Tom this is sound well reasoned fatherly advice but unfortunately misdirected.
Trump does not believe in the rule of law. He has no respect for institutions. He routinely does not listen to or pushes aside the advice of more seasoned advisors. His actions are frequently those of a brash teenager flexing his muscles. He has no sense of history other than that which he invents so he has no benchmarks.
Yes we have no one in this administration that can fill the role that you have outlined here. I'd suggest that we look elsewhere in the world for leadership on this front from perhaps France, Germany or Norway. The US is in turmoil and right now would provide a very bad role model, our own autocrat is out of control.
It’s hard for me to believe that MBS is a true reformer.
His anti-corruption efforts seem to be more related to developing and maintaining an iron-fisted control over the obscene numbers of Saudi princes in order to secure his authority. There may also be an element of revenge involved.
The loosening of rigid controls over womens’ behaviour and freedoms is quite superficial and sounds much like what an America under Obama would want in order to counter Obama’s reduced support for the Saudi regime.
True reform must involve, as Mr. Friedman mentions, a transparent and unbiased anti-corruption court. This won’t happen because the entire royal family is corrupt to some degree.
True reform must also involve further freedoms for women. This would be likely to trigger a massive backlash from many men who will not easily give up their entitled controls over womens’ behaviour.
True reform must involve either closing or drastically modifying the vast numbers of Wahabbist madrassas in SA and especially in other countries to reign in the growing radicalization of Islam.
Finally, a real reformer is unlikely to also be tyrannical in establishing his authority at home as well as engaging in regional wars and blockades. He sounds more like Putin than, say, the King of Jordan.
Tom great memo. One problem--it's too long, too complicated, and doesn't have any videos or graphics so that our President will understand it or want to read it.
What difference do ambassadors make? It is not their job to ask the country to which they are appointed ambassadors to change their ways of running their country. Countries can convey their displeasure through several alternative channels. The real ambassadors of a country are the people who exchange visits and convey thoughts through oped memos such as this one by Thomas Friedman. Saudi Arabia can do a lot to ensure peace in the middle east especially in Yemen. The civil war in Yemen has fallen on Trump's lap but began well into the Obama presidency and a memo to president Obama such as this would have been more timely and appropriate. But having dealt with problems originating during the Bush Obama years, it is not too late for president Trump to consider taking them with the visiting Saudi crown prince in private.
1
Can I carry a bible in the open in Saudi Arabia after the reform? Tom's article doesn't say so. That means reforms need to go a long way and we have to wait a log time to have a normal society in Saudi Arabia. We need to push M.B.S. to have more freedom: personal, economic, political and religious.
1
Mr. Friedman and others are wondering why Mr. Trump has yet to dispatch a US ambassador to Saudi Arabia or other key ME countries. There are two explanations for that, both revolving around Mr. Trump mind-set.
On the surface, Mr. Trump has given Mr. Kushner an extensive ME portfolio. In reality, his role is to act as an intermediary between Mr. Trump and Mr. Netanyahu. That is to say, Mr. Kushner is the front man for Mr. Netanyahu, who has been given a free-hand in conducting US foreign policy in ME. Clearly that runs at cross purposes with having US ambassadors in ME countries. US ambassadors collect information on issues relevant to US interests and send them to Washington with their recommendations on how to proceed. No doubt if these recommendations are consistently overlooked or in fact contradicted at the expense of US interest, there will be much noise in the Congress and US media.
Unlike Mr. Trump, Mr. Tillerson actually looks presidential. That appears to make Mr. Trump uncomfortable, possibly thinking that Mr. Tillerson may have presidential ambition. Moreover, Mr. Trump could be envious of Rex's mastery of facts, his extensive experience in doing business overseas, the level of confidence he exhibits, etc. Clearly, the more ambassadors, the more power and prestige goes to Rex Tillerson. And that is evidently something that Mr. Trump cannot handle. In short, he wants a weak Secretary of State, distant from any major foreign policy breakthrough.
2
More than ever the US needs to take this opportunity to engage with Saudi Arabia and provide guidance.
Friedman is right - in many respects the Saudis want to emulate the US and so we need to act now while the iron is hot. It would be a good investment on our part and the rewards would be massive.
But unfortunately we have Tump in the White House and he or his cronies have absolutely no interest in this issue. Tump is looking for deals for himself and his family and that is it.
1
The only thing Donald Trump will do with M.B.S. is try to set up deals for him. his corrupt son-in-law and the criminal GOP, who are blackmailed under his thumb - if anyone thinks he has the brain or yen to advance anything other than that with him, you need a doctor more than Trump does.
2
Mr Friedman. SA should formally separate Church & State, enact tolerance, a Bill of Rights, open borders, a new constitution, etc. So should all nation's. Especially Muslim nation's. Yeah, that's it Tom! Tell MBS; He'll be chomping at the bits..... Tom, your brilliant insight is akin to Bible stories about the "streets being paved with gold". oh, we can hardly wait to go there.....
1
Yes, the Americans tried this very same experiment with the Shah of Iran, in the middle of the last century, and we all know where that led. Vote for women, redistributing farm land, massive literacy programs.... It all led to a road to nowhere as far as reform was concerned, and freed the autocratic system to amass wealth and enrich its cronies, at the expense of the slum dwellers that kept occupying the margins of large cities.
An autocrat can NOT be a modernizing force. Ultimately, the fraud of forcing a foreign culture, even if it is enlightened and for the common good, will cause, rather than curb, corruption, income polarization and discontent among the masses. The yacht buying is part and parcel of the stagnation. This MBS package will only cause more of the same.
Americans need to look outside the house of Saud for their prince. Maybe outside this whole concept of prince and Shah.
3
On another note all of you $70,000 to 120,000 voters that are socking money away for your retirement and who voted for Trump. If this president doesn't think it's important to protect our voting against Russian meddling how important do you think he will protect your 401k, pensions, and retirement investments.
1
Oh hey, another puff piece about bin Salman (stop trying to make MBS happen).
How much are they paying you, Tom?
2
It may be more efficient to nudge Trump out first and replace him with someone who can hold two coherent thoughts at the same time.
3
“They look to us as an example”
Hahaha, my sides...
1
Quoting the biblical expression, a prophet is never welcome in his own country, and to be sure, certainly not in Trump land. The narcissistic moron that currently occupies the White House is just as short of qualified help and guidance as M.B.S. - really, even more so. I just know that this isn't going to turn out well. Not to be pessimistic - just realistic. Trump is a fool who believes he's a genius. The worst possible kind.
3
Setting aside Saudi Arabia's multi- problems re a range of norms, values, menschlichkeit, for diverse people's, ideas and beliefs, this well crafted article leaves out two critical issues. Firstly, personal responsibility, and accountability, are at best, just words. In Arabic or other languages used in this country and culture. Secondly, Mr. Friedman, presenting your ideas, range of knowledge, and suggestions about what needs to be done, as a memo, to a daily-violating President Trump, while possibly-passing-as-"cute," borders on being insensitive, and perhaps even insulting, to your readers during these divisive times.You have the privilege of having a widely read, and influential, platform.Consider that you have responsibilities for what may be its temporary as well as longer term implications and consequences.Especially in our daily reality of uncertainty. Randomness. Unpredictabilities. Lack of total control over processes and outcomes notwithstanding types, levels, and qualities of each of our efforts. Consider, WE need relevant questions. With their inherent stimulating quests. Not answers of too-early-closure. And surely not addressed to a twittering- tweeter. Who gives daily evidence that he is reading-free. Willfully blind to what exists. Deaf to experienced physical,psychological, economic, social, spiritual pains of others. And ignorant of his toxic ignorance.You have a platform.Use it wisely. Not "cutely."
2
trump's reading skills won't get him past "Memo to: President Trump." at which point he will sit back and reflect "He's the president and you are not."
Like MBS trump will lock up the Forbes 100 in his hotel in DC. No discounts! Believe me.
Trump's belief system is in the separation "separating" of wealth and power from the state - much like MBS is doing.
Like Putin, Kim, Duterte, Erdogan, Xi and others, MBS will only curb trump's good impulses (if any) and nurture his bad ones. What Yemen, Qatar and Iran is to MBS, North Korea (Canada, Mexico, Germany, ...) is to trump.
Evangelical zealots in our nation - through the stinky fertile ground trump stands on, politicians and the museum of the Bible - are seeking to have their flavor of religion dominate government (revealed by that infamous photo in the oval office of zealots praying and praising The Leader), takeover of the Grand Capitol in Washington and impose on everyone else. Trump shows fake piety to his base - in spite of porn-stars and Playboy bunnies and such.
The trump movement is all about choking "off trends for women's empowerment and modern education and spread anti-pluralistic, misogynist, anti-Western [anti-allies] form of [Christianity] and financial underpinnings of [supremacists, racists, fake news, tax cut gifts to the wealthiest, corruption, anti-science, anti-environment, anti-health care, ....]
1
We need to bring Christianity in our own country back to its "moderate" origins - as should the Israeli's bring Judaism back to its "moderate" origins that yielded a wealth of music, science and other benefits to the world.
2
"He can’t achieve his economic reforms without global investors"
Saudi Arabia is the home of petro-dollars, flush to the point of absurd. Their own sovereign wealth fund is the ultimate foreign investor. They are so flush they pay for the CIA's wars, and have for a very long time. So no, they don't "need" foreign investors.
MbS is not "bold." He is reckless and bloodthirsty. He's a wildman. Most likely, he is not long for this world. He has deeply offended every single interest group in a society that solves problems by assassination. He hung billionaires (meaning real power) by the heels, many of them all at once; he took billions from them that way. It is only a matter of time, and probably not that long either.
Advice to the President ought to be not to get too invested in this guy. He'll be gone long before any payoff.
Furthermore, for any "good" thing he does like letting women drive (not yet actually done btw) he kills a lot of kids in Yemen and Syria and elsewhere (and they are already actually dead).
7
Thank you for a good synopsis of what is happening in Saudi Arabia and why. It is imperative that we fill both needed positions, Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern affairs, and right now, an ambassador.
Neither will happen as Trump has declared himself the State, and Kushner spent most of his time there promoting Trump Holdings and having a beer or two with MBS and establishing an international 'boys club'.
Trump does not want anyone smarter than him in his WH administration as his sagging, aging ego takes a hit and he feels a diminishment in absolute power.
Finding people dumber than Trump, or at least unqualified for their jobs, has not been a problem to date despite the fact that @53 people have left his administration due to firings, resignations, criminal charges, and scandal.
1
You guys are killing me with your sober memorandum to a churlish, childish, impulsive know nothing.
5
Given that trump is the posterboy of bad impulses and the secratary of state is Ignoramus_Rex, this column is a complete joke. No one is listening, Tom.
2
It appears that the percentage of commentors who've actually read the article is even lower than usual.
Among other things, Friedman said nothing about MBS' being a champion of democracy, being able to change Saudi Arabia overnight, or being a peachnik.
1
"They look to us as an example."
They do? When did that start? The US lost any minor credibility it ever had in the Middle East when it overthrew Iran's government and installed the hated Mohammad Reza Pahlavi---the Shah. We continued to support this murdering tyrant until a violent uprising overthrew his rule in 1979.
St. Ronnie then proceeded to trade military arms for hostages. Yep. Some example that we have been setting in the entire region. Maybe they really do look to us---for all the wrong reasons.
We have been "meddling" in the affairs of this region for far too long. I guess it is okay for us to do so, but is just awful when some other nation meddles in our affairs.
Friedman, get off your high horse.
5
This could be distilled to a simple and clear message that we continue to ignore for decades now:
The House of Saud is NOT our friend.
7
The central question for Americans about Saudi Arabia, is how did a repressive monarchy of oil princes, that is the leading exporter of extreme, violent ideology become the second most important U.S. ally in the Middle East. (Iran is far more advanced politically and socially and economically, but somehow we have made them our enemy. And it is we that have consistently attacked Iran, not the other way around.)
The second is why is the U.S. funding and supporting the Saudi's brutal mass attack on the people of Yemen? They have gone far beyond a normal campaign against the Yemen military to directly terrorize the people.
U.S. support for Saudi Arabia makes no sense on is face. But it seems to me that the obsession about it repeatedly expressed by Friedman (who has been a cheerleader for the current world trading system that gives more and more power and money to global corporations at the expense of workers and the countries they live in) is a major clue.
How does helping a country that exports terror, and refuses to spend its billions in oil profits on its own impoverished population, help the global corporations and their billionaire shareholders?
4
Lots of luck Mr.Friedman. Or as it is often said in that part of the world inshallah.
MBS is a thug from and extended family of thugs. A criminal enterprise running a country know only for its export of oil and terrorism (see 9/11, Yemen, etc.). He and the House of Saud have only bad impulses and no good ones to nurture.
Change will only come when Arabia no longer is prefaced by "Saudi."
3
Unlike prior administrations, this one has a two prong divided energy strategy., with Trump the final decision maker.
On one side, you have the pro Saudi contingency, led by Kushner. This team is driving policy that indirectly supports the MBS planned IPO of Saudi Aramco, an IPO vital to Saudi Arabia, if modernization, economic diversification and overall mid-east security is to materialize. Of course this group of wall street and hedge fund laden expertise wins big, alongside MBS, if a higher valuation survives. Driving the price of Oil and Commodities overall works favorably for this group. Bring on inflation. Then there is the Tillerson faction, all large US investors (including banks and hedge funds) of US energy independence. Ironically, Exxon announced just today its plan to double its earnings by 2025, largely dependent on increased production of US shale, a direct threat to MBS, but gift to the Pence donor stream (all those Carbon Kings). many within the industrial supply sectors who benefit from rising raw material and chemical prices. The Tillerson faction spent the last four years cutting costs. They're ready for $65 oil, especially if it drives their exports and profits. Saudi Arabia is desperate for higher oil.
It's time for Trump to dismantle the terrible Obama led strategy in place since 2014. It hasn't crippled Russia. Nor China. Nor Venezuela. Unfortunately, Obama got his advice from this Author. Hopefully Trump will ignore it.
Interesting I find it interesting this article is all about women’s rights and democracy and no mention is made about oil. A few decades ago, the Arabs were itinerant herders and the Turks managed Mecca for centuries. It was the British and American oil companies that empowered the Saud royal family to consolidate the warring tribes and made them obscenely rich.
Today, China’s “One Belt/Road” project is consolidating Middle Eastern and Asian petroleum production and are partnering with Russia and Iran to ensure steady oil reserves for Asia. Turkey, Russia, Iran, and China will determine the future of Arabia and the Influence of the West is waning. The future of the Middle East is East and I do not predict the House of Saud will survive the transition.
1
What a bunch of delusional hooey. Saudi men will never give up their priviliges. What evidence in their traditions and culture say they ever will? A little window dressing, here and there. Some things will change, so things can remain the same.
2
Good advice Mr. Friedman, I trust your knowledge considerably more than Donald Trump or Jarrod Kushner. However, the chance that Trump or his son-in-law will heed it is zero. Kushner is being dispatched to Mexico today sans the security clearance he will never get. Trump, always the coward, gave the responsibility for that decision to John Kelly, and once made correctly, he ignores it and so will Kushner. What will Kelly do now? Anyone’s guess, mine is, he will do nothing. Trump will not try to moderate M.B.S. on Iran, he will not urge a rational approach in dealing with the cousins and, he would never suggest curbing acquisition of riches. In these areas, he agrees with the young Saudi prince. We are rapidly hurtling toward autocracy (there already perhaps) and no one challenges the dear leader Trump. Our only hope is Mueller, who could soon be fired, and the 2018 elections.
2
Sorry Mr. Friedman, but there is no one home at the White House.
4
"Rule of law, respect for institutions, tolerance and pluralism?" Sorry, that train done left the station.
6
An informative analysis of the strengths and liabilities of MBS with regard to the progress of Saudi Arabia joining the modern world, reducing fundamentalist-promoting sponsorship of conservative religion by the Saudi government, broadening women's rights and fighting corruption, all unfortunately balanced by an anti-Shiite fervor and lack of hesitancy in promoting military action as the primary weapon against Iran. Unfortunately, this memo is addressed to the person who is least likely to heed its message, least likely to promote the positives and urge a brake on the negatives, most likely to see the meeting with MBS as another opportunity to sell weapons and ramp up solidarity with Israel in its opposition to Iran, while applauding the Saudi heir apparent for becoming more dictatorial in his methods. Even with a president who is clueless on developments in the Middle East, Friedman could address the memo to his advisors, but those with level heads (except possibly Tillerson, who is ignored), are mostly nonexistent and those that remain to read the memo, like Steven Miller, are most likely to urge Trump's use of his worst instincts. This would have been a great memo to Barack Obama. As it is, the memo makes sense, but there's no one thoughtful enough in the administration to pay attention to it.
1
Classic Friedman: A patronizing column using the absurd format of a memo to POTUS that includes a bunch of well-worn soundbytes from the various interviews he's given on the topic of MBS and Saudi reforms over the past six months. Globalists need a new standard bearer and this guy needs new material. Can't wait for the book I'm sure this column is being turned in to right now: 200 pages of throat clearing, an invented set of terms to avoid using plain English to describe most of what's outlined here; add in a graph or two to make it seem like there's a real trendline or correlation that has to be shared with the reader to illustrate the various paradigm shifts Friedman is sure we're all missing. Can only imagine the working title for this opus.
3
"Can only imagine the working title for this opus."
May I suggest "Flat flattering and prostrating in front of money: Why some do it so transparently?"
2
Memo to Mr. Friedman: Save your breath, paper, pen, and time. Trump doesn't read.
2
We need Ambassadors and under secretaries appointed worldwide immediately. but as Jane Mayer indicated in her important New Yorker article, Tillerson is Putin sanctioned and barreling toward removal or abence of all professional ambassadors and staff as informed "witnesses" to his hidden policy goals. So dangerous. Who can stop Tillerson and fill the State Dept. with pros who speak the languages and study cultures in depth.
Tom,
You hit it on the head that some of the many problems with this administration is no ambassador to Saudi Arabia and no Asst. Sec of State for this part of the world, but also we have no Sec of State with any power in this area (due to Trump). And to compound it no Chief of Staff keeping his eye on the ball in this part of the world due to all the problems in the West Wing. What we have is Jared Kushner and all he will do is look for a way to get funding for his 666 property.
1
Did anyone else notice the dig at Rex Tillerson?? may be time for Robert Mueller to investigate others who promote UAE and Saudi talking points on the pages of the NYT.
1
Personality wise MBS and Trump sound like they have a lot in common - both replacing old dysfunctional corrupted systems with different corrupt incompetent administrators - just different stages of life one young and trying to build modernity into a culture, the other old and retrogressive, degrading societal norms and inflaming tribalism. Neither one of these guys is comfortable with democracy as a form of government. The survivors of Saudi air strikes in Yemen, reading the American markings on missile fragments and cluster bomb fragments will be a recruitment pool for Islamic extremists for decades ahead. The Saudis, our allies in the war on terror, have managed to fuel anti-American fervor in Shia and Sunni factions. MBS and Trump both use external threats to justify themselves politically. Shrewd diplomacy isn't going to happen - more like birds of a feather bonding.
1
"Our job: help curb his bad impulses and nurture his good ones": Friedman at his best.
Or most idiotic.
Always a delight to read the minds of the idealist. (Or is it called the elitist?)
1
A failed column, if the intent is to reach the president.
Too many biggish words --"impulse"; "profound"; "zealots"...
Paragraphs too long.
The whole thing too long. (Do you really think DT will scroll through words and extract meaning?) Get real!
No pictures!
3
I understand why oil must be the North Star of Washington's geopolitical strategy. I also understand why the establishment press must toe the line and push whatever narrative supports that strategy.
Nonetheless, I can't help but cringe every time I read one of these fawning pieces about Saudi Arabia in an American newspaper.
The reality the American public cannot be allowed to bluntly acknowledge: Saudi Arabia is a brutally repressive and backward pre-modern society. Despite Trump's claims, they are directly or indirectly behind most acts of Muslim terrorism on the planet. Anyplace where the Sharia code embraces amputation, beheading, and crucifixion cannot project, much less enjoy, anything but Medieval darkness.
2
Much of the damage has been done from wahabbism, the radical form of Islam that the Saudis have spent billions to spread throughout the world. Brainwashed terrorists and madrassa students are not going to stop hating infidels - Americans at the top of the list - just because a new Saudi leader is opening cinemas.and allowing women to drive. Tom, you can't put this heinous genie back in the bottle.
" Our job; help curb his bad impulses and nurture his good ones " The days when something like that approach made sense are long gone . While we still have the economic and military might to dictate or manipulate players and events on the world stage in the short term after Vietnam we pretty much lost the moral authority and the good will we'd earned by our role in shaping the post war world to exercise that kind of role.
Mr Friedman the only problem with your memo to President Trump is that he does not read. Possibly if you had it in pictures he might look at it.
But thanks for trying.
Trump only sees Saudi Arabia, India, The Phillipines, and China as Cash Cows to bail out Trump/Kushner Enterprises.
Can the press please stop sending Foreign Policy memos to Trump and stop pretending that Trump's corrupt regime can lecture these autocratic nations?
3
A letter to Trump? As if he reads..... but an excellent article nonetheless.
“Just think of the dollars we’ve spent countering Islamic extremism since 9/11. It’s trillions.”
Tom - Most of that money went into Iraq to unseat Saddam, a secular dictator, who acted as a bulwark against Islamic extremism. His regime was horrible, but not anywhere as horrible as the mid-east that followed his downfall. You got it wrong in 2003 and still haven’t figured that out.
5
All this foreign affairs stuff means nothing to Trump's base (it is all so coastal, elitist, and requires thought) and therefore means nothing to Trump. Get use to the vacuum.
Please make sure not to mention the Saudi genocide against Yemen as it might make things uncomfortable. No matter what you do, please completely ignore this genocide, just as Thomas Friedman is doing.
Again, don't mention the Yemeni genocide and being committed by Saudia Arabia. It wouldn't be convenient.
3
MBS uncorrupted , Friedman you are delusional , check out his home in Southern France just one but vivid example.
He is autocratic , he is killing thousands of innocent civilians in Yeman with our support.
The risk of backlash from extremists is real particularly from the young who may not have their expectations met by these cosmetic " reforms"
Friedman should revisit history and look at the fate of the Shah in Iran.
My concern MBS will initiate a war with Iran which will expand into a full Sunni / Shia conflict engulfing all of the Middle East and possibly Russia and the USA.
Needless to say Israel will not escape this.
We need to take a neutral stance in this bubbling conflict and focus on ensuring we are moving quickly towards energy independence.
6
Nice try. Need to put Trump’s name in it more frequently, shorten it, and add lots of pictures, mostly attractive, young Saudi women. It won’t be heeded, but it might be read.
Your potential U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia forgot the impossibility of U.S.'s leading by example for as long as we have an unscrupulous, deeply ignorant and highly arrogant and vulgar bully in the White House. And M.B.S., with all his 'smarts', is a bully as well, where the rule of law is just an afterthought, applicable only under the most dire circumstances demand it. And misogyny at it's "best", and religious fanaticism (dogma) hardly touched by clear secular laws against the Muslim police. Diplomacy, seen as the science and art of resolving potentially dangerous issues for peace' sake, is absent in Trump-Tillerson world, and the stupid complicity and complacency of the republican party...whose job ought to be to legislate, instead of playing lap dog to Trump's glaring disinterest in world affairs...other than self-serving vainglory for all his big-mouth nonsense. Quite frankly, this 'letter'would either get lost in the shuffle, or else interpreted as one more reason fro Trump to emulate despotism.
Is this intended as comedy because I am not laughing! He is auticratic, he does not believe in the rule of law, he is reckless (remember Yemen), he is surrounded by incompetent cronies And he is corrupt to the bones (remember the painting, yacht, chateau, wait another Yacht. But we will ignore all that and give advse on how to fix the religion of 1.5 billion people.
Nice Piece of infomercials Tom.
1
Mr. Friedman's endorsement of MBS is far too forgiving of his responsibility for fueling the vicious was in Yemen*.
Also, his idea of cultivating Saudi Arabia as a bulwark against Iran is flat out misguided. The Iranian public is inherently far better disposed to the west than in SA. It wasn't Iran that supplied the 9/11 hijackers. I
*https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/mar/07/saudi-arabia-arms-...
9
This is too logical and not intuitive - Trump's emotional hormones will not be triggered. The nature of MBS can not be controlled by advise - the people of this nature are not changed by advise. The situation here is very much like the story of Mahabharata where an old King was controlled by a young prince with a bunch of bad friends. The guiding force of their actions is hate and jealousy. The force that motivates MBS actions is hate for Shite Islam and Iran and not modernization of kingdom. Modernization is a component of the strategy of hate to keep young citizens with him in the game. Only way to control this monster is 'carrot and stick'.
1
Insightful as usual but a bit paternalistic. "They look to us as an example. They watch what we model". Well, if they do they are in deep doodoo. Send Gary Cohn as economic ambassador instead.
1
Obviously this 'memo' to our President who barely reads anything but his own
poorly written "tweets'....; yes Friedman's written "memo" will not be read by
this whacko President...who is utterly loathed by most US Citizens and our
allies....this memo...is a reminder of who illiterate Trump is....so it isn't
funny at all; or satirical at all...but maybe that is Friedman's real excuse for
writing it.
Best for Friedman to confront a Trump hard headed right wing loyalist on
PBS....so that commercials won't cut into any dialogue....
So...Friedman should sharpen his oratorical skills and take this argument or
any other argument to PBS....remembering that Trump doesn't read at all.
Good Luck....Tom....and ' Fortiter in Re; Leniter in Modo'.....
Make you arguments now and from now on on TV.
1
Sorry Tom, but allowing women to drive will not end the trillions being spent countering Islamic extremism.....I think you’re just a little naive on this one.
1
This is so poorly veiled. This is Mr. Friedman giving his own advice. The world according to Thomas Friedman.....Elitists of the world unite!
A memo to someone who doesn't read?
1
The bar is way too low.
So, now, a woman who leaves her husband and goes back to live with her parents, doesn't have to return to her husband if he desires - and this is what we call progress in 2018? Really?
"Male guardianship" is tolerated? Women are thankful to the men to be "allowed" to drive"?
Damned with faint praise.
6
But Vald would disagree because he doesn’t want normalcy. He’ll instruct his minion in the WH to blow holes in US-Saudi relationships by pumping fists and Donnie can do that easily
Mr. Friedman's sycophantic paeans to the "bold" despot are becoming tiresome.
5
This guy is also known as the butcher of Yemen.
4
Great job Tom, but a word of caution you probably don't need: You've now made yourself a target.
Please be careful.
I nominate you Thomas Friedman for Saudi Ambassador ... yes the wild eyed schoolboy .. I think you'd do a good job... At least it might get you off these editorial pages for a couple years.
2
The usual revolting T. Friedman suck-up article about Saudi Arabia. Yemen is an “overreach” which needs to be “defused”. No, the Saudi (Saudi-US) war on Yemen is a crime of aggression, ten thousand civilians killed directly and probably a greater number of children killed indirectly though lack of medicine or clean water. Over one million people suffered through cholera 2017 caused by the warfare. Does Friedman even have the decency to read what’s it’s like to undergo that disease? Corruption? Salman shook down Saudi billionaire rivals without any pretense of actual law. Law in the kingdom is a joke with the cruel punishments, sometimes even the death penalty for witchcraft, heresy, homosexuality and insulting the royal buffoons. Friedman should be calling for Trump to keep MBS out of the country or for demonstrations when the head of the Kingdom of Horrors drives up to Wall St. or MIT in his fleet of Mercedes. That’s what we believe at the Coalition to End the U.S.-Saudi Alliance.
15
Mr. Friedman, we all understand the sardonic underpinning of your writing this piece in the form of a memo to Trump. Everyone knows he will not read it. The piece is too long and his name only appears twice so there is no reason for him to care.
The more important point is that our State Department is in shambles. We have no one representing the US in Saudi Arabia. The next 10 - 15 years under M.B.S. will no doubt be eventful. The US should try to play a role in shaping his behavior and these events. However, our foreign policy is unarticulated, and we lack capable personnel. Because of Trump and Tillerson we have become the laughing stock of the diplomatic world.
One can be a nationalist and still understand that abdication of leadership in the world leaves a void to be filled by others. That effects a loss of control that can do harm to the US. Trump shirks his duty to protect our country. His ineptitude is making us weak not great.
1
Condescending columns are the stock-in-trade of Tom Friedman. Alas, they influence no one in power.
Fascinating but I don’t understand how Wahhabism is not discussed. It might be welcome to secularize Saudi Arabia to a limited extent but no efforts to combat Wahhabism will leave the world vulnerable.
your article is a waste of time for all who read it
sorry but MBS goes to Jared
what else could go wrong
1
Really Tom, you fell for the deception after MBS regaled you in his palace? If MBS is "modernizing" that must be news to the liberal, pro US Professor in Bangladesh who was just stabbed by a Saudi trained madrassa student.
3
Sorry, but what's the purpose of this op-ed?
3
The purpose is to put Tom's nose as far up MBS's rear in hopes of being invited to his $300 million French chateau or his $500 million yacht for a peek at his $450 million Leonardo da Vinci.
3
This article gave me a headache. I think Tom Friedman has finally come full circle to the golf course evaluations he consumed decades ago (as a young caddy) from the same blue blood types (American, though) he put in his rear view mirror during his flat earth years.
I don't know which is worse for the brain - the consultations coming from the golf cart wise men on the PGA golf course or the oxymoron of Arab "springs", but I'll have to give Tom credit for trying to casually and perhaps unknowingly revert to his journalistic roots: Much Ado About Nothing. Your skirt's showing, Tom.
1
Memo from: President Trump
To: The U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia (if we had one)
You're calling me nuts? Who do you think you are?
You're fired!
Nice laundry list. File under Friedman Fevered Fulminations. Go back to wondering why the US wants anything to do with an area of the world still mired in the eighth century. Could it be oil? We want clean energy and we want it now. Crickets.
3
Great memo, Tom. Too bad the president [sic] doesn’t read.
2
M.B.S. has exterminated more innocent people in Yemen than O.B.L. did in New York.
7
Seems like MBS has the same problem as the Chinese—liberalizing society while maintaining authoritarian government. If Friedman is right and the society moves toward a more moderate and inclusive Islam, it may also threaten the very power structure MBS relies upon.
Lots of luck in getting Trump to work to help curb Saudi religious extremist factions, when much his own base in America is comprised of conservative religious extremists.
2
Good thoughts, but really, to think of Donald Trump as nurturing is simply a bridge too far.
1
I would like to see Mr. Friedman write this as his take on the U.S.A. at present. Might be a very interesting assessment of our leadership and our country.
Robert
Shah's are always Americans' latest "wonder toys."
Sycophantically and rapturously dazzled by MBS, just like American politicians and pundits were with the Shah of Iran, Friedman throws our hopes on yet another dictatorial strong man.
How many of these false hope "messiahs" have there been for US policy makers and pundits?
Friedman has shown himself unable to learn from endless disastrous mistakes on Mideast "recommendations" (how're those dashing Kurds going for you Tom? that "transformative" Iraq invasion? Egypt's Sisi? etc.......). Can the rest of our country please not follow his example. PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!
2
To reach DT you will need a lot of colorful and animated cartoons on Faux Nuz, less words.
1
memo to trump? too many words..... could you distill this down to one short paragraph??
3
With pictures if possible.........
It is JUST so cute that you can go on pretending that he cares!
There is no upside. He's a spoiled, entitled brat and a dangerous one. Ask those under the bomb attacks in Yemen.
2
Trump's refusal to appoint State Dept. personnel is quasi criminal. Not having representatives to promote our story in diplomatic circles places America in a weak position.
Is there no end to the havoc this administration is creating both domestically and internationally?
1
You are wasting ink Mr. Friedman, what is happening now is the plan, it is the end game and the fewer ambassadors or staff that are installed the fewer witnesses who can testify later. It’s all a shell game so forget the reasoned advice, no matter how good your intentions are it is wasted thought and ink. With every move or decree or visitor to the WH follow the money.
1
Memo to: Tom Friedman
From: A longtime reader
Tom. Your column makes several fundamental mistakes. They must be corrected before you send it to the president.
1. Your sentence, “M.B.S. is not a democrat, nor is he interested in promoting democracy. ” Needs drastic edits. DJT will stop reading after the word “democrat” declare victory and give MBS whatever he wants.
2. After the word “democrat” too many other words follow. DJTwill never read a document as long as the one you ha e drafted.
3. There are no pictures. Without the. DJT will never follow your arguments or browse through them until the end.
4. There are not enough references to DJT himself. He loses interest in anything unrelated to his favorite topic.
5. Ha e the pared down memo provided to DJT in his preferred method of receiving information, have it read on Fox andFkkriends.
GOOD LUCK. Your friend.
JR
1
MBS is the key to peace between the Palestinians & Israel, & to a evolution of Islam in the Middle East, & elsewhere.I have to believe that Israel was responsible for the reforms he put through, especially when it came to women.
This is why the Muftis fear Israel & would not accept Israelis presence in their neighborhood.Israel is a threat to their archaic way of life. This may be a beginning to an enlighten Islam,while Israel is back tracking, as Orthodox Judaism is preventing a Two State solution with the Palestinians, by claiming that Judea & Samaria is part of the chosen land that God gave to the Jewish people.
1
Tom, if you can put this in a very brief video or get it summarized on Fox and friends, you might have a chance of informing our president. Otherwise, your effort is hopeless; it is about 90% too long for him to read.
1
Tom, would you serve as Ambassador?
1
Ah, if only Trump could read. If only Trump could read the word democracy and understand it as the underpinning ethic of our country, and not just see Obama's face. If only Trump had a vision greater than, "Mirror mirror on the wall, who's the greatest of them all?" If only Trump understood leadership as more than just freely filching lucre. If only Trump had free will without marionette strings yanked by Semion Mogilevich, Putin and the Koch bros.
Sigh... If only Trump had a brain, a spine, and a plan.
1
This is a great memo explaining the issues between the US and Saudi Arabia. Too bad it won't be read by its addressee. Maybe you should send copies to the Congressional foreign relations committees, and the secretaries of state and defense, and see if they can help.
Do you really think Trump will understand your column Thomas?
1
Nice article, but you're going to have to boil it down to under 100 words.
Can Mr. Freidman please stop painting MBS as a great diplomat, liberal peacenik, adorable bambi etc? This is a man who fired his uncle Bin-Nayef a seasoned diplomat and favorite of the West, arranged the murder of his cousin Mansour bin Muqrin, whose father was the crown prince, imprisoned his royal cousins/ military officials / government ministers/ businessmen, hung them upside down and beat them until they transferred their money to him (so that he can buy his yacht, mansion, paintings etc), placed the visiting PM of Lebanon under house arrest (talk about diplomatic faux-pas!!!), had an open spat with ally Qatar, bombed and continue to bomb Yemen to rubble, and continues to fund terrorism all over the world (latest being Sri-Lanka), be considered anything but unstable and dangerous? I can't believe people who think Trump unstable, portray this guy as brilliant, liberal visionary albeit a little impeteous because of his youth.
3
I continue to wonder why we cozy up to these autocrats and make enemies of the guys on the other side of the Gulf. Yes, we have a fraught history. That doesn't really excuse why we continue to take sides in a conflict that is none of our business and does not do the US much if any good.
Looks like you are volunteering for the ambassador's position, good luck.
Teriffic advice for Mr. Trump on Saudi relations, but can you pare it down, say 85%, and add praise for him every other sentence? Sigh.
1
Mildly amusing column, addressing Trump as someone who can read and absorb any advice that did not originate in what passes for a brain in his head. There is some sound advice in the column but directed at the wrong audience. With Trump the US has ceased to be a representative (however flawed) of Western democracy nor one to be listened to with any respect. With Britain's Brexit the only Western leaders with some influence still standing are Macron and Merkel.
5
Re: MBS. Where was THIS guy, on 9/11 ????? Asking for a DEAD
Friend. For the third time, by the way.
4
Really? "Dave" Petraeus? Wasn't Dave known for his great success in Mosul? Until Al Queda took over as soon as he pulled out his troops. Then Dave led the "surge", paying off Sunni tribes with money and weapons and paving the way for ISIS. Dave has also been to Afghanistan, Kandahar province wasn't it? How's that COIN going Dave? Never mind. As CIA director, Dave once again got close with Al Queda in Libya to get rid of Qadaffi and send weapons to the "freedom forces" in Syria. After he was thrown out of the Agency for divulging classified information (aka gossip) to his lover and lying, he advocated a strategic, if unacknowledged, alliance with Al Queda to fight ISIS in Syria. You want a special counselor for the Arabian Peninsula? Osama Bin Laden himself could hardly be a better choice. Trump should nominate you to be ambassador to Saudi Arabia Thomas. You deserve it.
6
How about a memo that just says:
Hey MBS, love what you're doing. Gonna show you a tour of the White House, and wish you good luck. After that - you, and the rest of the middle east - are on your own. We've done enough. Good luck.
6
I think you're talking way over Trumps head. Keep it under 140 words and add some pictures.
14
Memo to: Thomas L. Friedman
From: readers who are appalled
Subject: Saudi crown prince column
Friedman can't be this gullible. This article reads more like a PR release. Saudi Arabia is now being ruled by a guy who recently bought, on impulse, a $550 million yacht. Where did such a young man come up with that kind of cash? Maybe it came from the settlements to avoid prosecution from the billionaire investors, princes, & former ministers MBS arrested a few months ago. Face it due process of law is an after thought in countries like Saudi Arabia. The young prince is simply consolidating his position for the throne. So much for his commitment to ending thievery. I wish Friedman would stop peddling articles that sell the Saudi narrative & ask some tough questions. MBS claims to be a reformer but leads a life which is the envy of ultra rich. MBS is a product of the same system he purports to loathe. MBS is as greedy & corrupt as they come. Dictators never change their stripes. It will be interesting to see how much Saudi money has gone into buying the U.S. press, academia & government officials to sing the virtues of this Saudi boy-wonder. Don't be surprised if the end result is the overthrow of the monarchy and the establishment of an Islamic state. Saudi Arabia is going all out to create a positive spin and narrative. This columnist seems to be an a willing participant in this chicanery. The NYT should not be a party to this type of mendacity...it's embarrassing.
8
This is all way too sophisticated for Donald Trump. He’d rather just jig with the Saudis and say he’s “in”.
7
Memo to Tom Friedman:
1. When writing a memo to the current POTUS, if you want him to read it, you must limit yourself to the length of a tweet and be sure to praise him at least once, three times if you can.
2. Never ever, ever make Donald Trump feel inadequate by mentioning how a real billionaire feels inadequate around even richer billionaires. You're smarter than that Tom. You wanna start something bigger than a mere trade war?
3
Mr. Friedman, did you write this memo to any POTUS, or to our current office-holder?
If you intended this for Donald Trump, it is 1200 words too long, the font is too small, in black and white, no bright colors, lacks easy to interpret charts, a picture of the proposed Trump-Mecca-Resort and a Diet Coke.
5
Tom, no mention of Jared Kushner, Minister plenipotentiary with and without portfolio. Jared’s late night confabs with MBS to align positions have merit. Jared squeezes these in between ice cream socials with Bibi. All this plus layovers in Cyprus to attend Oligarch 666 funding add to one busy schedule. Make do with less this White Houses’s mantra.
2
Mr. Friedman seems to think that a more diverse society necessarily makes for a more moderate society. But societies divided between true believers and secularists are more prone to extremism, not less. Also, the passage of a nation from dependence on vast oil wealth and foreign servants to one where the younger generation finds productive employment and social harmony is very difficult. Alas, these cultural and economic problems are mutually exacerbating.
1
This column represents a noble effort to appeal to a man who lacks the capacity to appreciate its message. Why should Trump want the future Saudi monarch to change, when the latter's greed and temperament seem to mirror his own?
More importantly, what chance do a series of 'modernizing' reforms imposed on a conservative society have for success? Will the religious leaders and men who benefited from the old legal structure accept the changes? If young men and women gain access to western culture and education, moreover, how will they coexist with powerful elements committed to a way of life that embodies values antithetical to the civilization created by the Enlightenment?
It seems to me that corruption represents the smallest challenge facing MBS.
1
Trump doesn't read memos. This format no longer works for your op-eds; suspending disbelief is too hard.
2
I did not know that Mr. Friedman can write satire. It is indeed hilarious to imagine Donald Trump dispensing wisdom to MBS on how to run a country thoughtfully, separating personal interest from public's good. And it will be extremely funny to visualize DJT acting as a sage, telling MBS how to act rationally in the international arena, and not to act as an impulsive bully. I suspect late-night comedians will be inspired by Mr. Friedman's piece, picking a few refreshing ideas from it.
On a more serious note, I am surprised that Mr. Friedman has chosen to be rather muted on Saudi Arabia's butchery in Yemen. If Mr. Friedman is true to his principles, he should view what MBS is doing in Yemen not simply a manifestation of his ambition, but a horrifying genocide and a war crime. If Mr. Friedman actually cares about humanity, he will be advising MBS to sit down with Iranians and discuss how to resolve their outstanding issues, making Middle East a peaceful place. But I do not imagine that will be of much interest to Mr. Friedman, nor will it serve Mr. Trump or Mr. Netanyahu's plans.
70
The munitions falling on Yemen are courtesey of the Obama administration. The former President’s disasterous secret war in Yemen has emboldened Saudi Arabia.
Thank you for the insight.
Yes, 1979 was a pivotal year: Iranian revolution that brought down the corrupt, ruthless, US and CIA puppet the Shah, who much more than MBS was a real modernizing force, but ultimately served his Western masters than the Iranian people - it also brought the theocratic thugs, the Ayatollahs and Revolutionary Guards, who have ruled Iran since then; Soviet Union invaded the Afghanistan, destroying that country, but we - with the biggest CIA operation ever at the time - along with the Saudis and Pakistanis armed the Mujahideens - that included Bin Laden - that would morph into the Taliban and Al Qaeda; the Grand Mosque in Makkah was taken over by Wahhabi zealots who challenged the Saudi Royal family’s claim to power (Wahhabi’s want to turn the clock back to 7th century beginning of Islam - but Islam rejected monarchies back then). But Wahhabism has been a cancer for Islam ever since first the British nurtured it (like we did with the Taliban) to break Ottoman control and later British and Americans supported Saud family to control the oil. If MBS and Saudi Arabia are ready to not just to go back to 1979, but to give up the poison that is Wahhabism, we can talk. Until then all the Saudi “reforms” and Friedman’s regular support for them are just Saudi propaganda. They don’t belong in NYT.
2
you seem to have forgotten that Trump does not read...
4
Dear Ambassador,
This memo is way too long for the President to read. Cut it down to 3 paragraphs and 5 bullet points.
2
Great column but the idea that Trump is physically capable of reading more than a paragraph of this is nuts.
1
In all the anti-"strongman" pieces put out recently by the NYT, US strategic rivals Russia, China and current non-cooperators with US foreign policy Turkey, the Philippines etc... were all duly featured and duly railed against all while waving our democracy & human rights pom poms. (Yay us!) But for some odd reason Saudi Arabia, the medieval, authoritarian, gender apartheid practicing theocracy, violen suppressor of democratic reforms in Bahrain, with 13 young democracy protestors still(?) on schedule for beheading was not included amongst this new "Axis of Evil". Saudia Arabia, of the curiously ummentioned, murderous US backed war in Yemen wherein the favored "Prince" (any term limit there?) jocularly referred to as M.B.S. (so modern!) demonstrated his "power grab" by hanging his rivals upside down - in a luxury hotel none the less - was given a pass. Why? Because once again it's all about whether you are perceived to be cooperating with US interests or not. It has nothing to do with democracy or "common values". The sectarian one country two systems dodge put forward here as a solution to containing radical Islam is a real knee slapper. We already had that in the Middle East in modernizing sectarian countries like Iran, Syria and Iraq decades ago. Places where women had rights and Islam's influence on government was restricted. Hmmm. What happened to those countries? Oh yes. We backed religious extremists to overthrow these governments and destroyed them. Rank hypocrisy!
2
One small problem: Donald Trump doesn't read.
1
The last time that we saw Donald Trump, Rex Tillerson and Wilbur Ross they were Saudi sword dancing and orb rubbing smiling with the House of Saud with visions of harem dancing girls, flying carpets and the sweet smelling scent of fossil fuel wells and refineries wafting over the royal camels.
Prince Muhammad Bin Salman aka MBS 'earned' his position the old-fashioned way by winning the biological DNA genetic powerful privileged birth lottery. Just like Donald Trump and Jared Kushner.
If MBS is lucky and patient perhaps he can become the Islamist Muslim Benjamin Netanyahu with Saudi Arabia's denial of the natural divine equal certain unalienable rights of people under it's dominion while being a state sponsor of terrorism being excused. MBS needs a nickname and a domestic Saudi lobby in America. Binny and the American Saudi Political Action Committee aka ASPAC.
1
"...keeping America a special example is even more important."
Too late, Mr. Friedman. America's Trumpian example can hardly be characterized as "special". How about "specially bad" or "badly damaged"? Instead, perhaps we can cultivate a more optimistic image by suggesting that our current condition is transitory, and, once remedied, will again be worth emulating -- a shining city on the hill?
Until then we are a lousy model, and "special" is the wrong word.
1
Saudi Arabia has finally made it's grand entry into 8th century. Hallelujah!
2
How about this?
Dear Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad, MBS,
Please.
Join the twentieth century. Yes, I did say twentieth. It is too much to hope for an arrival by Saudi Arabia into the 21st century, so we'll just hope to move you up a few hundred years.
Apologize to the women of Saudi Arabia for forcing them to dress like giant black penguins, taking away their rights, personal dignity and education for decades. Tell them the penguin suit is now illegal. Women should not be forced to be invisible.
Arrest men who harass them on the street. Get rid of archaic laws that force Saudi women into marriage with, usually, men old enough to be their fathers and grandfathers.
Millions of your men do not know how to work. That's not a racist statement, it's a fact. They've had cushy jobs for years that they don't even have to show up for. They are uneducated and need a work ethic. Insist on it.
Insist that they put aside their misogynistic attitudes that grate on all women, especially those of us who come into contact with them here in America. SHOW by your example, that men and women are equal and that women are not cows to be owned and controlled.
Stop bombing Yemen. My God. What are you thinking? Get out of Iran's face and they'll get out of yours. STOP allowing your family and countrymen to pay for madrasses that train young, violent men to hate and attack the US. Yes, Saudi Arabia is responsible for terrorist around the world.
We have not forgotten 9/11.
Be peaceful.
140
So beautifully put. Thank you.
2
You might add "And kick out the Wahhabi clerics who've kept your country in the dark ages" to this excellent advice.
2
If you try to make the clothes that people have been brought up wearing illegal, they will continue to wear then just to spite you.
Yes stop violent men from enforcing dress codes. No don't empower violent men to enforce new dress codes.
It is amazing how much a usually perfectly reasonable and logically rigorous columnist with such a vast experience in IR is capable to pretend to be a Candide when he is obliged (for whichever reasons) to write about this oil country so dear to the American oil industry and naturally Wall Street.
2
Whenever I read or hear about Saudi Arabia, I recall that 15 of the19 terrorists responsible for 9/11 were Saudi Arabians. so what does are then president, Bush Lite, do but invade Iraq using Saudi Arabians to launch air attacks. As the old saying puts it, "Go figure!"
2
And when I think of Saudi Arabia I always remember the time Queen Elizabeth was invited to an international conference to be held in a bank in Riyadh.
But since it would be illegal to let a woman into a bank, she was declared a “man” for that day.
But now that we have a sliver of hope that MBS could root out extremism, we have a belligerent child in the WH who will provide no leadership whatsoever.
I'm shocked, utterly shocked, that the Pence arm of the Republicans is allowing our highly sane and educated president to meet with MBS and his clan of sharia law loving potentates. Creeping sharia is no doubt on the horizon, but not in Palm Beach.
3
Mr. Friedman,
You make barely any mention of the exceptionally brutal crimes against humanity of which Mohammed bin Salman is clearly guilty. Do You apparently advocate that we ignore his bombing of hospitals, and his bombing of ports bringing food and medicine to starving people in one of the world's worst current humanitarian catastrophes in Yemen.
Dan Kravitz
3
He’ll never tead this memo. It’s way TOO long, and there are no pictures or colorful graphs.
2
Winning the support of President Trump for his efforts to achieve economic modernization of Saudi Arabia may prove to be a cakewalk for M.B.S. All that he has to do is boost Mr. Trump's oversize ego with another Saudi sword dance; build several Trump Towers around his country; enable his Jewish son-in-law to expand his questionable business practices into Saudi Arabia; and encourage young Saudi women aspiring to modernity to take a liking to the fashion goods over which his daughter Ivanka has patent rights.
And the anti-corruption campaign launched by M.B.S., which has put many corrupt Saudis including his own relatives under house arrest, may quicken the process of economic modernization.
But what actually stands in the way of real Saudi modernization is its intolerant variant of Islam, also known as Wahhabism. It is this brand of Islam that, as Mr. Friedman rightly puts, “created the ideological and financial underpinnings of 9/11, ISIS, Al Qaeda and the Taliban.” Many countries are still reeling from the havoc wrought by these extremist outfits.
Thanks to the brainwashing done by fanatical Saudi clerics many young Muslims around the world have come under the spell of this primitive brand of Islam.
As long M.B.S. is unable to curb the power of these clerics his dream of transforming Saudi Arabia into a modern society will be a far cry.
39
Tom, don't you know that our President finds memos boring? That he wants them no more than one page long, with illustrations? He won't get past the second paragraph, and that only if Kelley tells him it's bigly important.
1
Thanks, Dr. Tom, for your memo to Trump on Saudi Arabia. At least we the American people don't have to worry that Sunni Muslim extremism will be another feature of our chaotic non-democratic rule from the Trump White House. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (M.B.S) needs a special investigator into corruption and religious extremism. Sorta like Robert Mueller here. Ya think M.B.S. will curtail his overweening penchant for buying 'stuff' (yachts, da Vincis, chateaux) and become like his sire - clean, conciliatory, and modest? Meanwhile, under our own big enchilada extremist here in America, we have NO Assistant Sec. of State for Near Eastern Affairs, no Ambassador to Saudi Arabia. Alas. Saudi's population is mostly under 30 years of age. Our population of Millennials (or whatever name they have been given by true and fake media) is also very young. Mr. Trump, in view of the rapidly rising young generations in Saudi and America, will you please appoint Dr. Tom Friedman our special U.S. Envoy to Saudi Arabia, quick as a New York minute? He knows whereof he speaks
1
So far, M.B.S. has shown that he is willing to ruthlessly bombard civilians just like Assad, to waste hundreds of millions of dollars on yachts and paintings just like his most corrupt relatives, and to kidnap and threaten a foreign head of state just like... well, I think that was actually a first in modern times? Pretty bleak picture if you ask me.
Ok, so he does a few things on the social front that could modestly move his country from outright savagery to something vaguely resembling civilization. I guess it's something. I also guess that if he really does affect serious changes, he will be assassinated quite soon. The real Islam will not stand for those changes.
2
Friedman’s job is to convince middle class liberal Times readers that the autocrats that the US props up to secure the flow of MidEast oil or to deflect some challenger to US domination in the region are reformers, moderates or modernizers. He’s been doing it a long time and his record has not been good. The list of disastrous policies he has hustled for is a long one. Now he is pretending that the President, who can’t even be bothered to appoint an ambassador to Saudi Arabia, knows how to read, so he can sell us on his latest crush, Mohammed Bin Salman, by advising how the US should guide his better angels.
Here’s a heads up. Trump doesn’t read. The 1%ers who make US foreign policy don’t care how many Saudis MBS imprisons or how many Yemeni kids he kills. And nobody listens to Tom Friedman anymore.
2
David Petreaus? Really? Why don't we just cut to the chase and suggest Michael Flynn? As opposed to Petreaus, Flynn is a criminal who knows how to work with this White House. From what I read, his legal bills are forcing the sale of his home, so he could use a little extra cash and a place to stay.
Like Petreaus, he has a little time on his hands now because he couldn't quite manage to kidnap a Turkish cleric living in Pennsylvania for some pocket change. He could just ask Jared for some tips here; seems Jared is getting good at shaking down Middle Eastern despots for some real estate cash. Gotta wonder how much of a cut Trump gets in all of this. Unbelievable.
Way too long. The President wandered off after the third paragraph.
Mr. Friedman, I fear American power has become too crudely mercenary to ever be a shining light anymore.
2
O.M.G. What lousy timing. Historic changes possible while Americans, with the help of external foriegn adversaries, “accidently” elected a reality T.V. Star.
1
By now all world leaders know and understand well the symptoms and traits of someone with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). While what you wrote reads nice, M.B.S. will play the POTUS just like everyone else by using NPD to their advantage.
Informative to learn more about "MBS" and the latest prognostications on what may happen in Saudi Arabia. Then I got to Friedman's last paragraph, which shifts to an admonition to Trump (and by extension his Republican backers) to set better examples of American commitments to the rule of law, tolerance and pluralism. If I were editing his one for Friedman, I would simply have eliminated that last paragraph and saved it for another column.
Remarkable to have an MBS article with no mention of his brutally pointless war in Yemen.
3
Thomas,as per the missing 28 pages of the Congressional investigation on 9/11, now made public, Bush should've attacked Saudi Arabia for first sending 16 potential hijackers to our country 2 years before the attack on World Trade Center,Pentagon and other places on that dreadful day.
Second, the royal family members of Saudi Kingdom not only hid those 19 hijackers in plush bedrooms of expensive rented houses,they also sent them for training in airline training facilities all across the country to learn how to fly an airline. But not how to land them on the runaways.
So those animals did just that.
They landed our own commercial jetliners on tall buildings with thousands of people working there and thus killing more than 3000 Americans when those buildings collapsed on that fateful day.
And what our president Trump, who first objected to the attack on Iraq by Bush because he knew who was behind the attack on 9/11, is doing now ?
He's full of praise for the rulers of the kingdom who killed thousands of our civilians along with thousands of our brave men and women who perished in subsequent wars which were fraudulent from the get go.
Yes, Trump now only thinks about the billions of dollars he's making from his hotels and casino projects in Riyadh and other sites in the kingdom.
He even danced with the swords with the Saudi Royal family not so long ago while boasting that he secured an order of $110 billion from the same people who he knew in 2001 did the "American Carnage."
82
Another excellent and educational column. Unfortunately, right now, the "example" of the U.S. is that a pathologically lying ignoramus can be president, and our congress can be bought or bullied into submission.
You can be sure that if Trump or one of his unqualified appointees gets M.B.S.’s ear, it will be to encourage continued autocracy. Trump aspires to autocracy; his admiration of autocrats has been clear for decades; to him, “working together” for the greater good is for wimps. He also thrives on hate; it wouldn’t surprise me at all if he encourages continued Saudi extremism/terrorism. He can use that to foster fear and hate in the U.S., and nothing unites like a common enemy. (Though of course, Trump’s hate would be directed to non-Saudi Muslim countries; heaven forbid we should ever hold the Saudi’s accountable for anything.)
6
As John Lennon was known to sing, "Whatever gets you through the night, it's alright."
"They look to us as an example" With school shootings, homelessness, crime and devotion to matreialism this maybe miss guided advice. Our political leaders have presided over the deindustrialization of our country and into catastrofic wars of no import.
Of course, women's rights are important but all to often the rights of children to be raised in a home atmosphere are forgotten
We should help M.B.S. but our system of government may not be the one to follow.
33
@Art
You may want to add NRA/gun control in the mix. If MBS would have the 2nd amendment it would be very Islamic concept as a paid and standing army is not an Islamic concept although followed by the rulers in so called Islamic Societies since the end of what is considered Khilafat-e-Rashida (4 successors of Prophet Mohammad)
1
Only a phantom ambassador would assume that Trump would read this, or understand it if he did read it. And to tell Trump to suggest that M.B.S. should chose between corruption and effective leadership? Now, that is a hoot.
1
Well that was a lovely read. Along with the happy story of North and South Korea settling their differences, the shelving of nukes, Francis McDormand accepting hr Oscar without a trace of makeup on her unlifted face, I do believe I will continue in that vein a little while longer. The moon is still up, the sun is rising, the crest of the new fallen snow as yet unsullied invites a long walk at twenty below.
3
A crescendo is building of opportunities missed, nuclear weapons amassing, Russia, China, the US inabilities, Europe in a political free fall, A.I, global warming, right vs left, the Middle East. Guns and religion can't help, diplomacy and treating all as human beings would be a great starting point.
Saudi Arabia has been an exporter of Islamic fundamentalism for many years. There is a deep cultural divide within the country. The decadents and the Islamic fundamentalists. The decadents are represented by MBS and his fellow rich elites and the fundamentalists led by Osama Bin Laden. Though dead, deservedly so, the fundamentalist views of Osama still hold influence. He was the son of one of the richest families in SA. He was disgusted by the decadence shown by his peers. A result of his embrace of Islamic fundamentalism, he rejected the wealth he could have claimed for himself and his family. Instead he melded Islamic fundamentalism and fascism toward a goal of a huge Islamic Caliphate. It is an empty promise of only more repression as evidenced by a similar group, the Afghanistan Taliban. Theocratic government is a dead end for a free people. When is M.B.S going to change the curriculum of the madrasas the world over from Islamic fundamentalism to Islamic apolitical moderation? That is a change that would make SA a truly great nation.
Mr. Friedman: President Trump will not read this memo for the following reasons:
1) It is too long
2) No bullet points
3) Too many big words
4) Too many big ideas
5) No one left in the office to send the memo
6) No one left in the office to receive the memo
3
Like so many other problems with this administration, the Steele dossier as supplemented by investigative journalism displays mounting evidence that the current secretary of state was approved by the Kremlin while Mitt Romney was effectively vetoed. What kind of sane dealing with Saudi Arabia could we reasonably expect? Nice try, Mr. Friedman. Your efforts are almost always rooted in goodwill and lofty optimism. America has a monkey on her back and we are consigned to government by neophytes for the foreseeable future.
1
Fourteen months into the Trump administration, and still no ambassador to Saudi Arabia; no ambassador to South Korea, arguably the two most volatile regions in today's world. Add to this the twenty senior administration personnel resigned or fired and the term "dumpster fire" no longer seems like hyperbole for this presidency.
TF opines that "M.B.S. is not a democrat, nor is he interested in promoting democracy." Neither is President Trump. This is why a non-existent letter from a non-existent ambassador to a non-existent Commander-in-Chief would be a waste of ink and paper, however wise and mindful the content.
152
It's worse than "no ambassador to S Korea" - it's a warped and ill-considered selection process. I can't think who's in the bullpen for SA, but given Cha's treatment, it may be nobody.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/withdrawal-of-us-envoy-candidate-an...
Pretty bold to imagine that Trump would get past the first paragraph of this letter.
1
Trump will support Saudi Arabia only for personal gain with his properties and cash kickbacks; Trump's limited capacity for international relations means there will be no nuanced foreign policy, anywhere, for the foreseeable future. The United States is weaning itself from foreign oil in light of increased domestic capacity (augmented offshore drilling, unfortunately) and improvements in fracking technology, as well as movement toward renewable energy with wind and solar (despite Trump's best efforts to the contrary).
With Trump's generally monolithic approach to most policy matters, our best hope would be to focus our attention on one international issue where we have the best hope for success. Trump has placed the U.S. in perilous shape essentially everywhere in the world, particularly with his support of myriad foreign dictators. We in the U.S. are, at best, a global laughingstock, and at worst a pathetic and feckless target for election meddling and other cyberattacks by potent and threatening powers such as Russia and China.
My vote would be that we concentrate on a nuclear deal with North Korea (while not scrapping the Iran deal). If we can make progress on the Korean peninsula, that would be a real victory for Trump, so it should appeal to the Trumpian id. If we can involve China, there may be a very real chance for progress. Yes, Trump gets a win, but there is a huge collateral upside for the U.S. and the rest of humanity. We need to strive to make it work.
1
" They look to us as an example. They watch what we model — so it is more vital than ever that we continue to model the rule of law, respect for institutions, tolerance and pluralism. " And you want all that from this Trump White house?
The originator of "Fake News" which uses Fox News as its adviser on domestic and foreign policy.
Good luck Tom!
2
Mr Friedman, you’re appealing to Donald Trump to show MBS how to govern? To curb his tendencies toward revenge and staunch his impulses to flaunt wealth? To avoid focusing on Iran to the exclusion of all the real problems in the neighborhood? To enact sound economic policies that support long-term growth of his country?
Will your next memo be to Wayne LaPierre, urging him to help support gun control?
1
Hear! Hear!
Unfortunately, Mr. Friedman, our current president and current government do not care. They too busy enriching themselves (in fashion not unlike Saudi princes) and playing politics for self survival. Whatever time they have left for governing, they lack experience and expertise, and the self awareness, humility and care to ask for help. This opportunity will no doubt pass us by.
In fact, why has the US not done anything to Saudi's spread of radical Islam since the 70s? What were all our experts and spies saying in all these years? Or despite our "exceptionalism," we lack the foresight for proactive actions, but only react (with only militarism) when attacked?
Maybe Thomas Friedman for ambassadorship to Saudi?
1
Essentially, MBS is promoting himself as a benevolent dictator. Since Trump misperceives himself to be one too, he has no counsel to offer anyone on using power for good.
1
Mr. Friedman: Your memo would be extremely helpful to Mr. Trump. However, as he can neither read nor think your insights are cursed to fall on deaf ears. Welcome to Cassandra's world!
1
I agree with most of the "memo". But one point remains unsaid: Saudi Arabia was already exporting radical Islam before 1979 when internally it was rather moderate. So there is no guarantee that internal relaxation will be accompanied by a reduction in the export of hate religion.
Asking Saudi princes to be a model for democratic solutions is like asking the Tea Party to expand Medicare and SNAP.
3
Imagine a world where we just did what was right (like our revolutionary forefathers) and helped Saudi people overthrow a tyrant king and escape religious persecution
1
Let's not get carried away. The American revolutionary forefathers first killed or imprisoned the original owners of the land, so that argument for them doing what was right taints your argument.
1
Once, during my State Dept days, I remarked to an Ambassador (with responsibility for outreach to world religious bodies), that kids at yeshivas and kids at madrassas may be more alike than not. Primarily, their “education” was limited to Torah or Koranic study and to little else. He commented that he had little hope that things would get better in the Middle East. Point being: Unless boys and girls are educated beyond religious dogma—outside of religious schools—these societies will stagnate and autocracy and/or theocratic authoritarian rulers will dominate. It remains to be seen the extent to which MBS will challenge the (ultra) conservative religious establishment (which was given government support to keep the elites in power). It starts with educational reform.
148
An important point; one we should heed ourselves.
1
ME countries purposely keep their population uneducated to keep them from revolting against their corrupt governments. Its easier to have a mind controlled population that respects its rulers for their piety than having educated citizens worrying about crumbling economies, constant brinks of war, a lack of human rights... list goes on.
2
Guiliano, Many in America seem to be following the same strategy.
1
Memo to people who write memos to President Trump "advising" him on policy. This is an utter waste of time. He's not on the same planet. That hotel room in Moscow is where he really lives; he's just visiting here.
In the Middle East, the question is who goes down first: MBS or President Sisi of Egypt? The next wave to hit the Middle East will probably arise out of some dark corner of this medieval region, gather unbelievable strength quickly, and roll over the autocracies like a big hand sweeping off the dominoes. These people are entering an era where money -- well spent or ill spent -- will largely be irrelevant.
American policy and power will be impotent against the next wave of change hitting this region.
Decades of mistakes have consequences.
1
Well, according to what we read here, MBS is way smarter than Trump. And Trump isn’t going to appoint a proxy way smarter than himself. So there we are so far as providing solid advice to MBS. Possibly it could work the other way around inasmuch as Trump would love to be America’s MBS running a Theocracy based upon ??? the evangelical right ???
2
Trump's supporters do not understand what Mr. Friedman is expressing, thus there is a slim chance that Trump will be open to any of this.
An information-packed appeal on an important international matter, requiring a sophisticated understanding of political, economic, and social forces, and recommending nuanced and consistent action? With grave consequences for future generations if the action is delayed or mismanaged? Such an appeal to our President?
Utterly terrifying.
1
Memo to Mr. Tom Friedman:
As right as your recommendations may be, and even if Donald Trump were capable of focusing long enough to read and understand your Memo, I don't think Mr. Trump understands why Western film, music and the arts are important for releasing the hold of religious domination,nor is he someone who sees choking off "trends for women's empowerment" as a bad thing. Ditto for his lack of motivation to deny Saudi husbands the right to "own" their wives.
As for asking him to support America's modelling of "respect for institutions, tolerance and pluralism"? Well, I don't suppose it's a crime (yet) to ask. But let's be real: whether or not he reads this memo, Donald Trump has never, and will never, ever, do that.
If M.B.S. is mildy successfull in deismantling the process of building Madrasses in Saudia Arabia and abroad, and reshape the Whabbi ideology that will be a tremendous success.
Just like the US can't shut down Guantanamo ( forget what Obama promised ), MBS can't shut down the "Ritz". Expect the absence of Rule of Law to continue.
According to TLF, our ambassador-in-absentia to Saudi Arabia, Moammed bin Salman is a bold visionary and a bully wrapped up in one human body. He writes, "They are the two halves of the same M.B.S. package."
One guess as to which half appeals to DJT. In case you're wondering, here is a sample statement that'll be uttered by DJT to the press:
"Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is a strong leader, I like him. He likes me. We have a good relationship."
2
What do Americans teach the Saudis when Kushner enjoys a secret personal relationship with MBS; two princes enjoying weekends whilst plotting their families' next crazy move to consolidate power? (We can assume Kushner plays the chump in these adolescent sleepovers, because unlike MBS, Kushner is desperate for money.) We teach them that we are them. God only knows what Kushner has promised them. Let's not kid ourselves; the US, apparent to the Saudis and the world, has no veneer of respectability thanks to the family syndicate at the helm.
2
While I agree with the points you present in this op-ed, you might as well be writing a letter to Santa Claus for all the effect it's going to have.
2
You are knocking on the wrong door, Buddy. This White House is interested only what it can milk from foreign absolute rulers for protecting and expanding its real estate and other business interests.
All else is a playing music before a herd of bison. Tillerson is not going to be much help, either. He's too weak and his motives are not beyond suspicion. Tell you, what, find a wise, honest young man in a small country of Europe, say. Sweden, Norway or Denmark. Get them to befriend the Prince and steer him in the right direction. Looking to our own country would not do much good. Maybe Dubai rulers can do some good in this area. They have done very well by their country.
3
What would Thomas Jefferson or Tom Paine think of US troops permanently based in a foreign country (Saudi Arabia) to prop up an absolute monarchy?
4
MBS is leading Saudi Arabia in the destruction of Yemen via bombs, lack of food and fuel, lack of medicines to fight cholera, etc. At least 10,000 civilians have died in that conflict, and millions have been displaced. These war crimes are being abetted by the U.S., which supplies targeted intelligence and refueling to Saudi war planes.
The fact that Mr. Friedman never mentions Yemen and his prior support for the Iraq War are only two of the reasons I can never take his pontificating on Middle Eastern affairs with anything other than a truckload of salt.
3
Indeed. Aside from a few pilots Arabia has no willing ground troops. We enable that war fighting while it may be basically directed by Russian planners and the Amazing Magician of Moscow slap-shot Vlad.
1
I'm not sure what Friedman is trying to say about all this ado about nothing. One thing is certain. He appears to know a lot more about the inner working of this distant society than he does his own country. It seems to be a growing trend among the Aspen Institute types who inhabit the international scene of the fourth estate. Less is now more, and flat earth thinking is more obtuse than ever.
1
My first reaction to Mr. Friedman's piece was, What a waste of information and wise counsel. Trump never benefits from information or wisdom because he is a know-it-all who must discredit others to make himself seem bigger in his eyes.
My second thought is, let's encourage Trump to appoint his daughter, Ivanka, ambassador to Saudi Arabia....and his son-in-law, Jared, ambassador to North Korea. (By Trump's own observation, Ivanka has a hot body; that could get the attention of M.B.S. And Jared is sure to hit it off with Kim as they share a penchant for secret money deals.) To get Trump to make these appointments, all we have to do is run an ad on Fox and Fools praising Trump as a great strategist who will prove his greatness to his naysayers if he makes these ambassadorial appointments.
But, let's not stop there. Melania, as ambassador to Mexico, could help our southern neighbors cleanse the Trump grease off their ruffled feathers. Peace with Mexico...another Trump achievement!
Finally, and here's the tricky one, let's put a bug in the president's ear (lots of empty space between them) that he should appoint himself ambassador to Russia. Consider how this would simplify our relationship with Putin. They wouldn't need a secret, back-channel communications using the Kremlin spy equipment.
3
We Americans, biased by being born and bred in a free country, should honestly and truly admit that there are other countries where our ideas for democracy simply won't work. Saudi Arabia is likely one of those countries.
1
The Ritz-Carlton episode ensued after an audience with V.Putin.It looked like Putin persuaded the young autocrat to establish dominannce over and control of his billionaires as he had done with his. So it seems likely that V.Putin has solidified an identification and mentorship way ahead of anyone.Looks similar to how V.Putin phoned Erdogan to alert him to supposed coup peril which may have been a psuedo-coup. Examine and test this theory of autocrats organizing Mr. President.
Excellent advice, Thomas. Mohammad Bin Salman is a quandary, fighting corruption while breaking all records for his own conspicuous consumption (1.3 billion dollars on personal whims and fancies -- yacht, French estate and Da Vinci -- in just the space of a few months).
And he was/is the architect of the worst genocide witnessed in Middle East history as he tries to effect regime change on his Yemeni doorstep.
But I don't see how the U.S.A., with its omnipotent military-industrial lobby, can influence reform as long as it pursues a 'Divide And Rule' policy with Saudi Arabia and Israel, which requires its proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction throughout the region.
It truly grieves me to see the U.S. in bed with people who destroyed the Twin Towers and bred, financed and weaponized ISIS. How much peace and principle has to be sacrificed for commercial gain?
3
Before we lecture MBS: How about we start by appointing a "Special Envoy" in the United States, one who can help our US president become an important leader on the world stage, by cultivating the same reputation as — "clean, modest, conciliatory."
That ship sailed many years ago. trump is what he has always been and always will be. Being the electoral college president only enables him to think he doesn't have to change.
1
Mr. Freidman, a "Memo to the President" column approach is so pre 2017.
It only serves as a depressing reminder that we have a post-literate President unwilling and incapable of reading and understating an 18 paragraph memo. The content also reminds us that we have a President incapable of forming and maintaining a coherent approach based on reasoned arguments.
Better bet: "Prayer that Fox and Friends does not Give the President any Saudi Crown Prince Visit Advice"
2
It is truly unfortunate that nearly all of the readers of this column have not been to Saudi. This is a society where women, driving are not, are dirt, covered head to toe. I attended a health care conference and certainly in fact men and women treated each other with the affection born of working together. Outside, reverse. You are describing what the rich can do, not the rest of the society.
These people executed 9/11. They are killing civilians at will in Yemen. If they challenged Iran they would be overrun in short order.
This is a nasty, miserable country and it will take more than one year with an apparently well intended ruler and a hopeful journalist to turn this nightmare in the middle east into just simply a very bad dream.
1
As long as the very concept of religion gets a pass from honest analysis of its value in the public square, not just books, theocracies will be with us forever. Mankind adores it's delusions. The most ancient one, religion, is fairy tales and superstition. One does not need magical thinking to be a good person. Why still all the supernatural rubbish now, in the scientific age? Because facing life straight on is beyond the minds of most of the planet, thus the ancient crutches.
Most people stay with the religion of their parents, the same person would worship a different folk tale if raised by parents of a different religion.
Saudi Arabia has practiced a sick version of Islam since the late 18th century, an unholy deal between political power and severe nasty clerics who hate the whole idea of enjoying life. Without oil, they would have been a pathetic backward tribal nation. As usual, the US allows terrible human rights abuses as long as "the national interest" (translation-corporate interests and the military industrial complex) is served.
Friedman asking Trump to be a wise man is utterly preposterous. The Middle East is where monotheism began with the Jews, then the "new chosen people", then in the 7th century another Jewish inspired religion claiming to be the "TRUE" favored one of "God". 3000 years later monotheism is still causing strife. If only YOU are the real religion, watch out everybody else. Theocracy Central, the Middle East. Will man ever give up this nonsense?
1
Raise your hand(s) if you think Trump, or anyone in his Administration, is going to read Tom's Op Ed contribution? One hand raised!. That's one more hand than I would have thought.
If Trump is the "face" of western values and someone for MBS to relate to, the Saudis are in big trouble. What does Trump represent? Lying. Bullying. Impulsivity unchecked. Immorality unchecked. One way and only one way allegiance. And a total unwillingness to ever turn the other cheek. This is the current face of Democracy. This is the face of Christian values. Why would MBS look to the west, to Trump, for guidance in how to be a reformer and how to reposition Saudi Arabia for the future? He can just go look at the people he has locked up. Imagine that.....if Trump was Saudi Arabian, he would be in jail now ( ok gilded house arrest). The Saudis aren't so behind the times after all. Maybe MBS would be interested in being Speaker of our House of Representatives. We certainly need one.
129
Trump wants to be king. So does MBS.
They have a lot in common.
"They watch what we model — so it is more vital than ever that we continue to model the rule of law, respect for institutions, tolerance and pluralism."
This president is a lone ranger and lives under his own rule of law. Additionally, the only institute he respects is Trump enterprises, he tolerates no one who does not express absolute loyalty to him in word and deed, and pluralism? Never.
Trump is not only incapable of understanding a world view of anything, he could give a rip.
7
To: Friedman
From: A Reader
Re: A Different Appraisal
MBS is about to assume full rule over Saudi Arabia, and that's the problem. In a changing world the idea of any 'royal family' ruling over a country sound like we are in the 19th century, not the 21st.
You are right, MBS's plans have nothing to do with democracy and for that matter little to do with reform. They have everything to do with retaining power and control of the country's dwindling, but still vast resources.
But the real issues between the US and Saudi Arabia have nothing to do with women driving. The main issue is the Saudi's need to stop their war against Yemen. If they don't, cut off military supplies and stop using US planes to refuel and support their barbaric bombing campaign.
Second, they need to stop funding ISIS. Yes, we read the memo released from batch 7 from Wikileaks. While it doesn't get much mention in the Times, it's clear that the so called terrorists are being supported by the Saudi's.
Finally, give up these notions of becoming a regional power. Your army has always been in place to keep down a restive population. Don't think that all the toys you buy from us automatically turn them into a real fighting force.
And let's stand down from this Sunni/Shia conflict with Iran. The hatred coming from your clerics is fanning flames throughout the region.
And how about a timetable for actual democracy? We preach these values all over the world, so why not with you?
14
Battling Trumpism with sarcasm will not do the job. He is oblivious to all but his hairdresser. The GOP is no help. They are ruled by the barbaric, libertarian philosophy that accepts corruption as their due. The 'common good' is nowhere to be found.
The 'sword dance' with the Saudis was one of the most grotesque sights I have ever seen. America as it is today is not a good example of a nation to be emulated and that dance, IMHO, was probably viewed by many as an example of our deterioration into an impulsive, irrational entity.
So, MBS has his work cut out for him. The US is now in a seriously 'disabled' state so he can expect no help here as Tom points out. Finding a James Baker to help with this is a real challenge. No retired General will have the diplomatic skills required. And, who, of that caliber, will want to work with either Tillerson or Trump. Tweedle and Tweedledum on the road to nowhere.
7
Set up a global chessboard and take a look at each World Power, the towers, the rooks, and what do you see? China stands on its own. India remains neutral. Russia being monitored by China, while North Korea being watchful. Africa writes that not a day goes by that America is not in her thoughts, and our last exchange reverts to 'Our Lot in Life', while Austria stands strong. Ireland highly imaginative.
Let me tell you America is tuned into an entertaining brain candy channel, and the above would be suitable for a gathering of thirteen year-old young barbarians on beer and a diet of 'Family Guy' where the Dad is wearing a smart suit and tie.
Europe is in danger of being trampled between these forces, a flood of incoming refugees fleeing for their lives. When President Obama left Office, we ceased being the Leader of World Democracy. He has a way of seeing far beyond the way humanity flows like a river. He cares, and even children are able to relate to him.
America is hurt; hurt in its very soul, its psyche damaged, while the spiritual Recession takes place. Too much is made of Trump. He looks in awful shape. And every day we continue to take a step back. Surrounded by good people, The Enemy is here and it will take magic and our Millennials to help.
Friedman is trying to do his bit but We are not in the Driver's Seat at this time, and 'The Prince of Arabia' could not have a button about anything this Administration has to say, let alone this President.
3
The verdict is still out on MBS, whose "reforms" are offset by his ongoing and increasingly brutal war in Yemen, his dictatorial power grab at home, his siege of Qatar and his profligate buying sprees of yachts and French chateaus. Trump, whose corruption of the presidency, ethical baggage, authoritarian tendencies and waste of taxpayers money on his golfing weekends, is hardly the one to rein in the prince's bad impulses and encourage the good.
4
I am currently working and residing in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. I have been here for 1 1/2 years. I also lived in Riyadh several years ago, for two full years.
Investment brings big risks, there is little reason to trust the Saudis to honor contracts or rule of law. Anyone who invests in any Saudi venture, including Saudi Aramco, should be prepared to lose his entire stake.
While a large percentage of the population is under the age of 30, the young people have been raised with zero work ethic and they are incredibly lazy. They lack intelligence and have grown to expect monthly stipends for very little work or effort.
The culture remains very religiously conservative, and I have little hope that the promised reforms of greater freedom for women will materialize.
I am here for employment reasons. When my employment ends, I will return to the U.S. There would be no reason to remain in this backward country whose only reason for existence is oil exports.
7
A number of others have already commented on the fact that Donald Trump, to whom this letter is addressed, would never read past the first sentence. Too many big words.
But there’s another reason why the sensible pleas of this fictional ambassador would get nowhere. Why would Donald Trump ever try to reform an iron patriarchy, run by an obscenely rich royal family? Trump would love to live in a country like that, where he could wear long robes, put his hands on a shining orb when he felt like it, be called “King,” dub Junior and Eric as lifelong “Princes,” and keep bothersome women cloistered in the back rooms, barred from significant negotiations between real people (i.e. men).
In Saudi Arabia, polygamy is legal, and women stripped of power over their own lives and property. The reforms proposed by M.B.S., granting women the right to drive (hooray?) are welcome but they won’t disrupt the patriarchy much. In the US, Republicans who gathered around a conference table to make decisions about women’s healthcare were all male. No girls invited.
Republicans—both the religious patriarchs and sleazy misogynists like Trump— don’t aim to liberalize Saudi Arabia or the US. They find women most attractive when they’re silent ... functionally invisible to all but their husbands and sons.
8
Memo
To: Thomas L. Friedman, global elitist
From: An American
Rather than continue the US's bi-polar policies of trying to appease the elitist faction of our "allies" in the Middle East - Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, etc. - while lurching to provide military support, soft and hard, to our "enemies" - Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, etc. - it is time for us to chart a different course. Saudi Arabia is on the path to internal disintegration with all of its ruling elite decimated.
We should be pulling out the US's military personnel and resources in the Middle East. This includes not selling weapons to autocracies like Saudi Arabia. Let these countries find their own path - bloody as it may be - with out the continued squandering of US blood and treasure. Let them all - Iran, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Turkey, Syria - fall in to utter chaos and possibly feel the wrath of Israel. Enough is enough already.
The West turned its back on puritanical fanaticism nearly two centuries ago after nearly three centuries of bloody Christian conflicts during the Reformation as well as beating back the Islamic assaults on Europe. To think that in mere decades, that is from the end of WW II, the Middle East and Central Asia were going turn their backs on medieval strictures continues to be delusional. Such change must come organically from within a society - and usually in a very bloody way. The best we can do is to stop trying to manage the process of transformation and just get out of the way.
3
Tom,
I believe that most of the world has stopped listening to Americans who lecture them on the need for religious and social reforms and on the destructive nature of financial corruption.
I believe it has something to do with glass houses.
15
Unfortunately, Trump could not begin to understand this article, nor would he try.
1
Think of Saudi Arabia as the best customer of the American arms industry. So even though M.B.S. and the Saudi military are incapable of achieving any kind of success against the Houthi rebels, they will still buy equipment and maintenance services from American corporation. Even if we had a better president, it would be difficult for us to disengage from the various Saudi military misadventures. They buy a lot of military equipment from us and we also sell them a lot of public relations and lobbying expertise
2
If only Trump would read this and follow the advice. Unfortunately this wonderfully written memo falls on deaf ears. Rex Tillerson is emasculated in his job by Trump. Kushner is only interested in extending his and Trump's real estate empire , not diplomacy. Besides both of them have the same defects as MBS, but certainly not MBS's strengths.
As you have pointed out, MBS is trying to modernize his countries laws, most importantly that of Radical Islam's control over Saudi Arabia.
This Republicans serving in the House and Senate should take a page out of MBS's playbook and rid us of the Radical Christian beliefs that are having a detrimental effect on this country's freedoms.
Maybe we need to appoint an Ambassador to our on Congress to negotiate for Freedoms that are bit by bit being destroyed in this Country by Trump and his Cabinet members.
Clean up our own mess, so to speak.
4
I was living in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in 1979 when the Grand Mosque was taken by pre-Obama militants and held for two weeks. Saudi was already in the grip of a very conservative interpretation of Islam, and there were no public cinemas or concerts to shut down at that time. The western ex-pat community had an outdoor stage on the grounds of the British embassy (protected by diplomatic protocol) that was used by two amateur theater groups, and third group used the gym of the American school (which wasn’t protected, but tolerated). Both of these venues were still in operation when I left in 1985.
1
What are pre-Obama militants?
2
Pre-Obama militants?
2
The other thing MBS needs is good security.
With all the changes he is bringing in his greatest challenge will be surviving long enough to see them through.
1
What does trump's base supporters think about Saudi Arabia? Or what do the evangelicals think about SA? Trump will support whatever policy will curry favor with these groups.
Another possibility is for trump to find out what President Obama's policy was and then do the opposite.
In any case, the United States has been meddling and interfering in the middle east since the 1940's and 1950's. Overthrowing prime ministers (Iran in the early 1950's), starting wars, and supporting various groups (remember when we supported Osama against the Soviets in Afghanistan in the 1970"s). What we have gotten for our efforts is a region in a shambles.
Why don't we just do everyone a great big favor and stay our of their business? If they want to destroy the region they can go ahead, we don't need to help.
12
Reforms that call forth the capacity for creation and order that women are manifesting everywhere, nothing could be better.
Further, Erik Erikson, for example, explained that the nurturing constructive instincts of women were badly needed in societies to counter the sometimes mindless aggression of males.
But to think that success lies in everybody being a free and happy consumer is an illusion; there's a poverty of spirit in that.
Look at what has happened with modern consumer societies: they are losing their centers, forgetting themselves, becoming enslaved to form, dominated by advertising and merchandising and the celebrity machine that manufactures envy and desire. All that leads downward.
Two sources for a national story exist, a traditional one about the great leaders and events of the past, and the live capacity of art and the humaniites to make existence today meaningful. Certain Gulf States seem to understand this.
These elements pose many complexities but they cannot be left out if a real new society is to be created at the heart of the Arab and Muslim worlds.
The leaders of the wealthy countries must absolutely not squander their unique window of opportunity -- a window because both the great shift away from fossil fuels and the enormous jolts of the environmental crisis in the near future will change the geopolitical dynamic of the world in ways we cannot imagine.
4
Tom, the picture you paint is perfect for MBS. If Donald could be reached by your same logic, we’d have a much safer and kinder country. Unfortunately, MBS could head your advise way before Donald would ever take the time to actually read it, let alone understand the principles your advocate.
While I know of a certainty that neither Trump or the Republican Party will understand your scenario about MBS as related to our country, I’m hoping that it will reach enough sane moderates to understand what we have to do to take over World Leadership once again.
8
If only... But not with this president*. Recent reports in WaPo and Vox indicate that Mueller's recent subpoenas suggest the investigation has uncovered evidence of multiple and long-standing efforts on the part of several Middle Eastern countries to buy influence with this administration. Your column is based on the premise that this president is focused on something greater than himself, such as the best interests of this nation. But he is thoroughly compromised. This is an entirely transactional individual, with the success of each transaction defined as his personal gain, whether that be financial or egotistical. If you start with that you will be far down the road to anticipating him, as if that were possible, and you won't even try to pretend that the situation is remotely normal. And that is the problem that poses so much danger for our nation, and for the world.
8
Some of what you write makes me somewhat hopeful, though I know things can look more hopeful than they turn out to be. However, when I got to the end - you know, the example thing - my hope just sank. I cannot imagine Trump & Co., being a good example in any area having to do with democracy or even management of a country.
13
If you think, Mr. Friedman, that this is permanent change forget it. New regimes are frequently more liberal than their predecessors but in time repression returns. Time and history are pendulums and they swing both ways.
5
Sorry to say this but Jared seems to have MBS’ ear.
And Jared thinks he is a Master of the Universe. And is corrupt.
16
M.B.S. may or not see this piece, depending on his administration, but it is necessary for Trump and his advisors top read and plan.
We are at a time of great change in the world and change opens opportunity for more change. Unfortunately foreign policy is not this administrations strong suit. It is also not the strong suit for Ryan and McConnell either. The 2018 election will be won on Domestic policy but the important issues are foreign.
Europe needs to end the nationalist trend and return to emphasis on a common Europe. We have an opportunity emerging in Asia. With a chance for peace pn the Korean Peninsula, and we must return to the trans pacific trade agreements.
This will only happen with a Democratic victory in November.
27
Mr. Friedman, How dare you ask for a special envoy to S.A.? What about Jared Kushner? He's working for zero dollars a year, tirelessly shuffling back and forth to the Middle East (in spite of his reduced security clearance), drumming up business that will help keep America great again. What better person other than Jared (young, clean & modest) to engage M.B.S., be in his ear regularly and model the rule of law and respect for institutions?
27
Better a power couple Jared and Ivanka,behind every great man is a great woman plus a modern kosher couple.
Jared clean? I certainly hope so.
He will be the right person only if he convince the Israelis that the Arab Peace Initiative is their best bet which will bring a lasting peace and turn Israel from a pariah state into a recognised colony.
1
I am assuming this is satire.
2
There are so many "ifs" in this article that it appears that MBS is up against overwhelming odds.If he learns how to fight corruption, if he handles Iran wisely, if he learns to curtail lavish personal spending--if, if, if.Hopefully he will listen to his non corrupt father and not turn to Trump with or without an ambassador.Trump will not lead him toward an enlightened and progressive regime.
37
Indeed, Trump will not lead him MBS toward an enlightened and progressive regime, simply because "enlightened and progressive" is an oxymoron par excellence in one sentence with the name Trump.
5
Really Mr. Friedman, do you expect Trump to read your article, much much too long for a man (I cannot call him president) who has an attention span twenty minutes to read and understand your program.
1
You really think any sort of nuanced communication will get through?
Thanks for your thoughts, but sending heartfelt thoughts to DJT is likely as effective as it will be throwing rocks from a football field away. I know i couldn't hit him from that far away, and I doubt you can either.
23
Mr. Friedman should not underplay the central role of religion in all aspects of life in S.A, the birthplace of Islam, the guardian of its most holy sites and the source of the 9-11 gang. The idea that there will be any fundamental changes there is wishful, if not delusional thinking, at best. The Saudis have used their financial might to spread their intolerant version of Islam from Turkey to Pakistan, and have funded both al-Qaeda and ISIS in the destruction of Syria. Saudi Arabia is neither democratic, nor tolerant of religious minorities or a bastion of human rights on any level. They don't share our values on any level, except perhaps for money, and that's not a good enough reason to coddle them going forward. This is a very dangerous country, which actually makes Iran look quite good in comparison.
77
I don't know whether inserting religion in the equation is a sign of naivety or wickedness. As I see it, it's a tit for tat and religious motives are exaggerated. The USA uses the most advanced weapons to kill and destroy whole communities and very few of the effected ones simply decide to fight back.
9/11 was a careful plan that was orchestrated by enemies of both the USA and Saudi Arabia and executed by opponents of the USFP who happend, and selected to be Saudis.
1
I agree wholeheartedly that the US is using advanced weaponry indiscriminately, and has caused untold human misery and vast swaths of unnecessary damage across the Middle East. It's horrible, but then, those who buy and use those weapons are equally at fault and cannot be let off the hook.
1
Religion is an excuse for much of the violence coming from both the U.S.and Saudi Arabia.
Many Evangelicals in the U.S. believe that Israel is a necessary condition for Armageddon and the Second Coming of Christ. Israelis that treat these people as allies need to think about the long term implications of this dynamic.
Meanwhile the religious extremists in the U.S. use Muslim terror as an excuse for more wars and exceptions to the bill of rights, while their ally Saudi Arabia funds Madrassas around the world that use U.S. military and covert meddling as excuses for global jihad.
How convenient it is for global arms manufacturers and oil corporations that these two allies led by mega rich shareholders are fueling both sides of a global holy war.
Meanwhile more Americans are killed by "Christian" misogynist, white supremacist, anti-LGBT, terrorists than Muslim terrorists.
Stop panicking about terror and look at the big picture. You are being pitted against each other for power and profit.
1
Dear Mr Friedman,
You wrote: "But, if I may, President Trump, M.B.S. is a young man, and two-thirds of Saudi Arabia is under 30. They look to America for more than just weapons. They look to us as an example. They watch what we model — so it is more vital than ever that we continue to model the rule of law, respect for institutions, tolerance and pluralism."
Have you spoken to young Saudi Arabians in their homeland right now, and confirmed this view? Having Muslim friends and living in a Muslim-majority country, I would say that the attitude of young generations from such nations are complex. While many may want the opportunities given by greater freedom - particularly economic freedom - and rule of law, there are also many who see the US as an example of decadence and irreligiosity. And these attitudes are not mutually exclusive. A person could want both. The chief national model that a faithful Muslim looks for is a model that allows them to practice all the pillars of their faith in all areas of life, including in political process. The good that happens in your political process domestically is of less immediate importance than the bad that is reported internationally; and the bad that is perceived in US treatment of issues related to the Middle East and nations that profess to be Islamic. As is often said: people don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care.
20
In Saudi Arabia and Malaysia, how is the inter-action between these two cultures? Are there some good lessons for the world as a whole?
"At the same time, we need to tell M.B.S.: You can be an effective king, with real legitimacy, or you can buy yachts, chateaus and Leonardo da Vincis."
We need to tell DJT this too.
45
Except that he wouldn't know a Leonardo da Vinci if he saw one.
Though he might refer to him as a person who could contribute greatly to this country as a merit-based immigrant.
4
A magnificent Leonardo da Vinci, this Savior of The World, one begun by the artist where a student in the workshop takes over, and is not able to manage the hands. They lack muscle tone and the fingers are out of proportion, something da Vinci, a scientist and mathematician, would never have allowed.
Authenticity these days is lacking and good manners. Trump is probably going to squeeze the hand of this visiting Prince. As for chateaux, these are built in sand, and the rest of us in the horde can just seethe with envy.
Friedman is at liberty to go on about Human Rights in Saudi Arabia, although it is more venom and we have lost our way. These two men will get along just fine and the rest of us can take an intermission and watch 'Lawrence of Arabia'.
3
"MBS is not a democrat, nor is he interested in promoting democracy." And neither is Donald Trump. What's important to our feckless leader is that the Saudis keep doing business with Trump Incorporated and keep treating him as an honored member of the House of Saud every time he shows up for a royal repast. And if they continue to denounce Iran and the Muslim Brotherhood and to maintain their silence over Israel's mistreatment of the Palestinian Arabs so much the better. Is there a tariff on Saudi oil in our nation's future? Hah!
171
Ignorance may be bliss for the ignorant, but not so for those who know better and yet have to read it
Wahhibism may be down but no one should count it out. For the US to play any sort of meaningful role in helping this young man, it would first require an understanding of the history of the Saudis, Wahhibism and the interaction and interdependencies of the two. Trump would be stuck for an answer if asked to define the differences between Shiites and Sunnis. So, he is of no help.
The Middle East knowledge in the White House is at best rudimentary. Kushner is assigned Middle East responsibilities but insists that history should play no role in negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians. That is like saying we should teach our children about the Civil War but ignore race. So, long story made short, Mr. Friedman, when your memo arrives at this White House, it will find the light is on, but no one is home.
98
"But, if I may, President Trump, M.B.S. is a young man, and two-thirds of Saudi Arabia is under 30. They look to America for more than just weapons. They look to us as an example. They watch what we model — so it is more vital than ever that we continue to model the rule of law, respect for institutions, tolerance and pluralism."
Good luck with that suggestion Tom Friedman, aka, the anonymous ambassador to Saudi Arabia (if we had one).
Your column today is well-meaning, but what it really means is that Donald Trump won't read it, won't apply it, and in any event, has built up such a long history in what seems like an interminable year of flouting the very values and institutions you are urging him to solidify and "model" for MBS.
Thanks for trying, but I hope you're not pinning your hopes for the success of MBS on how much young Saudis "learn" from today's United States.
152
"..the rule of law, respect for institutions, tolerance and pluralism." Just like in the US, yes? Maybe -- considering Trump -- MBS opts for the Xi model.
23
I dont know much about Saudi Arabia but they seem to mostly be a medieval society with no work ethic and a state religion that is uncomfortably open to fanaticism. They've spent zillions on military hardware domt see to be much help in Syria. Compared to Iran they seem to be a backward, slothful, soft, ineffective country. i'm deeply uncomfortable with the U.S. making them a pillar of our Middle East policy.
208
spot on description! However the people of Saudi Arabia deserve pity rather than condemnation, for they really had little choice in the matter given its a monarchy. its not like Saudi citizens elected the royal family like we americans elected trump!
3
Backward, slothful, soft, ineffective. But rich. No wonder Trump admires them.
1
Don't know much, but..
The mere fact that you compare it to theocraticly ruled Iran says so much.
Syria's civil war uncovered the evil and hegemony of Iran and the rational and
disciplined Saudi reaction.
Yemen's crisis would not have occurred without Iran's exploitation and interference.
Guess what Mr. Friedman. Radical Islam didn't start with Iran, and it didn't start with Saudi Arabia. We were funding the mujahideen before either happened. It started with us. We're more to blame than either the Saudis or the Iranians.
41
Shorter Friedman: Saudi Arabia can once again be good despite all evidence to the contrary----but Iran will alway, always be bad.
48
The first thing we need to agitate for is cheap air conditioning for the Saudi masses. They do that and, maybe, in a generation, two-thirds of the Saudi population WON’T be under thirty. But, habiibtii, it’s a DRY heat!
Trump (more likely his more extreme advisors) clearly don’t believe we need much of a State Dept. – not the first president to harbor contempt for this bureaucracy, but perhaps the first to act seriously on it. Too bad we’re wasting Tillerson on it. He’d be a FAR more effective chief operating officer for Trump than EITHER Kelly OR Pence. So, Tom’s “memo” notwithstanding, don’t expect those vacant levels at Foggy Bottom to be filled any time soon.
And MBS is a 32-year-old who achieved significant power still in his twenties and, as Tom points out, didn’t succeed to great wealth as a youngster. He’s still in his first flowering as a hyper-wealthy ruler, in addition to wielding almost unlimited power. It will be a few years before he’s likely to become sufficiently jaded to fully settle-down to more focused and strategic governance. Still a few wild oats to be sown.
Yet most Americans don’t think of Jared Kushner as a “young testosterone-fueled” anything. Kushner gives every appearance of someone born at 40, who isn’t getting younger with time. Since there are so few leaks out of that relationship, we don’t really know WHAT Kushner does and what part of it actually is effective.
Memo to Tom Friedman on MBS and Saudi Arabia: Festina Lente.
2
Richard, fly to Jeddah and checkout the “dry Heat” on the Red Sea at 110 degrees
Must be all of that bad air in New Jersey.
A great victory for Trump. Obama and especially Brennan worked with the reactionary crown prince and successor who financed terrorism. Trump has many flaws. Why not give him credit when he has a good policy.
1
There is no coherent policy. What victory are you referring to?
45
The extent of reforms within Saudi Arabia, and whether they will be for the better, have yet to be seen. But the changes are coming from within, not because of what any American president did or didn't do.
Our presidents have to work with the world leaders they find. Neither Obama nor Trump can shake up the Saudi Royals. President Obama did take heat from Saudi Arabia because of the Iran Nuclear Agreement, but that's still fundamentally an American matter.
Trump does share the anti-Iran hysteria, a decided aversion to human rights with Saudi rulers. But that's no more of a policy than the sword dance that Trump and Tillerson did while visiting the Kingdom last year.
13
A great victory for Trump? Why not give him (Trump} credit when he has a good policy? What in the world are you talking about? Mr. Trump has nothing to do with the changes occurring in Saudi Arabia. M.B.S. and the people of Saudi Arabia deserve credit for those changes. If Mr. Trump had only a fraction of the ability to express himself that Mr. Friedman does, we could expect an eloquent statement from Mr. Trump supporting the positive changes mentioned in this article. What we will get instead are a few incoherent statements about what a wonderful, tremendous friendship we have with Saudi Arabia. Behind closed doors, who knows what Mr. Trump will say.
6
MBS is sort of refreshing only when compared with his predecessors. Nevertheless, he is a step in the right direction. But to expect that DJT might help nudge him on a little further on the road to more freedom for his people is really over the top. The Donald is only about himself. Always. Exclusively. SAD.
59
I don't believe a word of this. The Saudis engineered 9/11. They are not our friends, and never should have been considered friends. They are enemies of civilization and democracy, like all autocracies and theocracies. They do not merit a seat at the table of first world countries. This sand prince should not be welcomed, he should be shunned.
71
Friedman is right. Trump helped engineer a coup that has brought a revolutionary to power. If people want to understand and not just vent, they should have noticed that Trump's first trip abroad was to Saudi Arabia and they should have reflected on. The point of the alliance with Putin and MBS is to end 15 years of totally fruitless war in the Middle East. Do you think the Israeli establishment has not noticed and that is not related to their dumping of Bibi
2
You give Trump far, far too much credit. There's not a shred of evidence that Trump "helped engineer" anything. The events in Saudi Arabia that are playing out were more than likely set in motion before Trump, and he's been an observer, at best.
The point of Mr. Friedman's column is that continuing in this passive way, without a cogent diplomatic effort, while Saudi Arabia moves forward from these changes puts the U.S. at risk of missing a great opportunity to nurture and shape a future Saudi Arabia and its place in the world.
50
Fully agree. But it is really about the money. Obama shunned them for all you describe. Trump loves them for all the money. And they were even nice to Ivanka.
2
Well, it sounds good but:
"He has to understand he’s becoming an important figure on the world stage, and he needs to cultivate the same reputation... — clean, modest, conciliatory.
On the management side, M.B.S.’s team is too small and contains a couple of minister-bullies close to him who are in way over their heads, and who bring out his worst instincts and offer terrible advice"
All of which pretty much describes Trump himself - and your final plea to model "the rule of law, respect for institutions, tolerance and pluralism" is something Trump is not only not modeling, but actively undermining, here at home....so I'm afraid your advice is going to fall on very deaf ears.
Sad.
42
If Saudi women are empowered (which will be fully true only when the rules of “male guardianship” over them are lifted), and the kingdom becomes a more normal, connected and productive society, Saudi Islam will naturally become more moderate and inclusive.
Given how badly we misjudged what would happen in China when it became a "modern economy", I think a little caution is in order here in predicting what SA will become because it lets the ladies drive.
35
kirit....mr freidman degraded himself when he tried to justify the invasion of Iraq. also, when he wrote a column saying if the usa opened its borders completely that the rest of the planet would be empty--or words to that effect. stereotype of the arrogant American.
19
Friedman has spent his career chasing the wll-o'-wisp of democracy (or at least modernization, depending on how grand his vision dare swell at the given moment) in the greater Middle East.
He keeps trying to discern signs of progress in the endless swirl of strong-man power politics.
Here again his exaggerated effort to depict a young strongman as a reformer: "That is huge." . . . "Again, huge." . . . "The whole world will be better for it."
Reminds me of his November 1999 column excitedly noting that General Pervez Musharraf, who had seized power in a coup the previous month, "offered to disclose his tax returns." "Think about that," Friedman enthused. "When in the history of coups has a general sought to win legitimacy by offering to disclose his tax returns?"
15 or 20 years ago I read Friedman avidly, sharing his hopes and swayed by his opinions. Today, he seems like an anachronism--a throwback to that time when some of us thought autocracies could be tugged and tucked into free(r) societies.
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@Michael Harvey, thank you. Your commentary was so spot-on. Having recently spent five weeks in Saudi Arabia for work - kicked out of my hotel because of the revenge purge - Friedman is way, way off the mark. Anachronistic indeed.
1
Friedman has basically spent decades arguing that markets are democracy.
That is great for billionaires and the global corporations they own, because if markets are democracy, they have most of the votes.
Twenty years ago he told us that trading with China would force China to undergo Democratic reforms. Now we have a capitalist China who's leader just made himself president for life, and where protesters risk their lives.
Democracy is one person one vote. It is meant to push political power down and out to most people. That has little to do with capitalism.
Capitalism is about machinery and the small fraction of the population that owns it, and controls the jobs associated with it. They use this centralized power (a few thousand people own more than half of the entire planet's wealth) to corrupt the democratic process and to manipulate governments so that they can centralize more power under them. They have also bought controlling shares in all mass news, so that they can make sure the worst of their actions are ignored while they distract most people with celebrity nonsense.
The global trade system Friedman champions has enriched the world's .1%, while keeping down wages, shredding protections for workers, consumers, and the environment and disenfranchising large parts of the world.
Markets are useful, but they are not democracy. They centralize power.
I used to be a Friedman fan, but my love for democracy and desire to spread power to all people has cured that.
1
Agree on this, this column sounds a lot like the glowing "Assad is a reformer" articles posted over the years.
Since Trump does not read memos its intended recipient will leave it unread. The letter asks for a nuanced approach to M.B.S. which requires an understanding of the tensions within Saudi society. Who can believe that is within Trump's abilities?
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No problem Jared Kushner will understand the nuances of the situation and skillfully craft a response.
5
I suspect the real intended recipient of this memo is M.B.S.
4
Trump is under Russian and Israel control this means chaos in the M-E and don't forget that MBS killed to grab the power.Good luck with the Saudis...
47
All the chaos in the Middle East started with the 2003 US invasion of Iraq in violation of International Law, ushering in the Law of the Jungle to that area. Former NATO Supreme Commander US General Wesley Clark blew the whistle on US War Plans for the Middle East in 2007, when he revealed they were brought out within weeks of 9/11, to change regimes in Iraq, Libya, Syria, and at THE END, Iran. The US has made regime change as American as Apple Pie. Republican Bush did Iraq in 2003. Democrat Obama did Libya and started in Syria in 2011 until the Russians entered that World War only in 2015 putting the brakes on that 2001 US War Plan. Trump has made it perfectly clear to the World, he is following that same 2001 US War Plan by going after Iran. This is enough circumstantial evidence to make one believe there really is a 'Deep State' pulling the strings behind the Republican/Democrat/Trumpian facade.
1
Mr. Freidman, With due respect for your well thought out articles, I must mention that you have degraded yourself very much by mentioning that Dave Petraeus would be a good candidate to be a special envoy. Are you still oblivious to women's number one issue today about sexual exploitation?
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No huge fan of Petraeus, but he had an affair. I find that morally reprehensible. But how is that sexual exploitation? The woman was 50% of the equation.
3
'Given how Saudi Arabia sets the tone for Islam globally,'
Is it because Saudi Arabia funds the madrasas all over the world massively and the Saudi version of 'hard' Islam is taught at these madrasas?
45
Exactly right. They have trained multiple generations of Islamic fundamentalists
1
This sage advice to Trump transmitted?
Into his head can't be admitted,
Hairdo's in the way,
No cortex in play,
Against a vacuum it is pitted.
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It's cute to make poems about Trump's stupidity. But if he is stupid (which is only one possible explanation for his behavior), then he has an incredible instinct for playing the media, using bullying as an effective political tool, and pushing the envelope of normal political discourse to destroy political norms.
I don't know if Trump or someone controlling him has an ingenious master plan, or if Trump is just doing what comes naturally. Maybe he is just playing defence against Mueller. Who knows?
But he is systematically doing EVERYTHING that a president would do if they wanted to prepare the country for a suspension of elections and the rule of law to make himself President for Life.
And it's not like it hasn't happened before. You can go through the last 100 years of world history and see dozens of elected leaders who destroyed their democracies.
Trump attacks all checks on his power. He is attacking his own nominees in the Justice Department because they as not bending the law for him, enough. He attacks the FBI (not a liberal bastion). He attacks the judiciary, calls the whole branch of government "broken," nominates supremely unqualified judges, insults judges, and pardoned a Contempt of Court convict. He attacks the press. He demands person loyalty from employees of the People.
He just said that "maybe we should take a shot" at a "President for Life" here.
It is more dangerous to underestimate your enemies than to overestimate them.
Take Trump seriously!
1
@Larry Eisenberg: Painfully accurate; the visual is HD quality.
McGloin: You must be new; Mr. Eisenberg has been gracing the NYT for decades with his wit that often cuts like the proverbial knife. There are many methods of discourse. Mr. Eisenberg couches his steely-eyed observations in Limerick form and far more astute and penetrating that anything William F. Buckley Jr. could ever aspire. Lighten up; your rant is showing.