Saudis Use 9-11 Report in U.S Ad Campaign

[emad]

By KEN GUGGENHEIM
Associated Press Writer

Guardian snip:

WASHINGTON (AP) - Stung by criticism about its role in fighting terrorism, Saudi Arabia has launched a radio advertising campaign in 19 U.S. cities citing the Sept. 11 commission report as proof that it has been a loyal ally in the fight against al-Qaida.

The two advertisements quote the commission's conclusion that the Saudi government did not fund al-Qaida. One ad cites the report's finding that Saudi Arabia stopped a 1998 plot to attack U.S. troops; the other cites a finding that Saudis were not flown out of the United States right after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.

The ads don't address commission criticism of Saudi Arabia, which the report called ``a problematic ally in combating Islamic extremism.'' It said Saudi-funded Islamic schools have been exploited by extremists and, while Saudi cooperation against terrorism improved after the Sept. 11 attacks, ``significant problems remained.''

Saudi Arabia came under scrutiny almost immediately after the Sept. 11 attacks. It is the birthplace of Osama bin Laden and 15 of the 19 hijackers. A congressional inquiry into the attacks triggered questions about whether the Saudi royal family had provided money to the hijackers.
More:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,1280,-4427697,00.html

[Rose Siding]

1. dupe, here's a link

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=755787