Can you imagine the alternate headline of "US sends peace keeping force to Saudi Arabia to protect African migrants"? That's a sociopolitical minefield if there ever was one. I'm sure that if the US knew, so did most everyone else, and there weren't any other countries lining up to help. SA isn't known for being a clandestine government, more of a "What are you gonna do about it, buy more oil?" kind of operation. The US is damned if we do, damned if we don't. Step in and its Team America World Police, don't do anything and we are standing by letting genocidal governments kill nations.
"Invade" or "ignore" are not the only two options, here.
I'm not sure which other diplomats knew about it - that border is fairly remote - but it's very disappointing that the international community hasn't said anything.
Russia invaded Ukraine and the US didn't send troops. The largest economy, most powerful military, veto power in the UN has lots of tools available to pressure Saudi to get their shit together and be decent.. if they have an interest in doing so.
Ethopian refugees are probably not worth it for the US to call in a diplomatic favor from the Saudis.. or threaten some sanctions even.
Can you imagine the alternate headline of "US sends peace keeping force to Saudi Arabia to protect African migrants"? That's a sociopolitical minefield if there ever was one. I'm sure that if the US knew, so did most everyone else, and there weren't any other countries lining up to help. SA isn't known for being a clandestine government, more of a "What are you gonna do about it, buy more oil?" kind of operation. The US is damned if we do, damned if we don't. Step in and its Team America World Police, don't do anything and we are standing by letting genocidal governments kill nations.
"Invade" or "ignore" are not the only two options, here.
I'm not sure which other diplomats knew about it - that border is fairly remote - but it's very disappointing that the international community hasn't said anything.
Russia invaded Ukraine and the US didn't send troops. The largest economy, most powerful military, veto power in the UN has lots of tools available to pressure Saudi to get their shit together and be decent.. if they have an interest in doing so.
Ethopian refugees are probably not worth it for the US to call in a diplomatic favor from the Saudis.. or threaten some sanctions even.