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President Obama condemns anti-gay African nations but not the Saudis
by Dr. Samori Swygert
Homosëxuality has become one of the most divisive issues in America. I want to address it from a different angle. I want to address the infusion of homosëxuality with America’s foreign policy. Many are aware of President Obama’s relentless assertion that African nations should abandon their “anti-gay” philosophy. President Obama has mentioned that he is willing to impose economic sanctions on African nations that choose not to conform to homosëxuality reform. However, is this stance a fake strategy for an ulterior motive, or is this a show of favoritism?
Why do I ask this question?
Many people that embrace a very liberal position on sëxuality condemn African nations for stern enforcement of anti-gay policies. However, is this really about morality or more about money? One of America’s biggest allies and economic buddies is Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia does and has been practicing Sharia law for ages. Homosëxuals in Saudi Arabia can be imprisoned or executed. However, where is President Obama’s public condemnation of Saudi Arabia for their anti-gay position????
What is America’s discretionary criteria for global anti-gay condemnation? How do we go to a foreign nation and demand them to change their philosophy? If we don’t agree with another nation’s social practices, then we should end all commerce and trade with the nation. However, our message must be consistent and constant at each and every endeavor. President Obama is selectively picking on African nations, but is completely mute about anti-gay policies with Saudi Arabia.
Why is America silent about anti-gay legislation with our partner?
Let’s look at economic resources:
Saudi Arabia has the LARGEST PROVEN OIL RESERVES IN THE WORLD. CNBC posted 2011-2012 Proven oil reserves for Saudi Arabia, and the Saudi’s had 262.6 billion barrels of proven oil reserves. The United States had only 20.68 billion barrels of proven oil reserves. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Saudi Arabia is the 2nd country on America’s list of oil suppliers that we import from.
Historically speaking, over the last three administrations, you can Google photos of former President Bush, Clinton, and now Obama, and you will see all three wearing gold chains from the Saudis, shaking hands, bowing, laughing, and smiling with the royal Saudi family. President Obama has yet to publicly condemn King Abdullah about the anti-gay component of Sharia law.
This forces a needed discussion. Why is Saudi Arabia exempt from American chastisement for anti-gay policy? How does King Abdullah escape U.S. ridicule and critique, but African nations get lambasted and bold economic sanctions levied on them? Is our foreign policy hypocritical or bipolar when it comes to homosëxuality, race, and economic power? Where is our consistency?
Can the Saudi’s economic might buy President Obama’s and America’s silence on anti-gay policies? Should America simply leave sëxuality out of its foreign policy and stick with trade, commerce, and military strategy if we can’t be consistent in theme?
Does sëxual preference belong in geopolitical affairs, if so, who legislates the criteria? Is it fair to let a nation starve because they don’t share the same sëxual ideology? How do we want resources from African nations, and negotiate development of drone bases in African nations but tell them how to govern sëxual activity?
I don’t have the answers, but these are very serious questions. This is an international double standard imposed on African nations that isn’t discussed. Is this really a matter of morality or money? Where is the tough guy talk with the Saudis?
What are your thoughts?
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