And that is the wonderful part of it. Saudis are beginning to be held accountable. The Saudi King’s visit was carefully managed. Aware that the best defense is an offense, he charged the British government with ignoring his warnings prior to 7/7. I am sure he was right. Londonistan is barely even Londonistan-even now. Responding to the charges of British bribery of high placed Saudis including the Yamanis, a Saudi officials argued that the fault was with the bribers not those bribed.

At issues is the 43-billion-pound arms deal with Saudi Arabia which the British Fraud Office investigated until Blair called it of on the grounds of “national interest” in December. Of course, British bribers would justifiably retort that such bribes are “expected” when dealing with the conservatively religious Saudis.

The always useful BBC explained the importance of the sale of military aircraft to Saudi Arabia is to British industry (just as the need for cotton justified British support of the Confederacy) and even found the “useful idiot” Judith Kipper to assure its worldwide audience that the Saudis are doing their best and that the Saudi king is “liberal” in comparison to his population. I wonder how she knows?!

But the critics, good chaps that they are, refused to be silenced. Vince Cable, the acting head of the Liberal Democrats, denounced the honor the British monarchy is extending the King and is boycotting the visits. Foreign Secretary David Miliband has pulled out of a scheduled meeting with King Abdullah to spend time with his wife and their newly-adopted second son and Anti-arms protestors line Saudi king’s route to Buckingham Palace:

 

The Saudi head of state King Abdullah found the Mall in London lined by anti-arms and human rights protesters as he travelled in ceremony to Buckingham Palace today. Critics worldwide are appalled that his regime is being feted by the Queen and Prime Minister.The demonstration, which was entirely peaceful, was organised by Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT) and included activist comedian Mark Thomas and human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell.

CAAT says it believes that the influence of BAE Systems has led the UK Government to ignore human rights abuses in Saudi Arabia. Demonstrators called on the Government to reopen a Serious Fraud Office investigation into the Saudi regime’s arms deals with BAE.

CAAT spokesperson Symon Hill said: “Demonstrations are not allowed in Saudi Arabia, so Abdullah may not be used to them. But today he encountered the reality of British public opinion.”

He continued: “People in the UK do not want their government allowing BAE to arm Abdullah’s vicious regime, let alone inviting him to a banquet at Buckingham Palace. [Those] from all walks of life have today insisted that Gordon Brown must put human rights and the public interest ahead of BAE’s profits from Saudi Arabia.”

The protest was clearly visible to King Abdullah and his entourage as they travelled in horsedrawn carriages. CAAT supporters later demonstrated with the same message near Parliament.

Some professional demonstrators have their uses. The days when the Saudis were able to fly under the international opinion radar screen are over. 100 demonstrators are not much, but they are enough to make the headlines and embarrass the king. That is progress.

Have PoliticalMavens.com delivered to your inbox in a daily digest by clicking here