The Shadowy Influence of the House of Saud

"It is operations like this one that has the US army chief of staff calling Russia the most dangerous threat to the United States today."
(Source - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xK9ZVctnox8
Timecodes - 0:11 - 0:19)

"This week we saw cold hard evidence of the trump campaign family eagerly intending to collude possibly with Russia a foreign hostel power to influence American elections."
(Source - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Im50XUXeb0I
 Timecodes 0:00 - 0:17)

“US Intelligence leaders say that China poses the most consequential threat to the nations national security.”
(Source - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwpI1Cx4WYk
Timecodes 0:00 - 0:06)

Crown Prince with Trump
(Source - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhw37reiFj0
Timecodes 3:58 - 4:05)
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Crown Prince with Putin
(Source - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXiSafSqXAY
Timecodes 0:01 - 0:06)
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 Crown Prince with Biden
(Source - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDv-SlFdM3g
Timecodes 0:07 - 0:12)
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Saudi King with Hillary Clinton
(Source - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=doHM-Dik0ZQ
Timecodes 0:07 - 0:12)
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Bill Clinton
(Source - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgFo5CP5H5U
Timecodes 5:13 - 5:19)
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President Eisenhower
(Source - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgdGgdGDfKY
Timecodes 0:31 - 0:33)
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President Nixon
(Source - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgdGgdGDfKY
Timecodes 0:33 - 0:36)
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President Carter
(Source - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgdGgdGDfKY
Timecodes 0:37 - 0:40)
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(Scenes of Wealth)

(Source - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgdGgdGDfKY
Timecodes 1:09 - 1:13)
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(Source - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DipzS0VH4PA
Timecodes 1:53 - 1:59)
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(Source - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gmkxb0C56to
Timecodes 2:46 - 2:53)
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(Source - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gmkxb0C56to
Timecodes 2:56 - 3:08)
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(Scenes of War)

(Source - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPaZhB1FzXE
Timecodes 0:00 - 0:05)
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(Source - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPaZhB1FzXE
Timecodes 0:24 - 0:29)
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(Source - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ve0A7Iq2dsw
Timecodes 1:45 - 1:52)
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(Source - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqP6CSJHxQc
Timecodes 0:08 - 0:14)
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(Source - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7J8IIuqFvUI
Timecodes 0:40 - 0:51)
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(Source -
https://www.reddit.com/r/CombatFootage/comments/skmsla/another_footage_of_saudi_tos1_in_action_in_yemen/
Timecodes 0:06 - 0:14)
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What is oil and how is it used?
(Source - https://www.americangeosciences.org/geoscience-currents/non-fuel-products-oil-and-gas

https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/oil-and-petroleum-products/#:~:text=After%20crude%20oil%20is%20removed,because%20of%20refinery%20processing%20gain.)
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Discovery of oil in Saudi Arabia
(Source - https://geoexpro.com/the-first-discoveries-of-oil-in-saudi-arabia/)
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What is OPEC?
(Source - https://www.investopedia.com/terms/o/opec.asp)

(Source - https://www.businessinsider.com/a-quick-and-dirty-overview-of-the-saudi-economy-2011-3)
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Saudi government and American oil companies make a deal
(Source -  chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://digitalassets.lib.berkeley.edu/rohoia/ucb/text/aramcooilproduc00hickrich.pdf
Page 21)
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In 1944, both Standard Oil of New Jersey which later became Exxon, and Socony-Vacuum which later became Mobil and then merged with Exxon, joined the consortium, which was named Arabian-American Oil Company, or for short, Aramco.
(Source - https://www.vox.com/2016/1/8/10737638/saudi-aramco-ipo)
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President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Saudi King Abdul Aziz met on February 14, 1945, on the deck of the USS Quincy as the American warship cruised in the Suez Canal.
(Source - https://www.tam.usace.army.mil/Media/News-Stories/Article/483577/laying-the-foundation-roosevelt-meets-with-king-abdul-aziz/)
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The meeting between Roosevelt and Abdul Aziz was unprecedented and set the foundation for a long-standing relationship between the two countries. The US has had a military presence in Saudi Arabia since the 1940s when they sent their first ambassador in 1943,
(Source - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saudi_Arabia%E2%80%93United_States_relations
Under Early History and recognition)

Today, The House of Saud is the ruling royal family of Saudi Arabia and is estimated to be worth over $1.4 trillion,
(Source - https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/saudi-royal-family-s-1-4-trillion-wealth-and-lavish-spending-36040)
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According to Wikipedia, Saudi Arabia is an absolute monarchy, and the king must comply with Sharia (Islamic law) and the Quran, while the Quran and the Sunnah (the traditions of Muhammad) are declared to be the country's constitution. No political parties or national elections are permitted. Politics in Saudi Arabia takes place within the royal family, the Al Saud, and between the royal family and the rest of Saudi society. Participation in the political process outside of the Al-Saud is limited to a relatively small segment of the population and takes the form of the royal family consulting with the ulema, tribal sheikhs, and members of important commercial families on major decisions.
(Source - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saudi_Arabia)
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On October 17, 1973, the announcement echoed through international markets—an oil embargo imposed against the United States and other nations supporting Israel during the conflict. It was a potent weapon intended to convey their collective displeasure and teach the United States a lesson.
(Source - https://billofrightsinstitute.org/essays/the-1973-oil-crisis-and-its-economic-consequences)
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The oil shortage caused by the 1973 oil embargo had a significant impact on the US economy.
(Source - https://www.federalreservehistory.org/essays/oil-shock-of-1973-74)
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The Arab oil embargo was the world’s first oil crisis, an oil-supply disruption leading to major price increases and a worldwide energy crisis. To give you a better idea of the crisis, the price of a barrel of oil went from $3 a barrel to 12$. Imagine waking up the next day to realize gas is 4x the price it was before you woke up. That is exactly what happened to every American that day.
(Source - https://www.fpri.org/article/2009/08/the-u-s-and-saudi-arabia-since-the-1930s/)
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It would even cause fuel scarcity and a major spike in gasoline prices in the United States, which prompted the government to implement a number of policies aimed to address the issue with fuel rationing being one of the measures.
(Source - https://www.britannica.com/event/Arab-oil-embargo)
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The embargo also pointed out a significant increase in the OPEC cartel's influence in the global economy and caused the United States and western European countries to reassess their dependence upon Middle Eastern oil, although this was short lived.
(Source - https://www.britannica.com/event/Arab-oil-embargo)
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Instead of the U.S. figuring out ways to get oil outside the Kingdom. They doubled down and continued buying oil from the Saudis and even kept selling them weapons, tanks and aircraft. The United States built their entire military infrastructure that they have today. Which the Saudis paid for with the billions that they just extorted from us.
(Source - https://www.fpri.org/article/2009/08/the-u-s-and-saudi-arabia-since-the-1930s/)
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The Saudis didn’t stop there though, they wanted to get full ownership over Aramco. First, they insisted on taking a 25 percent interest in it, paid for in oil. And by 1980 they owned 100% of Aramco.
(Source - https://www.fpri.org/article/2009/08/the-u-s-and-saudi-arabia-since-the-1930s/)
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Chairman Poe also brought up a controversial issue that has been shrouded in secrecy: the infamous 28 missing pages from the original 9/11 report. These pages contain classified information that the public has been denied access to. Chairman Poe, having had the opportunity to review these pages, firmly believes that the public deserves to see them. After all, why should crucial details about such a significant event be kept hidden from the American people?
(Source - https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CHRG-114hhrg20256/html/CHRG-114hhrg20256.htm
Paragraph 10)
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Now, let's dive into some intriguing figures, shall we? Between 2016 and 2020, the United States amassed a jaw-dropping $13 billion from their weapon sales to Saudi Arabia. That's no small sum, my friend. It's a colossal amount that puts all other contenders in the shade. Even India, the second-place player, pales in comparison with a mere $1 billion in weapon purchases. Talk about a dominant force in the market.
(Source - https://www.axios.com/2021/03/16/global-arms-exports-us-russia-saudi-arabia-weapons)
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According to the latest data from Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Saudi Arabia's military expenditure has reached astonishing heights. They've invested an impressive $75 billion into bolstering their defense capabilities. It's a substantial commitment that places them among the top five countries in the world with the highest military budgets. They're certainly not holding back when it comes to safeguarding their interests.
(Source - chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.sipri.org/sites/default/files/2023-04/2304_fs_milex_2022.pdf)
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Yemen War
(Source -  https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2019/country-chapters/yemen)
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The shocking murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi sent shockwaves across the world and raised serious concerns about the actions of the Saudi Arabian government. The involvement of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman in the assassination, as indicated by U.S. intelligence reports, further intensified the scrutiny on Saudi Arabia's treatment of dissent and human rights.
(Source - https://www.cnn.com/2021/02/26/politics/biden-administration-khashoggi-report/index.html)
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According to U.S. intelligence assessments, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman authorized an operation to capture or kill journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul, Turkey. This conclusion is based on the Crown Prince's control over decision-making in Saudi Arabia, the involvement of a key advisor and members of his protective detail, and his support for violent measures against dissidents, including Khashoggi.
(Source - https://www.cnn.com/2021/02/26/politics/biden-administration-khashoggi-report/index.html)
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Khashoggi, known for his critical views of the Saudi government, particularly the Crown Prince, played a significant role in shedding light on the human rights situation in the country. He had been an advisor to senior Saudi officials and was previously seen as close to the Saudi royal family. However, as dissent and crackdowns on activists and dissenters escalated, Khashoggi became increasingly vocal in his criticism.
(Source - https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-45812399)
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After several of his friends were arrested, his column was canceled by the Al-Hayat newspaper and he was allegedly warned to stop tweeting, Mr Khashoggi left Saudi Arabia for the US, from where he wrote opinion pieces for the Washington Post and continued to appear on Arab and Western TV channels.


He wrote in 2017


"I have left my home, my family and my job, and I am raising my voice, To do otherwise would betray those who languish in prison. I can speak when so many cannot."
(Source - https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-45758096)
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Further adding to the controversy, witnesses reported sightings of members of the Saudi hit squad, who were convicted by the kingdom for Khashoggi's murder, living in luxury villas in Riyadh. This revelation raised questions about the Saudi government's commitment to justice and accountability, further deepening the skepticism surrounding the case.
(Source - https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/30/jamal-khashoggi-killers-living-in-luxury-villas-in-riyadh-say-witnesses)
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Ritz-Carlton Riyadh incident
(Source - https://www.tatler.com/article/ritz-carlton-in-riyadh-arrests-saudi-princes)
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Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was even quoted saying.

King Salman said the purge was in response to

"exploitation by some of the weak souls who have put their own interests above the public interest, in order to, illicitly, accrue money."
(Source - https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/how-saudi-crown-prince-mohammed-bin-salman-purged-rivals-n820141)
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A year later In 2018, the Saudi attorney general said 56 men remained locked up, some the subject of criminal investigations, with more than $106 billion in cash, real estate, businesses, securities and other assets recovered in the Ritz operation.
(Source - https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/a-year-after-the-ritz-carlton-roundup-saudi-elites-remain-jailed-by-the-crown-prince/2018/11/05/32077a5c-e066-11e8-b759-3d88a5ce9e19_story.html)
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Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman arranged a private party in the Maldives in July 2015, which was attended by nearly 150 women models. The party was held on a private island in the Maldives,
(Source - https://nypost.com/2020/08/31/inside-the-lavish-life-of-saudi-arabias-party-prince/)
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Which was rented out for a month at a cost of $50 million.
(Source - https://nypost.com/2020/08/31/inside-the-lavish-life-of-saudi-arabias-party-prince/)
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The party was attended by a few dozen men from the Middle East, including the Crown Prince, and featured performances by celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Pitbull, Shakira, and Afrojack.
(Source - https://nypost.com/2020/08/31/inside-the-lavish-life-of-saudi-arabias-party-prince/)
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The party was kept secret because as crown prince you must uphold the Sharia law and the Quran since you and your people are subject under them. Parties that involve alcohol, drugs, music, dancing, and other activities that are considered inappropriate or immoral are generally considered haram which means forbidden.
(Source - https://nypost.com/2020/08/31/inside-the-lavish-life-of-saudi-arabias-party-prince/)
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Less than a week into the bacchanal, however, word of MBS’s presence leaked to a local publication. The news was soon picked up elsewhere.
MBS quickly left. The women were gone soon after.
(Source - https://nypost.com/2020/08/31/inside-the-lavish-life-of-saudi-arabias-party-prince/)

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In 2017, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman caused quite a stir when he secured Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece, the "Salvator Mundi," for a mind-boggling $450 million at auction. This record-breaking purchase showcased his unapologetic taste for the finer things in life and his vast wealth that knows no bounds.
(Source - https://www.timesofisrael.com/sold-for-450m-to-saudi-prince-salvator-mundi-likely-not-painted-by-leonardo/)
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Crown Princes French Chateau
(Source - https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/18/300m-french-chateau-bought-by-saudi-prince-linked-to-da-vinci-purchase-report)

(Source - https://nypost.com/2020/04/18/chateau-louis-xiv-inside-the-worlds-most-expensive-home/)

(Source - https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/18/300m-french-chateau-bought-by-saudi-prince-linked-to-da-vinci-purchase-report)
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The crown prince's penchant for luxury extends to the high seas as well. Behold the Serene, a majestic yacht acquired for a jaw-dropping sum of approximately $500 million from Russian vodka tycoon Yuri Shefler in 2015. This floating paradise stretches an impressive 134 meters, boasting not just one, but seven swimming pools, a helipad, a spa fit for royalty, and a cinema to indulge in the latest blockbusters.
(Source - https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/saudiprincemohammedbinsalmanyachtfrancenewyorktimes-a7365261.html)

(Source - https://yachtbible.com/serene-yacht/)
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And let's not forget the Pegasus VIII, a prized possession previously owned by Mexican billionaire Carlos Peralta that now finds itself in the crown prince's fleet of lavish vessels.
(Source - https://www.superyachtfan.com/yacht/lightning/)
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These indulgences may leave you wondering about the economic landscape of Saudi Arabia. Well, hold onto that curiosity, because the royal family has its very own sovereign wealth fund—the Public Investment Fund (PIF)—estimated to be worth over half a trillion dollars. Established in 1971, this formidable fund has fueled numerous Saudi projects and companies, providing crucial financial support for initiatives of strategic importance to the nation's economy.
(Source - https://www.investopedia.com/terms/p/public-investment-fund-saudi-arabia.asp)
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Now, as the spotlight shines on the crown prince's opulent lifestyle, questions arise about the appropriateness of such extravagant expenditures.

In a revealing interview conducted by 60 Minutes in 2018, he was confronted about his lavish choices while his people protested against their wages and economic situation. With unapologetic candor, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman responded,

"I'm a rich person and not a poor person. I'm not Gandhi or Mandela. I'm a member of the ruling family that existed for hundreds of years before the founding of Saudi Arabia."
(Source - https://www.cbsnews.com/news/saudi-crown-prince-talks-to-60-minutes/)
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Saudi Arabia is currently engaged in discussions to become a member of the New Development Bank (NDB), the multilateral financial institution of the BRICS alliance, consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
(Source - https://moderndiplomacy.eu/2023/05/21/brics-membership-a-game-changer-for-saudi-arabias-economy/)

(Source - https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/energy/2023/06/05/brics-raging-against-the-dollar-is-an-exercise-in-futility/afd5f4c2-0357-11ee-b74a-5bdd335d4fa2_story.html)
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