The editorial entitled "OPEC's Chall enge" (OGJ, Aug. 26, 2002, p. 17) disturbed me. It is my opinion that the Oil & Gas Journal's political viewpoints are perceived by those not part of the oil and gas industry to reflect the majority opinion of those in the oil and gas industry. For you to attempt to leave the im press ion that we in the oil and gas industry believe that the US should ignore Saudi Arabia's involvement in worldwide terrorism is irresponsible, at best.
There is no question in my mind that Saudi Arabia could single-handedly alter the current supply of oil so negatively that it would disrupt the worldwide economy and severely damage our struggling economy here at home. I understand the consequences of alienating the Saudis. But so what; this is war. We cannot ignore the fact that the hijackers who plowed their stolen airplanes with hundreds of terrified innocent people on board into the World Trade Center and Pentagon were Saudis. We cannot ignore the fact that most of the money to underwrite this operation was Saudi money. We cannot ignore the facts that Osama Bin Laden is a filthy rich Saudi and that Saudi royalty allows few outside the family to make the big bucks and become a part of their inner circle. We cannot ignore the fact that a large part, if not the majority, of money fueling the terrorism network comes from Saudi Arabia. Further, we cannot ignore the fact that Saudi Arabia is benefiting from these new (and welcome) higher oil prices more than anyone else, which gives them more money to invest in terrorism.
Indeed, we want to be friends and allies with Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia needs us as a friend and ally more than we need them; but, they do not appreciate it, nor do they appreciate the consequences of the alternative. I believe that they are treating us like "Smiling Jack," slapping us on the back, asking about the well being of our family, and then scheming to steal our money as soon as we leave their presence. Can we afford to be so naive?
For the Oil & Gas Journal to candy-coat Saudi involvement in world terrorism is puzzling to me and causes me to consider your motivations. It is not so curious to me that nobody at the Oil & Gas Journal claimed credit for writing this propaganda. It is time for the US to demonstrate some guts and hold Saudi Arabia accountable for its ties to terrorism. It is also time for the Oil & Gas Journal to do this as well.
Rush Warren
Warren Acquisition Inc.
Tyler, Tex.
