• by reducing the influence of wahabism.

    Yes, I'd definitely say that's an argument that makes more sense.

    I think it can be taken as a given that Saudi Arabia is a pretty horrific state. I'm obviously not going to advocate otherwise, but I think people make too much of the notion that we loose some sort of moral high ground when we support despotic states / leaders.

    From a pure political perspective (as opposed to an HR one) I think that supporting Islamic extremists is flawed. So it would make more sense to ally with more states with a relatively more moderate theological view.

    That said I think it's naieve not to weigh that against the consequences of loosing one of the stable and friendly regimes in the region.

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