The Arab world’s wealthiest nations are doing next to nothing for Syria’s refugees

Some European countries have been criticized for offering sanctuary only to a small number of refugees, or for discriminating between Muslims and Christians. There's also been a good deal of continental hand-wringing over the general dysfunction of Europe's systems for migration and asylum.

Less ire, though, has been directed at another set of stakeholders who almost certainly should be doing more: Saudi Arabia and the wealthy Arab states along the Persian Gulf.

As Amnesty International recently pointed out, the "six Gulf countries -- Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain -- have offered zero resettlement places to Syrian refugees."

That's a shocking figure, given these countries' relative proximity to Syria, as well as the incredible resources at their disposal. As Sultan Sooud al-Qassemi, a Dubai-based political commentator, observes, these countries include some of the Arab world's largest military budgets, its highest standards of living, as well as a lengthy history -- especially in the case of the United Arab Emirates -- of welcoming immigrants from other Arab nations and turning them into citizens.

Moreover, these countries aren't totally innocent bystanders. To varying degrees, elements within Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the U.A.E. and Kuwait have invested in the Syrian conflict, playing a conspicuous role in funding and arming a constellation of rebel and Islamist factions fighting the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

confuzzled dude wrote:

-> Shocking indeed. May be they're waiting for their big-brother's orders.

confuzzled dude wrote:

Some European countries have been criticized for offering sanctuary only to a small number of refugees, or for discriminating between Muslims and Christians. There's also been a good deal of continental hand-wringing over the general dysfunction of Europe's systems for migration and asylum.

Less ire, though, has been directed at another set of stakeholders who almost certainly should be doing more: Saudi Arabia and the wealthy Arab states along the Persian Gulf.

As Amnesty International recently pointed out, the "six Gulf countries -- Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain -- have offered zero resettlement places to Syrian refugees."

That's a shocking figure, given these countries' relative proximity to Syria, as well as the incredible resources at their disposal. As Sultan Sooud al-Qassemi, a Dubai-based political commentator, observes, these countries include some of the Arab world's largest military budgets, its highest standards of living, as well as a lengthy history -- especially in the case of the United Arab Emirates -- of welcoming immigrants from other Arab nations and turning them into citizens.

Moreover, these countries aren't totally innocent bystanders. To varying degrees, elements within Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the U.A.E. and Kuwait have invested in the Syrian conflict, playing a conspicuous role in funding and arming a constellation of rebel and Islamist factions fighting the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2015/09/04/the-arab-worlds-wealthiest-nations-are-doing-next-to-nothing-for-syrias-refugees/

-> Shocking indeed. May be they're waiting for their big-brother's orders.

confuzzled dude wrote:

Some European countries have been criticized for offering sanctuary only to a small number of refugees, or for discriminating between Muslims and Christians. There's also been a good deal of continental hand-wringing over the general dysfunction of Europe's systems for migration and asylum.

Less ire, though, has been directed at another set of stakeholders who almost certainly should be doing more: Saudi Arabia and the wealthy Arab states along the Persian Gulf.

As Amnesty International recently pointed out, the "six Gulf countries -- Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain -- have offered zero resettlement places to Syrian refugees."

That's a shocking figure, given these countries' relative proximity to Syria, as well as the incredible resources at their disposal. As Sultan Sooud al-Qassemi, a Dubai-based political commentator, observes, these countries include some of the Arab world's largest military budgets, its highest standards of living, as well as a lengthy history -- especially in the case of the United Arab Emirates -- of welcoming immigrants from other Arab nations and turning them into citizens.

Moreover, these countries aren't totally innocent bystanders. To varying degrees, elements within Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the U.A.E. and Kuwait have invested in the Syrian conflict, playing a conspicuous role in funding and arming a constellation of rebel and Islamist factions fighting the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2015/09/04/the-arab-worlds-wealthiest-nations-are-doing-next-to-nothing-for-syrias-refugees/

-> Shocking indeed. May be they're waiting for their big-brother's orders.

Kris wrote:

confuzzled dude wrote:

Some European countries have been criticized for offering sanctuary only to a small number of refugees, or for discriminating between Muslims and Christians. There's also been a good deal of continental hand-wringing over the general dysfunction of Europe's systems for migration and asylum.

Less ire, though, has been directed at another set of stakeholders who almost certainly should be doing more: Saudi Arabia and the wealthy Arab states along the Persian Gulf.

As Amnesty International recently pointed out, the "six Gulf countries -- Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain -- have offered zero resettlement places to Syrian refugees."

That's a shocking figure, given these countries' relative proximity to Syria, as well as the incredible resources at their disposal. As Sultan Sooud al-Qassemi, a Dubai-based political commentator, observes, these countries include some of the Arab world's largest military budgets, its highest standards of living, as well as a lengthy history -- especially in the case of the United Arab Emirates -- of welcoming immigrants from other Arab nations and turning them into citizens.

Moreover, these countries aren't totally innocent bystanders. To varying degrees, elements within Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the U.A.E. and Kuwait have invested in the Syrian conflict, playing a conspicuous role in funding and arming a constellation of rebel and Islamist factions fighting the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2015/09/04/the-arab-worlds-wealthiest-nations-are-doing-next-to-nothing-for-syrias-refugees/

-> Shocking indeed. May be they're waiting for their big-brother's orders.

>>>Are you saying Big Brother has told them not to take refugees so Europe can get screwed?

confuzzled dude wrote:

Kris wrote:
>>>Are you saying Big Brother has told them not to take refugees so Europe can get screwed?

Wasn't the Big Brother leader of the pack, in arming Syrian rebels? As much as I like Obama this is one of the blunders he has committed as the POTUS. Hope he is honest enough to admit his mistake.

confuzzled dude wrote:

Kris wrote:

confuzzled dude wrote:

Some European countries have been criticized for offering sanctuary only to a small number of refugees, or for discriminating between Muslims and Christians. There's also been a good deal of continental hand-wringing over the general dysfunction of Europe's systems for migration and asylum.

Less ire, though, has been directed at another set of stakeholders who almost certainly should be doing more: Saudi Arabia and the wealthy Arab states along the Persian Gulf.

As Amnesty International recently pointed out, the "six Gulf countries -- Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain -- have offered zero resettlement places to Syrian refugees."

That's a shocking figure, given these countries' relative proximity to Syria, as well as the incredible resources at their disposal. As Sultan Sooud al-Qassemi, a Dubai-based political commentator, observes, these countries include some of the Arab world's largest military budgets, its highest standards of living, as well as a lengthy history -- especially in the case of the United Arab Emirates -- of welcoming immigrants from other Arab nations and turning them into citizens.

Moreover, these countries aren't totally innocent bystanders. To varying degrees, elements within Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the U.A.E. and Kuwait have invested in the Syrian conflict, playing a conspicuous role in funding and arming a constellation of rebel and Islamist factions fighting the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2015/09/04/the-arab-worlds-wealthiest-nations-are-doing-next-to-nothing-for-syrias-refugees/

-> Shocking indeed. May be they're waiting for their big-brother's orders.

>>>Are you saying Big Brother has told them not to take refugees so Europe can get screwed?

Wasn't the Big Brother leader of the pack, in arming Syrian rebels? As much as I like Obama this is one of the blunders he has committed as the POTUS. Hope he is honest enough to admit his mistake.

Kris wrote:

confuzzled dude wrote:

Kris wrote:

confuzzled dude wrote:

Some European countries have been criticized for offering sanctuary only to a small number of refugees, or for discriminating between Muslims and Christians. There's also been a good deal of continental hand-wringing over the general dysfunction of Europe's systems for migration and asylum.

Less ire, though, has been directed at another set of stakeholders who almost certainly should be doing more: Saudi Arabia and the wealthy Arab states along the Persian Gulf.

As Amnesty International recently pointed out, the "six Gulf countries -- Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain -- have offered zero resettlement places to Syrian refugees."

That's a shocking figure, given these countries' relative proximity to Syria, as well as the incredible resources at their disposal. As Sultan Sooud al-Qassemi, a Dubai-based political commentator, observes, these countries include some of the Arab world's largest military budgets, its highest standards of living, as well as a lengthy history -- especially in the case of the United Arab Emirates -- of welcoming immigrants from other Arab nations and turning them into citizens.

Moreover, these countries aren't totally innocent bystanders. To varying degrees, elements within Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the U.A.E. and Kuwait have invested in the Syrian conflict, playing a conspicuous role in funding and arming a constellation of rebel and Islamist factions fighting the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2015/09/04/the-arab-worlds-wealthiest-nations-are-doing-next-to-nothing-for-syrias-refugees/

-> Shocking indeed. May be they're waiting for their big-brother's orders.

>>>Are you saying Big Brother has told them not to take refugees so Europe can get screwed?

Wasn't the Big Brother leader of the pack, in arming Syrian rebels? As much as I like Obama this is one of the blunders he has committed as the POTUS. Hope he is honest enough to admit his mistake.

>>>Big Brother's blunders aside, are you saying Big Bro has now told the wealthier Arabs not to take refugees? I have bolded above their role in this, which shows why the question of their reluctance to take in refugees is very relevant and not a questioning of their Ummah-driven obligation. Of course, it looks like the Ummah identity is something we are required to bear in mind when it comes to any Islamic conflict anywhere, but not when it comes to paying the piper.

Marathadi-Saamiyaar wrote:

confuzzled dude wrote:

Kris wrote:
>>>Are you saying Big Brother has told them not to take refugees so Europe can get screwed?

Wasn't the Big Brother leader of the pack, in arming Syrian rebels? As much as I like Obama this is one of the blunders he has committed as the POTUS. Hope he is honest enough to admit his mistake.

We have not forgotten how you were angry ay Assad gasing his citizens and priased Obama whn he armed the rebels against Russian advice.

Now you are doing an Ulta.

Did i say, this entire region can never be democratic and live with plurality. Whn everyone swaers by Koran 5 times a day and Koran calling on them to kill anyone who disagrees, how do you expect anyone but a dictator to rule this region ?

Marathadi-Saamiyaar wrote:

These are all economic refugees who started their journey after Germany announced that it would take any number of Syrians entering through any EU country. The fact the father was able to FREELY take the boy's body back to Kobani for burial shows they are nothing more than cunning, economic gate crashers. If the Yezidis - who have no country of their own - trekked across to seek refugee one can understand.

Messican illegals are more qualified than these Allah soldiers for obvious reasons.

confuzzled dude wrote:

Marathadi-Saamiyaar wrote:

These are all economic refugees who started their journey after Germany announced that it would take any number of Syrians entering through any EU country. The fact the father was able to FREELY take the boy's body back to Kobani for burial shows they are nothing more than cunning, economic gate crashers. If the Yezidis - who have no country of their own - trekked across to seek refugee one can understand.

Messican illegals are more qualified than these Allah soldiers for obvious reasons.

Chill! these guys are selling whatever properties they've to get out of that country/save their families. Don't let your prejudices get better of you or the human being in you.

confuzzled dude wrote:

Kris wrote:

confuzzled dude wrote:

Kris wrote:

confuzzled dude wrote:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2015/09/04/the-arab-worlds-wealthiest-nations-are-doing-next-to-nothing-for-syrias-refugees/

-> Shocking indeed. May be they're waiting for their big-brother's orders.

>>>Are you saying Big Brother has told them not to take refugees so Europe can get screwed?

Wasn't the Big Brother leader of the pack, in arming Syrian rebels? As much as I like Obama this is one of the blunders he has committed as the POTUS. Hope he is honest enough to admit his mistake.

>>>Big Brother's blunders aside, are you saying Big Bro has now told the wealthier Arabs not to take refugees? I have bolded above their role in this, which shows why the question of their reluctance to take in refugees is very relevant and not a questioning of their Ummah-driven obligation. Of course, it looks like the Ummah identity is something we are required to bear in mind when it comes to any Islamic conflict anywhere, but not when it comes to paying the piper.

Big bro is the one that supplied arms and trained the rebels, these countries facilitated training grounds following big bro's orders, why is big bro missing in that para?

Kris wrote:

confuzzled dude wrote:

Kris wrote:

confuzzled dude wrote:

Kris wrote:
>>>Are you saying Big Brother has told them not to take refugees so Europe can get screwed?

Wasn't the Big Brother leader of the pack, in arming Syrian rebels? As much as I like Obama this is one of the blunders he has committed as the POTUS. Hope he is honest enough to admit his mistake.

>>>Big Brother's blunders aside, are you saying Big Bro has now told the wealthier Arabs not to take refugees? I have bolded above their role in this, which shows why the question of their reluctance to take in refugees is very relevant and not a questioning of their Ummah-driven obligation. Of course, it looks like the Ummah identity is something we are required to bear in mind when it comes to any Islamic conflict anywhere, but not when it comes to paying the piper.

Big bro is the one that supplied arms and trained the rebels, these countries facilitated training grounds following big bro's orders, why is big bro missing in that para?

>>>>So the wealthy arabs get a free pass then?

Marathadi-Saamiyaar wrote:

Kris wrote:

confuzzled dude wrote:

Kris wrote:

confuzzled dude wrote:
Wasn't the Big Brother leader of the pack, in arming Syrian rebels? As much as I like Obama this is one of the blunders he has committed as the POTUS. Hope he is honest enough to admit his mistake.

>>>Big Brother's blunders aside, are you saying Big Bro has now told the wealthier Arabs not to take refugees? I have bolded above their role in this, which shows why the question of their reluctance to take in refugees is very relevant and not a questioning of their Ummah-driven obligation. Of course, it looks like the Ummah identity is something we are required to bear in mind when it comes to any Islamic conflict anywhere, but not when it comes to paying the piper.

Big bro is the one that supplied arms and trained the rebels, these countries facilitated training grounds following big bro's orders, why is big bro missing in that para?

>>>>So the wealthy arabs get a free pass then?

CD is amaaaazing....He is hte only guy who can blame ISIL terror acts, ISIL-SYria induced refugee crisis, Arab silence, Paki mistreatment of hindus, and any negative view/action/statement by muslims ON everything and everyone ELSE.

confuzzled dude wrote:

Marathadi-Saamiyaar wrote:

CD is amaaaazing....He is hte only guy who can blame ISIL terror acts, ISIL-SYria induced refugee crisis, Arab silence, Paki mistreatment of hindus, and any negative view/action/statement by muslims ON everything and everyone ELSE.

What are you blabbering about? If I were supporting Saudi Arabia, Qatar et al I wouldn't be posting this piece, would I? Did the US along with Saudi, Qatar played a major role in inciting & fueling internal conflicts in Syria/attempted to destabilize Assad or not?

Marathadi-Saamiyaar wrote:

confuzzled dude wrote:

Marathadi-Saamiyaar wrote:

CD is amaaaazing....He is hte only guy who can blame ISIL terror acts, ISIL-SYria induced refugee crisis, Arab silence, Paki mistreatment of hindus, and any negative view/action/statement by muslims ON everything and everyone ELSE.

What are you blabbering about? If I were supporting Saudi Arabia, Qatar et al I wouldn't be posting this piece, would I? Did the US along with Saudi, Qatar played a major role in inciting & fueling internal conflicts in Syria/attempted to destabilize Assad or not?

But, I have not seen you directly criticizing Saudi or other rich Arabs. Period.

Here is another chance to disprove me and many others here :

****************
This week, the Kuwaiti commentator Fahad Alshelaimi said in a TV interview that his country was too expensive for refugees, but appropriate for laborers.

"You can't welcome people from another environment and another place who have psychological or nervous system problems or trauma and enter them into societies," he said.

Cartoonists have lampooned such ideas. One drew a man in traditional Gulf dress behind a door and barbed wire, directing a refugee to another door with the European Union flag.

"Open the door to them now!" the man yells.

Another cartoon shows a Gulf sheikh shaking his finger at a boat full of refugees while flashing a thumbs-up to a rebel fighter in a burning Syria.
*****************

confuzzled dude wrote:

Marathadi-Saamiyaar wrote:

confuzzled dude wrote:

Marathadi-Saamiyaar wrote:

CD is amaaaazing....He is hte only guy who can blame ISIL terror acts, ISIL-SYria induced refugee crisis, Arab silence, Paki mistreatment of hindus, and any negative view/action/statement by muslims ON everything and everyone ELSE.

What are you blabbering about? If I were supporting Saudi Arabia, Qatar et al I wouldn't be posting this piece, would I? Did the US along with Saudi, Qatar played a major role in inciting & fueling internal conflicts in Syria/attempted to destabilize Assad or not?

But, I have not seen you directly criticizing Saudi or other rich Arabs. Period.

Here is another chance to disprove me and many others here :

****************
This week, the Kuwaiti commentator Fahad Alshelaimi said in a TV interview that his country was too expensive for refugees, but appropriate for laborers.

"You can't welcome people from another environment and another place who have psychological or nervous system problems or trauma and enter them into societies," he said.

Cartoonists have lampooned such ideas. One drew a man in traditional Gulf dress behind a door and barbed wire, directing a refugee to another door with the European Union flag.

"Open the door to them now!" the man yells.

Another cartoon shows a Gulf sheikh shaking his finger at a boat full of refugees while flashing a thumbs-up to a rebel fighter in a burning Syria.
*****************

Oh Shut up and enough of this nonsense I've criticized Saudi Arabia and its proliferation of terrorist movements across the globe, numerous times. And you have not answered my question about US role and have never seen you criticize the country you live in, why? Are you shit scared that you will be deported?

Marathadi-Saamiyaar wrote:

You have criticized NUMEROUS times ?   hahaha  yeah rite...

Everything in this world can be tied to US, Russia, and Europe - bcz after all they were all colonial masters.

Oh...let us go further and blame the more obvious and factual reason - the Mohammad and Koran.  If these Syrians and Arabs were not iSlamis there would be no opposition bcz people will feel safer. Why the fellow Arabs shunning these poorer syrians and the Euopeans hesitance is simple - The Koran thumping ISIL, Wahabis, Deobandis, and LeTs.

So why dont you blame it all on iSlam and the Caroon Cumnaatis? and instead blame it on convenient people who are likely to just put up with constant criticism.

confuzzled dude wrote:

Marathadi-Saamiyaar wrote:

You have criticized NUMEROUS times ?   hahaha  yeah rite...

Everything in this world can be tied to US, Russia, and Europe - bcz after all they were all colonial masters.

Oh...let us go further and blame the more obvious and factual reason - the Mohammad and Koran.  If these Syrians and Arabs were not iSlamis there would be no opposition bcz people will feel safer. Why the fellow Arabs shunning these poorer syrians and the Euopeans hesitance is simple - The Koran thumping ISIL, Wahabis, Deobandis, and LeTs.

So why dont you blame it all on iSlam and the Caroon Cumnaatis? and instead blame it on convenient people who are likely to just put up with constant criticism.

Has modern Syria always been a Muslim majority country? If so, has Syria always been tumultuous? If not, what triggered this unrest?

Marathadi-Saamiyaar wrote:

confuzzled dude wrote:

Marathadi-Saamiyaar wrote:

You have criticized NUMEROUS times ?   hahaha  yeah rite...

Everything in this world can be tied to US, Russia, and Europe - bcz after all they were all colonial masters.

Oh...let us go further and blame the more obvious and factual reason - the Mohammad and Koran.  If these Syrians and Arabs were not iSlamis there would be no opposition bcz people will feel safer. Why the fellow Arabs shunning these poorer syrians and the Euopeans hesitance is simple - The Koran thumping ISIL, Wahabis, Deobandis, and LeTs.

So why dont you blame it all on iSlam and the Caroon Cumnaatis? and instead blame it on convenient people who are likely to just put up with constant criticism.

Has modern Syria always been a Muslim majority country? If so, has Syria always been tumultuous? If not, what triggered this unrest?

I still only see you working very hard to deflect even potential criticism of any islamic country or islam.

Read the middle east history......politics...military alliances...not that it will prevent you from blaming the US (and RSS.)

confuzzled dude wrote:Has modern Syria always been a Muslim majority country?
##Yes. What special information do you have to indicate it is otherwise, Comrade?

If so, has Syria always been tumultuous?
##Yes.

If not, what triggered this unrest?
##See above

confuzzled dude wrote:

Marathadi-Saamiyaar wrote:

confuzzled dude wrote:

Marathadi-Saamiyaar wrote:

You have criticized NUMEROUS times ?   hahaha  yeah rite...

Everything in this world can be tied to US, Russia, and Europe - bcz after all they were all colonial masters.

Oh...let us go further and blame the more obvious and factual reason - the Mohammad and Koran.  If these Syrians and Arabs were not iSlamis there would be no opposition bcz people will feel safer. Why the fellow Arabs shunning these poorer syrians and the Euopeans hesitance is simple - The Koran thumping ISIL, Wahabis, Deobandis, and LeTs.

So why dont you blame it all on iSlam and the Caroon Cumnaatis? and instead blame it on convenient people who are likely to just put up with constant criticism.

Has modern Syria always been a Muslim majority country? If so, has Syria always been tumultuous? If not, what triggered this unrest?

I still only see you working very hard to deflect even potential criticism of any islamic country or islam.

Read the middle east history......politics...military alliances...not that it will prevent you from blaming the US (and RSS.)

Stay on topic please. I know enough of middle east history to comprehend your mumbo jumbo.

Marathadi-Saamiyaar wrote:

confuzzled dude wrote:

Marathadi-Saamiyaar wrote:

confuzzled dude wrote:

Marathadi-Saamiyaar wrote:

You have criticized NUMEROUS times ?   hahaha  yeah rite...

Everything in this world can be tied to US, Russia, and Europe - bcz after all they were all colonial masters.

Oh...let us go further and blame the more obvious and factual reason - the Mohammad and Koran.  If these Syrians and Arabs were not iSlamis there would be no opposition bcz people will feel safer. Why the fellow Arabs shunning these poorer syrians and the Euopeans hesitance is simple - The Koran thumping ISIL, Wahabis, Deobandis, and LeTs.

So why dont you blame it all on iSlam and the Caroon Cumnaatis? and instead blame it on convenient people who are likely to just put up with constant criticism.

Has modern Syria always been a Muslim majority country? If so, has Syria always been tumultuous? If not, what triggered this unrest?

I still only see you working very hard to deflect even potential criticism of any islamic country or islam.

Read the middle east history......politics...military alliances...not that it will prevent you from blaming the US (and RSS.)

Stay on topic please. I know enough of middle east history to comprehend your mumbo jumbo.

That is the problem. You just know enough and that is why what I say comes across as mumbo-jumbo. Then you should go back to 5th grade world history....and slowly move up.

Hellsangel wrote:

confuzzled dude wrote:Has modern Syria always been a Muslim majority country?
##Yes. What special information do you have to indicate it is otherwise, Comrade?

If so, has Syria always been tumultuous?
##Yes.

If not, what triggered this unrest?
##See above

See ## above.