Saudi Arabia: Seizing the Future...

Don’t you just hate it…

When they rub your nose in it.

Get these headlines in the Gray Lady: Al Somebody, a spokesperson for Saudi Arabia, pointed out that the Arab princes, planning for the future and ending their dependence on oil, decided to save and invest when oil was only $10.00 a barrel in 1999. That was prior to the 600% plus run-up over the last six years. (Who aided and abetted nearly a 600% run-up in the last six years? Six years…hmmm, is that a coincidence? Your call…)

So they get rich beyond measure, and we just poke along assuming that this was the way God ordained it...

Anyway, imagine these people immersed in their Middle Eastern ways adapting to the ways of the world. Towards that end, I’ve imagined this scene taking place between a candidate and an interviewer seeking talented young people to fulfill the kingdom’s imagined new role.

Scene: Arab Prince Recruiting Services,
Location: Riyadah, Saudi Arabia

Interviewer: Thank you for coming in young man…

Young Man: Oh you are most kind, sir. My gratitude knows no ends for seeing me...

I: Would you like a cup of tea and some dates

YM: I cannot believe your generosity, kind sir.

I: Well, let’s get to it: How did you hear about us?

YM: I saw your ad in the newspaper…

I: Ah, that demonstrated good initiative… You are a cunning young man, the type
That our country needs to turn the corner…

YM: Thank you. I always try to respect my elders and behave according to our laws…

I: I am sure. I see you are a college graduate. With what degree?

YM: A general degree in poetry and a double minor.

I: In what?

YM: Etiquette and greeting…

I; Interviewer, I see. And where have you been employed before?

YM: In my father’s palace…

I: And what did you do there?

YM: I tended to the religious teaching and supervision of his other wives…

I: Ah, a noble task And please tell me what are you good at?

YM: Stabbing and slaughtering mostly

I: Indeed, no doubt for the ritual feasts…

YM: Yes, yes, indeed…

I: Anything else, young man…

YM: Bombing. I am pretty good at bombing…

I: That takes a certain level of skill and competence to be sure…
And what would you like to do with your life?

YM: Ah, I would like to free ourselves from the past and to adapt all of the modern standards of the democratic world.

I: Very, very good. (He applauds!)
: Can you come in next Monday to meet our clients?

YM: I am sorry I am unavailable next Monday.

I: (Looking Sad)…Is there a reason?

YM: I promised to take the kids to the public square to see the executions…

I: Ah, we certainly wouldn’t want to spoil that treat, would we?
Don’t worry! Just tell us when it is convenient for you and we will make the
Necessary arrangements…

YM: That’s very kind of you, good sir. I would appreciate that. Do you take tips? A few gold coins perhaps…

I: No, we don’t…

YM; Alright, I will make a donation in your name to the Sons of Mohammed to buy things they need like

I: Food?

YM: No, explosives…

I: Very kind, very kind…