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Bush, Stop Begging the Saudis

Don't publicly ask for oil favors you won't get, WSJ writes

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted May 17, 2008 1:23 PM CDT

(Newser) – Whichever adviser sent President Bush to plead with the Saudi king to help bring down oil prices should be canned, the Wall Street Journal opines. Bush had the same request turned down during a visit in January, and the rebuff is even more humiliating the second time around. If Bush wants to go begging, he'd be better off turning to Fed chief Ben Bernanke, "creator of our current commodity-price spike."

The Journal also takes issue with the notion that the US is helping the Saudis develop civilian nuclear reactors—"to provide for their energy needs." While that may help the nation export more oil in the long run, "we await the explanation for why the world needs another politically unstable Islamic theocracy in possession of radioactive fuel rods."

President Bush stands with Saudi King Abdullah during the playing of the U.S. National Anthem at an arrival ceremony at Riyadh-King Khalid International Airport in Saudi Arabia, Friday, May 16, 2008. (AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari)

President Bush sits with Saudi King Abdullah at the King's Al Janadriyah Ranch in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Friday, May 16, 2008. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

President Bush, front right, walks with Saudi King Abdullah during an arrival ceremony at Riyadh-King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Friday, May 16, 2008. (AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari)

US President George W. Bush waves from Air Force One before his departure from King Khalid International Airport, Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2008, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

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Bush, Stop Begging the Saudis

Don't publicly ask for oil favors you won't get, WSJ writes

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Bush, Stop Begging the Saudis

Don't publicly ask for oil favors you won't get, WSJ writes

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Ben Bernanke • Saudi Arabia • King Abdullah • oil price • oil production • George W. Bush

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Saudis to Boost Oil Output to Record Level

Kingdom aims to stabilize prices to protect oil market

Oil Prices Threaten US-Saudi Relations

Washington loses leverage as Beijing gains clout with Riyadh

Saudis Won't Budge on Oil

Leaders again dismiss Bush request for help reining in US gas prices

Bush Begs Saudi King for Oil

Public plea rejected, Bush entreats Abdullah personally

'Peak Oil' Looms: Saudi Supply Overstated

Cable argues that kingdom can't pump enough crude to control prices

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?