Obama Gives Saudi Arabia “Open Access” to American Skies

**vector7** · June 6th, 2013, 18:37

Companion Threads:

Obama gives Saudi Arabia ‘unrestricted’ access to U.S. airspace

By Douglas Ernst
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The Washington Times
Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Will President Obama's job approval suffer for picking Susan Rice as his national security adviser?Saudi Arabia’s struggles with terrorism are well known, but that hasn’t stopped the United States from signing an “Open Skies” agreement with the nation.

Soon, the Saudis will have “unrestricted” access to U.S. airspace, according to the U.S. State Department website:

“The United States-Saudi Arabia Open Skies agreement will, following a transition period, permit unrestricted air service by the airlines of both countries between and beyond the other’s territory, eliminating restrictions on how often the carriers fly, the kind of aircraft they use and the prices they charge. This agreement will allow for the strengthening and expansion of our strong trade and tourism links with Saudi Arabia, benefitting U.S. and Saudi Arabian businesses and travelers by expanding opportunities for air services and encouraging vigorous price competition by airlines, while preserving our commitments to aviation safety and security. …”

CNS News notes that “the agreement means Saudi airlines may fly from any point in the kingdom to any point in the United States, and that U.S. airlines may fly from any point here to any airport in Saudi Arabia.”

U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia James B. Smith and Dr. Faisal bin Hamad Al-Sugair, Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Director of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, signed the deal on May 28.

The agreement, which the U.S. has with approximately 100 other nations, is expected to be fully implemented in three years, according to CNS.

**vector7** · June 6th, 2013, 18:40

Companion Threads:

Obama Gives Saudi Arabia “Open Access” to American Skies

June 5, 2013 By Daniel Greenfield 6 Comments

Since Saudi Arabia already has open access to our government and immigration system, why not our skies as well. What’s the worst that could happen?

The United States and Saudi Arabia have signed an Open Skies agreement that will “permit unrestricted air service by the airlines of both countries between and beyond the other’s territory.”

The agreement means Saudi airlines may fly from any point in the kingdom to any point in the United States, and that U.S. airlines may fly from any point here to any airport in Saudi Arabia.

The deal was signed May 28 in Jeddah by U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia James B. Smith and Dr. Faisal bin Hamad Al-Sugair, Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Director of the General Authority of Civil Aviation.

Fifteen of the 19 men who hijacked and crashed American planes on Sept. 11, 2001 were from Saudi Arabia.

Other things that Obama recently did for Saudi Arabia included trashing the last post 9/11 visa restrictions.

Diplomats said the administration of President Barack Obama has removed most restrictions on the entry of Saudis to the United States. They said the percentage of visa approvals for Saudis has reached unprecedented levels.

“The United States aims to raise the number of visas that it issues annually, particularly to Saudi nationals, who represent an important group,” Joseph Hood, U.S. consul-general in the Saudi city of Dhahran, said.

No treason to see here.

**American Patriot** · June 6th, 2013, 18:46

I feel like one of those cartoon characters that is shaking his head from side to side really quickly while making that weird noise they make.

WTF is happening?

And happening FAST.