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Where is the Saudi Lobby?

Al-Jazeera, Saudi Arabia, Originally posted in Arabic on August 9

The American political arena is witnessing an emerging star: an Indian-American politician by the name of Bobby Jindal. Currently the governor of the State of Louisiana, Jindal has become an extremely popular figure in American politics, announcing his candidacy for the upcoming presidential election just several weeks ago.

I am telling you about Jindal because, other than the fact that he is an extremely gifted and accomplished individual, he is also one of several prominent Indian figures in American politics. He is joined by Governor Nikki Haley of South Carolina and journalist Fareed Zakaria of CNN. And all of them have gotten to where they are – other than through their own talent – with strong support of the newly emerged Indian lobby in America.

Why is this important? Because it reminds us that political lobbies play a huge role in shaping American policy, and nearly every interest group in the world holds lobbyists in Washington.

To date, however, we Saudis and residents of the Gulf have failed to influence the American political system in any shape or form. The question, then, must be asked: how is it that Saudi Arabia, a country with such long and close ties to the United States, has failed to establish a lobby in the United States?

How is it that we failed to influence American policymakers to make decision in favor of their allies in the Gulf? How is it possible that every esoteric group sends paid representatives to Washington, and not us – a longstanding ally of America in the region? – Ahmad al-Farajj