Not really. Let's recall that the U.S. government and other experts have reported that Islamic extremism is on the rise and that the spread of Islamic extremism is the preeminent threat facing the United States. In addition, various sources have alleged that Saudi Arabia is one of the sources that have supported and funded the spread of Islamic extremism, or Wahabbism, globally. This of course includes terrorism, hate, violence, jihadism and the spread of Islamofascism.

So why isn't the MSM all over this story?

Not to be unfair, John at Crossroads Arabia offers something of the positive from our friends, the Saudis: "Saudis Lean on Al-Assad."

There's a big difference between "alleging" and "proving," even "demonstrating." The US gov't--excluding a handful of congressmen--has been applauding Saudi efforts over the past several years.

Of course, the mantra "could do better" is always hanging out there. But who couldn't "do better?"

The FOX report your cite is a bit strange, however, and looks to be a mistranslation. Ever since his taking the throne, the new king has been adamant that terror has to be pulled out of Islam. I'll try to track down the quote.

King Invokes Past as Guide for Future
P.K. Abdul Ghafour, Arab News

JEDDAH, 7 January 2006 ” Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah has emphasized the need for Muslims having a correct perspective of their religion, away from extremism, to play a significant cultural role in the world.

In his keynote speech to a conference organized by the Makkah-based Muslim World League on Thursday, King Abdullah noted Saudi Arabia’s efforts to strengthen Muslim unity and resolve problems within the Ummah (the global Muslim community).

“One of the most dangerous challenges facing the Ummah and its future is something related to Islamic education, its sources and curricula,” the king said in his speech, which was read out by Makkah Governor Prince Abdul Majeed.(January 7, 2006)
http://arabnews.com/?page=1§ion=0&article=75932&d=7&m=1&y=2006

John,
Great hearing from you again - I figured a post on SA would coax a quick response from an old friend. Hope all is well on your end, and that your new year is a good one.

As to the mistranslation, that's always a possibility, but there's no getting around the Saudi funded problems in Western mosques, and the problems with Islamic reformation (need for, lack of, and difficulty in).

As for SA, too much money, too much time, so little effort against jihadism - only when it's close to home.

But I'm willing to bet a gift coupon to Starbucks that you'll have a different take.

Again, great hearing from you.

Yeah, well... poking with a stick can do that!

The Saudis do owe the world some answers. But they also need something approaching fair coverage. The "extremist publications" riff is a recyling of a Freedom House study that came out early last year. Nina Shea simply re-read it before a Congressional committee in early December, making it looks as though it was new information.

I did, in fact, comment on that issue, back when the original report came out. But questions do remain.

That's partially why I'm heading off to Saudi Arabia later this month. I need to do some "ground truthing" and maintain personal contacts. And--hopefully--get some answers.

John,
Good luck on getting those answers - we'll look forward to hearing your take on them.