The Critique of Western Democracy through the Lens of U.S. Partnerships with Saudi Arabia and Israel

Recent debates surrounding the United States's commitment to democracy have highlighted a paradoxical alliance with countries that do not uphold democratic principles. One prime example is Saudi Arabia, a country ruled by an absolute family dictatorship. This article delves into this paradox and analyzes the historical and contemporary context of U.S. partnerships with Saudi Arabia and Israel.

Historical Context: Britain and the Formation of Saudi Arabia

The roots of Saudi Arabia's existence can be traced back to the early 20th century, when Britain had significant influence over the region. After the Ottoman Caliphate was abolished in 1924, the British supported the Hashemite leader Hussein in his claim to the Arab lands. However, the House of Saud, promised Saudi Arabia by the British, quickly overthrew Hussein and his descendants, ending 700 years of Hashemite rule. Britain's support for the House of Saud laid the groundwork for the creation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932.

Wahhabism and Its Influence on Islamic Practices

Following the establishment of Saudi Arabia, the British government continued to support the House of Saud. One of the key support systems was the promotion and enforcement of Wahhabism (also known as Salafism), which is an extreme interpretation of Islam. Wahhabism has historically aimed to eliminate all physical aspects of Islamic practices, including shrines, mosques, and art. Notably, the Wahhabi movement was instrumental in the destruction of central Islamic shrines in Mecca and Medina, marking a significant shift in the religious landscape of the region.

British Influence on Islam: The Quest for "British Islam"

During the late 2000s, the push for a "British Islam" was another aspect of British influence. The intention behind this was to create an "institutionally approved 'mainstream’ and 'moderate’ expression of Islam." This was rooted in a broader neoconservative agenda to deconstruct and restructure Islamic practices, often under the guise of modernity and rationality.

Special Relationship: The U.S. and Israel

The partnership between the United States and Saudi Arabia is not the only instance of an anti-democratic alliance. The United States has also maintained a close strategic relationship with Israel, despite Israel's own authoritarian tendencies. This relationship became particularly evident during the establishment of the Petro Dollar. In 1973, the U.S. and Israel partnered to impose economic sanctions on the Arab nations that supported the Yom Kippur War, which effectively established the petro-dollar system.

Modern Implications and Counter-Pressure

The legacy of U.S. support for Saudi Arabia and Israel has extended into the modern era, leading to financial sanctions and geopolitical tensions. For instance, financial sanctions against countries like Venezuela, Iran, Iraq, Libya, and Afghanistan have been justified by the U.S. on anti-democratic grounds, even as they have fueled backlash against the dollar's dominance. The emergence of alternative financial systems, alongside the rise of political movements like the Bolivarian Revolution, reflects a global pushback against such authoritarian alliances.

Conclusion

The paradox of the U.S. democracy's supposed global mission alongside anti-democratic alliances like those with Saudi Arabia and Israel raises important questions about the true nature of U.S. foreign policy. While promoting democracy is a laudable goal, it is equally vital to critically examine the partnerships that uphold it. This critical assessment is essential for ensuring that the stated principles of freedom and democracy are not compromised by pragmatic and strategic alliances that may inadvertently undermine such values.