2013-10-23

Decline and Fall of the USA

Whatever one thinks of Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom has been at least a nominal ally of the United States for decades. Their opposition to the atheist Soviet Union made them a natural ally of the U.S., and the relationship grew closer after the collapse of the Soviet Union. The American public's support for the Kingdom was strained after 9/11, but U.S. and Saudi foreign policy in the Middle East were aligned.

Most importantly is the petrodollar: the Saudis agree to export oil and accept dollars in return, instead of gold. Were the Saudis to make any move on this front, all financial hell could break loose.

For sure, President Obama's foreign "policy" is mostly to blame. His support of the Arab Spring backfired, leaving America hated by everyone in Egypt, Libya on the verge of civil war, his ambassador in Libya murdered, a total loss of face over Syria, and now the Saudis. Although the Saudis say this is about Syria, it's really the straw that broke the camel's back. All that said, this was inevitable in the long-run as the U.S. financial condition deteriorated. Unable to maintain the empire, the U.S. will pull back, and with negative social mood, there is a further push to reduce foreign commitments.

President Obama had a choice. He could do as he did, and risk losing the Saudis, or he could attack Syria and send his already low approval ratings into the 20s. Given Congressional threats over a Syrian attack, Obama would then have very likely faced impeachment charges, or at least a very serious discussion of it, damaging his ability to govern.

President Obama's lack of leadership and amateur administration pushed the accelerator, but this is where things were headed. The loss of allies such as the Saudis will give the U.S. cover (both at home and abroad) when it reduces its military commitments.


Saudi Arabia severs diplomatic ties with US over response to conflict in Syria

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