Saudia Arabia has a horrible government and horrible policies, especially if you think 50%+ of the population might actually matter a wee bit. It is truly one of the worst countries in the world. Maybe North Korea gives them a bit of competition. I've never quite understood the realpolitik that requires that we are their bestest buddies, even though many people have tried to explain it to me. But, fine, maybe there are things my hippie blogger mind can't understand. Our State Department has its reasons. Still, why does the press play along so much? If [random left wing South American president] was 1% as horrible as Saudi Arabia, the Washington Post editorial board would never stop freaking out about it.