[redwitch]

As I said, it really depends on what you believe and I truly do understand why you believe what you do. I don't happen to agree. It is a different culture, no question. Some of what is perceived as back stabbing by Americans is the way of life in the Middle East. To do otherwise would be downright rude there. It really is time for Americans to quit expecting the world to live by their rules and accept that there are differences and people are entitled to those differences even if they are diatmetrically opposed to our tenets and beliefs. America has done as much harm internationally as it has good (think the Shah Pahlavi, Idi Amin Dada -- both of whom Americans supported for quick and easy examples). If America has this need to delve into the politics and lives of other nations, it would behoove Americans to learn the "rules" of the nation they are "helping" and not be so insulted when those nations not only not appreciate the "help" but downright resent it.

The royals of Saudi are not radical Muslims. In fact, even Bin Laden has declared war on his relatives. So far, the radicals in Saudi have been unable to do more than fight amongst themselves. Yes, they live by Islamic laws. So do many loyal, patriotic Americans. Being a Muslim does not mean hating America any more than being a Christian means you are a pacifist. Being from Iran, Iraq, Saudi, even Indonesia and a Muslim doesn't automatically make someone a hater of the United States.

As I said in my original reply, if you believe that Saudi Arabia is truly an enemy of the United States, then you should not consider working there under any circumstances. If you do not believe this (obviously I do not), then decide on the basis of what you are willing to tolerate on a personal level. You will be a second-class citizen there. Some will revile you simply because you are not a Muslim and are an American. Your down time can be very boring.