Saudis Want Britain's Respect, But It Must Be Earned – Not Bought

Prince Mohammed bin Nawaf bin Abdelaziz used an article
in the Daily Telegraph to warn the UK of 'serious repurcussions'
if it fails to treat Saudi Arabia with respect.

THE GUARDIAN: The deference afforded to its monied rulers in the past has been replaced with scrutiny over its human rights and dissatisfaction with its regional meddling

Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the UK, Prince Mohammed bin Nawaf bin Abdulaziz, has complained in an article for the Daily Telegraph that his country is being unfairly picked on in Britain. It is, he claims, “an alarming change” in tone. His words reflect a puncturing of the mystique that has traditionally protected the wealthy, secretive Gulf kingdom from rigorous scrutiny.

But the ambassador’s discomfort may also stem from the Saudi regime’s raised profile in regional affairs, which makes it more of a target for attack, and from a sense that the kingdom’s unelected, uninspiring rulers are increasingly vulnerable.

Successive British governments have treated the Saudi royals with exaggerated respect bordering on obsequiousness. This was primarily down to the Saudis’ unmatched oil wealth, rather than any natural affinity. The motive was self-interest, not affection. » | Simon Tisdall | Monday, October 26, 2015

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