This is with reference to the article “9/11 report: Much ado about nothing” (July 23) by Sabria S. Jawhar. I do agree with the writer that the withheld 28 pages of the 9/11 probe report only fuelled conspiracy theories. The decision to redact these pages from the original report is beyond comprehension. The US authorities should offer an explanation for this decision. Had they released these 28 pages with the original report, it would have shot down all rumors about the alleged Saudi involvement in the 9/11 terror attacks.
Many people are questioning the timing of the release of these withheld pages. I believe that certain anti-Saudi elements wanted to stir further conspiracy theories in the wake of the release but fortunately they miserably failed in their attempts.
The information contained within those pages offer no new insight. Most of the details are sketchy and unreliable. The western media should is fast losing its credibility by using these tactics.
The United States and other world powers should admit that not only is Saudi Arabia at the forefront of the war on terror, it is also the worst victim of terrorism. Recently in the holy month of Ramadan, Saudi Arabia experienced a spate of terror attacks. The Saudi authorities’ swift response to those attacks checked the situation. Accusing partners of wrongdoings will not help in the fight against terrorism. This approach will only play into the hands of the extremists, who are our common enemies. The elements in the US who are hell bent on maligning Saudi Arabia are doing no favor to their own country either. The United States is an important Saudi ally and the ties should be strengthened in the greater interest of both the countries and their respective citizens. — Inam Sheikh, Jeddah
Boosting Saudi-US ties
