Why the USA Has Never Attacked Saudi Arabia

Many people have speculated over the years why the USA has never launched a military attack against Saudi Arabia despite the country being known for its significant role in the 9/11 attacks. To understand this, we need to explore the complex political and strategic dynamics at play, particularly the geopolitical interests of the United States and the longstanding relationships between the two nations.

The Role of Saudi Arabia in 9/11: A Misunderstood Connection

One of the main reasons why the USA has not attacked Saudi Arabia is the lack of substantial evidence that the Saudi government orchestrated the 9/11 attacks. While it is true that most of the hijackers hailed from Saudi Arabia, this fact alone does not incriminate the entire Saudi government. Many countries host individuals who eventually engage in illegal activities; yet, those actions are not reflected on their entire nation's government. The directives or direct financial support required for such attacks to be successful would need concrete evidence, which has not been presented publicly.

Geopolitical Considerations: Iraq vs. Saudi Arabia

Another critical factor is the geopolitical landscape. Unlike Iraq, which was also a target of American intervention, Saudi Arabia has been seen as a played-out pawn in larger political strategies. The 2003 invasion of Iraq, which was a direct result of the 9/11 attacks, was motivated by a major threat that posed a direct threat to American interests. Conversely, Saudi Arabia, despite holding a significant amount of global oil reserves, has been under less direct American pressure for a variety of strategic reasons.

Economic Interests and Political Backing

Historically, Saudi Arabia has fulfilled the unreasonable demands of the USA, particularly when it comes to the protection of American interests in the Middle East. This long-standing relationship has been bolstered by financial contributions from the Saudi royal family to key US political figures, particularly the Republicans. This backing has, to some extent, neutralized the potential for conflict. Furthermore, after the attacks, Osama bin Laden went into hiding, thus making him a less immediate threat, whereas Saddam Hussein, in Iraq, remained a target due to his perceived direct connection to the attacks and his perceived threat to the region.

The Great Game of Politics

Enmeshed in the complex political landscape are the broader geopolitical principles known as The Great Game. The logic of this game often regards the first nation to invade a resource-rich country as the “ashole” or the tyrannical superpower, setting in motion a narrative that invites other countries to come to the rescue and redistribute the resources among themselves. The Americans, recognizing this dynamic, chose what they considered to be the path of least resistance: to support and uplift the Saudis while maintaining their influence in the region.

By fostering these relationships and providing a taste of Western luxury and power, the United States hoped the Saudi royal family would view the US intervention as a form of divine providence. However, the consequences of this decision have far-reaching implications to this day, as evident in the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and the broader geopolitical shifts.

In conclusion, while Saudi Arabia played a critical role in the 9/11 attacks, the USA has not attacked Saudi Arabia for a combination of reasons including the lack of evidence connecting the government to the extremist groups, geopolitical strategies, and long-standing economic and political relationships. Understanding these factors is essential to grasping the complex nature of international politics and the intricate decisions made by powerful nations.