'Saudi Cables' reveal secret Saudi influence in Australia
What makes the article interesting is that it shows the Saudi petrodollars are promoting their rigid, intolerant version of Islam in western mosques.
As a consolation, we also learn that Saudi money is not all spent on promoting radical Islam. Some is used to counter Shia Islam, and some to make sure its own nationals are believers.
WikiLeaks 'Saudi Cables' reveal secret Saudi government influence in Australia
June 20, 2015
http://www.smh.com.au/national/wikileaks-saudi-cables-reveal-secret-saudi-government-influence-in-australia-20150620-ght4kp.html
WikiLeaks has revealed secret
Saudi Arabian influence in Arabic media and
Islamic religious groups in Australia as well as covert monitoring of Saudi students studying at Australian universities.
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"The Saudi Cables lift the lid on an increasingly erratic and secretive dictatorship that has not only celebrated its 100th beheading this year, but which has also become a menace to its neighbours and itself," WikiLeaks publisher Julian Assange said
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reveals sustained Saudi efforts to influence political and religious opinion within Australia's Arabic and Islamic communities.
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payment of large subsidies
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The Saudi embassy is also revealed to pay close attention to the political and religious beliefs of Saudi university students
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The documents show the Sunni kingdom's (efforts ..) to counter Shiite influence.
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The documents reveal extensive Saudi efforts to influence and neutralise critical opinion in foreign media, including widespread use of monetary contributions and subsidies.
"Most world governments engage in PR campaigns to fend off criticism and build relations in influential places. Saudi Arabia controls its image by monitoring media and buying loyalties from Australia to Canada and everywhere in between," WikiLeaks said in a written statement.
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The embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was not available for comment.
