Unasked questions

In "Unasked questions," Craig Unger discusses the evacuation of 140 Saudi nationals from the United States in the days immediately following Sept. 11. Should the 9/11 commission inquire about this evacuation, and the possible involvement of White House officials? And should the Bush administration reconsider the US alliance with Saudi Arabia given the involvement of Saudi citizens and funding networks in the attacks?
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yes, they should ask. specifically why a saudi jet was allowed to fly all over the us and evacuate saudi nationals

Troy, New Lisbon

YES. The only thing more disturbing than the arrogance, and corruption of this administration is the IGNORANCE of the American people that would continue to support Bush after what has been continually illustrated as a leader who is has TRULY polarized a nation, where criticism is lableled as anti-patriotic, where the loss of 3000 lives is used to further other political agendas (Iraq war), where the world and resources we live is an afterthought, allies are only ones that believe as we do, and where the the good will shared across the world for the US tragedy of 9/11 has turned into international disdain and fear that generates exponentially more terrorists with their sights on this country. The blind eye of the American people who support this path of evil and greed is the scariest development of the past 3 1/2 years.

Jeff, Medford

Absolutely. Lest we forget that it was 14 Saudi nationals who were the real WMD. It is another piece of the puzzle about the events and people involved in this infamous day, and which helps shed light on a presidential administration that is seeking our vote based on it's anti-terrorism record. As to our relationship with Saudi Arabia, I have always been advocating for a change. After 9/11 how much clearer could it be that everything about America's relationship to Saudi Arabia, and vice versa, is insane. I say "insane" because it fails the basic "mop and bucket" test as developed by an 18th century protopsychiatrist. Those to be diagnosed were put in a room with water taps on one side of the room and mops and buckets on the other. After turning on the taps he watched: Those he considered mad ran for the mops and buckets; the sane walked over and turned off the taps. Our relationship with Saudi Arabia (and by extension the whole Middle East) is a tap we should of turned off starting in 1977.

G., Wellfleet

How dare we question our leaders? This is America, after all, and our President, George W. Bush, was selected by God to bring on the apocalypse. Who are we to interfere with this divine Plan? A more pragmatic way to look at the issue would be to consider how our stock market is propped up by billions in Saudi investments, which, if withdrawn, would cause our markets to collapse. Then there's the Saudi oil we depend on for our way of life- transport, heating, electricity, plastic, pharmaceuticals - all will disappear without a steady supply of oil. Think about that. Of course, truth and justice matter too. If you were President, which would take priority? Maintaining our 'way of life', or delivering justice over the 9/11 attacks? I believe a committment to justice is among the most important values a person or government can have, but we must be honest with ourselves about the consequences. Of course the Bush administration should be questioned about the Saudi evacuation.

Steven, Chicago, IL

You betcha! There are so many unasked questions, because the media has been so soft on this bunch. Ask away!

Jaye, Hubbardston

Not only ask the question about the Saudis, but why the Biin Laden family was also ushered out of the country without so much as a" do you know where your bother may be?". The Bush administration may be a little too cozy with the real parties that are, at least patially, to blame for 9/11.

Kip, Brighton

The World Trade Center attacks were primarily carried out by Saudi terrorists. The Saudi police are legendarily brutal, executing drug dealers sometimes on the same day. Why have they not purged their society of Islamic terror groups? The 9/11 terrorists were funded in large part by Saudi finances, including the wife of the Saudi Ambassador. Their religious leaders apparently are still free to preach hatred and murder against the people of the United States. Why has George Bush not pressured them to end their dictatorship and stop supporting the murder of Americans, to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars? What if Americans all pooled their money privately to support the murder of Saudi citizens? Would there be any outcry from the rest of the world community?

Henry, Newton

Ah...you mean on Sept 11 the White House (Geo Bush) assisted Saudis to get out of the US? And Saudis were already being checked out for funneling money to terrorists? Doesn't this come awfully close to aiding and abetting the enemy? The enemy of the US?

Andrea, Cambridge

Since the commission was set up to investigate what happened prior to 9/11 with the specific intent of preventing another similar incident, then it should not ask about the evacuations. Unfortunately, many of the commissioners are trying to place blame on either the Bush or Clinton administrations, which will certainly cause the failure of the commission. It's sad that our politicians cannot even get this one right.

Tod, Lancaster

For years the Bush family, both father and son, have benefited from Saudi largesse. How else can one explain the hastily arranged departure of Saudi nationals after president Bush had a meeting with theSaudi ambassador, (a personal friend) at a timeat a time when no airplanes were allowed to take-off or land?

Walter , North Quincy