We are all aware that the Tunisian people are in the midst of an historic popular uprising against the autocratic regime that has existed there since 1987. The autocratic dictator, who the western governments supported and considered an ally, Zine El Abidine Ben Ali has now fled to Saudi Arabia.

One of Ben Ali's "claim's to fame" (a major reason why he was considered an ally) was the fact that he successfully eliminated the Islamic fundamentalists from participating in politics, and, in essence, had rid the country of them.

So, of all countries, why would an Islamic absolute monarchy (Saudi Arabia) be the one hosting a leader who was harshly opposed to their ideals?

the Billmeister

Part of his conditions for being able to stay in the kingdom is that he not involve himself with politics, so clearly the Saudis didn't support Ali's regime. As to why they let him in who knows; the Saudi people definitely don't want him there. They did the same thing when Idi Amin (Uganda) needed a place to hide following his murderous dictatorship. It seems as though Saudi Arabia takes good care of the wealthy Muslim elite, no matter how they've made their money or what they choose to do with it.

Not necessarily politics within the Kingdom, but Ben Ali still feels certain international obligations. This also meant mediating and speaking out about issues in general. For example, he had been a key player in resolving the Lebanon crisis and he wanted to continue with this upon his arrival to Saudi Arabia.
And yeah, the royals maintain their power as absolute so obviously theres no chance of involvement in domestic politics. In terms of having a voice internationally, the Saudis want him to keep quiet for alot of reasons; he represents different values from the kingdom and they are also probably well aware that he is a terrible politician.

Look up the history of Saudi Arabia. It was a protectorate of England since the mid 19th century and later became its own country. Saudi Arabia is probably more of an ally to the west than Israel in the middle east.

Originally posted by Cassius666
Look up the history of Saudi Arabia. It was a protectorate of England since the mid 19th century and later became its own country. Saudi Arabia is probably more of an ally to the west than Israel in the middle east.

Correct, in essence.

Until WWI it was part of the Ottoman Empire, and, as is true with most of the middle east, was split up by the victors and dispatched to the local kings and/or tribal leaders who had been most friendly to them.

So, you are 100% correct, that modern Saudi Arabia has been a puppet state since the beginning, first to the British and, since 1945's meeting on the USS Quincy between Saudi's King Abdul Aziz and Franklin D. Roosevelt, a puppet of the U.S.A.

the Billmeister

Upon having completed this reply, I realize that you probably meant to write 1900's or 20th century, and that we are saying the same thing!