Oh, yeah, let me add that Arabia was never 'supposed to be more Democratic', just an ally of the west. It's an important distinction we need to make, because it was specifically stipulated back then in the 1945 Quincy agreement, where we formally agreed to not impose any democratic system (Or any input on their politics whatsoever, ever).
The idea of democratization of the Middle East is a very recent, neoconservative idea, with its crucible in how in many writings prior to the first Gulf War, many a conservative national security personality insisted on deposing Saddam, with absurd fervor.
(By the way, I enjoy talking about these things, what with it being my job, and I hope I'm not being condescending or sounding too agressive against you throughout the posts, here or elsewhere.)
Oh, yeah, let me add that Arabia was never 'supposed to be more Democratic', just an ally of the west. It's an important distinction we need to make, because it was specifically stipulated back then in the 1945 Quincy agreement, where we formally agreed to not impose any democratic system (Or any input on their politics whatsoever, ever).
The idea of democratization of the Middle East is a very recent, neoconservative idea, with its crucible in how in many writings prior to the first Gulf War, many a conservative national security personality insisted on deposing Saddam, with absurd fervor.
(By the way, I enjoy talking about these things, what with it being my job, and I hope I'm not being condescending or sounding too agressive against you throughout the posts, here or elsewhere.)