Germany scolds BND spy agency over Saudi criticism | World Defense

Germany scolds BND spy agency over Saudi criticism

BLACKEAGLE

SENIOR MEMBER
Joined
Dec 5, 2014
Messages
3,623
Reactions
1,989 10 0
Country
Jordan
Location
Jordan
Germany scolds BND spy agency over Saudi criticism
  • 3 December 2015
  • From the section Europe
_87026280_030071675-1.jpg

Image copyright AFP
Image caption The spy agency singled out the role of Saudi Defence Minister Mohammed bin Salman
The German government has publicly rebuked its own foreign intelligence agency after the BND suggested that Saudi Arabia's foreign policy was becoming more "impulsive".

The agency was particularly critical of the Saudi defence minister.

Officials in Berlin reacted after the Saudi government reportedly complained about the BND's frank assessment.

"The published assessment does not reflect the position of the German government," a spokesman said.

Saudi Arabia was an important partner "in a crisis-ridden world" and had great significance "especially on the way to peace in Syria", the spokesman insisted.

Anyone seeking a regional solution needed constructive relations with the Saudis, who were supporting rebel groups in the fight against the militant Islamist State (IS) group, he added.

The BND briefing, which emerged in German media, assessed changes in Saudi foreign policy since King Salman took power in January, including its military intervention in neighbouring Yemen and its decision to ramp up support for rebels in Syria. Saudi policies in Lebanon, Bahrain, Iraq were also cited.

Image copyright EPA
Image caption A Saudi-led coalition began a military campaign to restore Yemen's government in March this year
"What was previously a cautious diplomatic stance of the elder leaders in the royal family is being replaced by an impulsive policy of intervention," the briefing said, adding that the Saudis were losing faith in the United States as a guarantor of regional peace.

It also singled out the king's son and defence minister, Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, whom it suspected of holding ambitions of securing the royal succession.

Relations between Germany and the Saudis have become tense in recent years, analysts say, because of Berlin's decision to tighten restrictions on arms contracts and to speak out on human rights.

The German coalition government agreed this week to take part in a supporting role in the fight against IS militants in Syria.

A vote in the Bundestag on Friday is expected to back the mission, which involves Tornado reconnaissance aircraft, a naval frigate and a 1,200-strong force.
Germany scolds BND spy agency over Saudi criticism - BBC News
 

Corzhens

MEMBER
Joined
May 26, 2015
Messages
853
Reactions
111 1 0
Country
Philippines
Location
Philippines
What is it about human rights that Germany is talking about? Is Saudi Arabia committing human rights violation with their executions or are there other cases in point? But it's funny that Germany would rebuke their own statement no matter if it comes from their spy agency. That means there is no coordination in their government. Can this souring relation lead to a war or words between the 2 countries?
 

BLACKEAGLE

SENIOR MEMBER
Joined
Dec 5, 2014
Messages
3,623
Reactions
1,989 10 0
Country
Jordan
Location
Jordan
What is it about human rights that Germany is talking about? Is Saudi Arabia committing human rights violation with their executions or are there other cases in point? But it's funny that Germany would rebuke their own statement no matter if it comes from their spy agency. That means there is no coordination in their government. Can this souring relation lead to a war or words between the 2 countries?
Capital punishment is applied according to Saudi law which is based on Islamic law, and that should be respected by others. It's not like Saudi Arabia executes people for nothing, they're mostly murders or drug traffickers. And I wonder why don't people talk about the capital punishment in the US?

Capital punishment by country - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 

Corzhens

MEMBER
Joined
May 26, 2015
Messages
853
Reactions
111 1 0
Country
Philippines
Location
Philippines
Capital punishment is applied according to Saudi law which is based on Islamic law, and that should be respected by others. It's not like Saudi Arabia executes people for nothing, they're mostly murders or drug traffickers. And I wonder why don't people talk about the capital punishment in the US?

Capital punishment by country - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Death sentence is abolished here in 1986 when Cory Aquino became president. She is very close to the Catholic church which is against any form of killing. Pardon me for saying this but there are pros and cons on the death penalty. When it was abolished, it seemed that criminality was on the rise. With the Saudi law, our impression is that they are very strict such as amputating the hand of a thief (this I need confirmation if true).
 
Top