It has come to my attention that some American diplomats stationed here are going around salons and diwanias all over the Kingdom discussing the future reforms in the political structure of our government. They have gone into quite a lot of detail, even naming names to various posts. One can only shake one’s head pityingly and utter a few soft tsk tsks.
Imagine a little boy overhearing his mom and dad deciding to take their children to the amusement park. He quickly rushes off to tell his siblings. “I told dad to take us to the amusement park and he has obeyed me.”
This is precisely what these diplomats are doing. They must have learned somehow of these coming changes and are rushing around informing everyone in order to give the impression that their government is the inspiration. Of course, nothing could be further from the truth.
That the US should stoop to these childish pranks is truly pitiful and shows the desperate measures they are willing to go to in order to repair their battered image in this country.
The laws of hospitality require us, however, to humor these diplomats and we therefore should listen politely to them. We must also try to keep a straight face.
The love the US has for the people of Saudi Arabia is well attested to in the thousands of articles in their newspapers and magazines. Daily, the innumerable radio and television stations spew out an almost unending stream of good will and friendliness toward us. Congressmen go out of their way to say nice things about us and think tanks do nothing but generate report after report on how to make life rosy for the citizens of this country. (Remember! Keep a straight face).
I would like, on your behalf, to present these eager diplomats with a small welcoming gift. I offer the song by Nancy Agram “Ah wi nus” the lyrics of which I hope will inspire them to better ways to improve their country’s standing here.
