Obama Bows to Saudi King

[Siege]

I didn't watch the footage, but the opening pic of the footage seemed to show a deep bow.

I guess it's just me   I can bow 20 times a day if I'm in court, so I associate a bow with a sign of respect, not of humility or homage.

You are right about bowing meaning respect.
However, Obamas bow is almost at 45 degrees, and is from the waist up. Since he is bowing to a muslim king, this bow means homage, no respect.

At least this is how it will be read by the islamotards, both friends and enemies of the saudi king.

And since they are ALL our enemies...

[Grallon]

I think this is the first time I've heard US policy towards Saudi Arabia described as arrogant.  I thought the standard knock was that we kiss their asses and prop up their corrupt regime.

You're right that humility costs nothing and in the end it doesn't matter how you get it as long as you get it.  But this thread topic is about more than just humility, it's about paying obeisance to a monarch.

Once again - what does it matter ?  Is the US president any less important because he bowed to an elderly despot ?  No.  However the perception of the event in the muslim world may help bolster the US positions.  Remember the saying about the tree that bends and survives the storm ?  I think Obama is very much aware that the US can no longer afford a lordly attitude.  But then again, perhaps there's no clever maneuvering; perhaps it was only a mark of respect, since in this instance the Saudi monarch represents the muslim world.




G.

[Sheilbh]

The problem with that is that whenever you say the West is for democracy and human rights the first thing an Arab will reply is 'the house of Saud?'  I think it's nearly impossible to underestimate how hated the Saudi monarchy is in 'the Islamic world'.

And, frankly, when the elected leader of the world's largest Muslim country is there, go get pally with him.

[Admiral Yi]

Once again - what does it matter ?  Is the US president any less important because he bowed to an elderly despot ?  No.  However the perception of the event in the muslim world may help bolster the US positions.  Remember the saying about the tree that bends and survives the storm ?  I think Obama is very much aware that the US can no longer afford a lordly attitude.  But then again, perhaps there's no clever maneuvering; perhaps it was only a mark of respect, since in this instance the Saudi monarch represents the muslim world.




G.

It matters in terms of public perceptions back home about upholding the dignity of the United States.  And as Shelf already pointed out, sucking the Saudi knob is hardly the best way to ingratiate oneself to the Muslim world.

[Grallon]

And as Shelf already pointed out, sucking the Saudi knob is hardly the best way to ingratiate oneself to the Muslim world.

Be outraged then *shrug*




G.

[MadImmortalMan]

This doesn't have any meaning in Arabian custom that Obama didn't intend, does it?

[Ancient Demon]

The problem with that is that whenever you say the West is for democracy and human rights the first thing an Arab will reply is 'the house of Saud?'  I think it's nearly impossible to underestimate how hated the Saudi monarchy is in 'the Islamic world'.

Are you sure? Maybe you're talking to too many Shiites. My impression was that the House of Saud is highly respected amongst most Sunni Arabs.

[Phillip V]

Didn't Bush kiss that guy?

[Solmyr]

This doesn't have any meaning in Arabian custom that Obama didn't intend, does it?

Acknowledging himself as a dhimmi?

[derspiess]

Okay, I guess this was all a false alarm:

http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0409/White_House_No_bow_to_Saudi.html

"It wasn't a bow. He grasped his hand with two hands, and he's taller than King Abdullah," said an Obama aide, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

[DGuller]

Okay, I guess this was all a false alarm:

http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0409/White_House_No_bow_to_Saudi.html

"It wasn't a bow. He grasped his hand with two hands, and he's taller than King Abdullah," said an Obama aide, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

First he bows to the guy, then he calls him a midget.  No wonder people think Obama is wishy-washy.

[Sheilbh]

The problem with that is that whenever you say the West is for democracy and human rights the first thing an Arab will reply is 'the house of Saud?'  I think it's nearly impossible to underestimate how hated the Saudi monarchy is in 'the Islamic world'.

Are you sure? Maybe you're talking to too many Shiites. My impression was that the House of Saud is highly respected amongst most Sunni Arabs.

I've literally never met an Arab who likes them and doesn't view Western support of them as one of the big strikes against the West.  They are hated.  They are, in my experience, seen to examplify everything that is corrupt, self-serving and oppressive in the regime and our support of them while we talk about democracy is seen as exposing the talk about democracy as a bit of a sham.

Didn't Bush kiss that guy?

Possibly.  Saudi Kings like some other elder statesmen, Nelson Mandela for example, like holding hands with other world leaders some reason.  Unless they're women.

[derspiess]

I think we should poll all Arab Languishites on their opinion of the Saudi royal family to put this issue ^^ to rest

[katmai]

I think we should poll all Arab Languishites on their opinion of the Saudi royal family to put this issue ^^ to rest

We have Siegy and ?